It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is no sweet treat that beats chocolate. Our eating habits don’t dispute that: according to some studies, we eat our own body weight in chocolate every ten years. And according to Dr. David Lewis, chocolate doubles our heart rate and gives the brain a scientifically measurable boost (in fact, it ranks higher than kissing!).
Chocolate is also good for you (in moderation, at least). It lowers blood pressure, the polyphenols in cocoa drive up cholesterol (the good kind!), eases PMS, and can also enhance your brain function. Not to mention: that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness just makes you feel great.
If you’re reading this, however, we don’t think you need even more reasons to love chocolate. So let’s hop straight to it: here are 11 great chocolate treats and sweets for you to enjoy.
Classic Chocolate Brownies
Sometimes, it pays to keep things simple. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? The traditional chocolate brownie falls under this category. It’s one of the classic chocolate treats that never goes out of style, always delicious, never a disappointment.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
With Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, The Hershey Company hit a jackpot. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is one of the best around, and one of our favorite couplings is the peanut butter blossom. It’s a cookie that offers the beautiful crunch of peanut butter, together with a silky chocolate ganache. It’s the contrasting textures that make this dessert work so well. Try to have just one; it’s impossible.
Chocolate Pizza Dessert
Italians may be up in arms about this one (rumor has it they hate it more than ham and pineapple!), but there’s one thing they can’t deny. Chocolate pizza just tastes incredible. You need chocolate chips and Nutella, together with standard pizza dough, and you’re ready to go.
Salted-Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Crunchy, chewy, and with a salted twist. Using butter instead of the standard margarine gives these cookies an extra oomph. Instead of standard chips, opt for chopped chocolate. It’s easier to get a high-quality bar of chocolate, and the non-standard pieces make things more interesting.
Chocolate Milkshake
This indulgent treat needs to be given proper attention. We’re talking hazelnut spread, chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, double cream, and anything else to make this the masterpiece it deserves to be. Supermarket fake chocolate varieties need not apply.
Espresso, Chilli, and Chocolate Cake
Maybe the best three ingredients on the planet? They come together to give you a kick from every direction, are absolutely delicious, and also make for an impressive dessert for any dinner party. Top tip: use double cream to truly give this cake the finish it deserves.
Gluten-Free Torta Caprese
This is the traditional Italian treat, an almond and chocolate cake with amaretto chocolate sauce and vanilla ricotta. Surprisingly easy to bake, and there are plenty of gluten-free recipes out there that are arguably better than the original.
Flourless Lamington Cake
There’s something about coconut and chocolate. It just works. It’s a partnership you need to experience, and a Lamington cake is the best way to do it. The classic recipe has been untouched for years, but there are now many flourless options for those of you looking to cut back on the stuff.
Chocolate-Hazelnut Napoleons
Not big fans of the conqueror, but absolutely love the chocolate-hazelnut alternative to the French Emperor. The good thing about this recipe is that you can prep everything several days before, giving you an advantage if you’re looking to make something for a dinner party. Anything to avoid the ‘cooking everything on the same day’ stress.
Peanut Butter Brownies (Double Decker, No Flour!)
Okay, a confession: we’re huge fans of peanut butter and chocolate. That’s why two recipes have made this list! The standard recipe has been altered for those looking for flourless options and the result is just as good. What we also like about this one is the topping flexibility. Add choc chips, pretzels, nuts, whatever you fancy!
Chocolate Mousse and Popcorn
Chocolate mousse is always delicious, but it can be a little bit bland if not done right. If you’re not a mousse expert, think about letting sweet caramel popcorn do the heavy lifting. It’s a beautiful combination and has never gone down wrong at dinner parties. You can also make it in advance; pop them in the fridge the night before your event, and they’ll be just as fresh the next day.
Moderation! (Your Doc Will Thank You)
We’re the biggest chocolate fans, no question. But we still have to leave you with this take-home message: don’t go too far, consume in moderation. Chocolate can indeed be good for you, but if you have it daily, your body isn’t going to thank you.
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