From silky puddings and brownies to fudgy cakes, these cocoa powder recipes explore the many ways to enjoy chocolate at home.
Few ingredients capture the comfort of home baking like cocoa powder. Its rich aroma, whether whisked into cake batter or stirred into a creamy drink, adds depth and richness to many cocoa powder recipes. From fudgy chocolate cakes and classic brownies to hot cocoa and chocolate smoothies, cocoa powder brings bold, bittersweet flavor in a pantry-friendly form. It transforms simple ingredients into desserts with a balanced, chocolatey finish, whether dusted over truffles or blended into silky frostings.
This ingredient lends itself to everything from simple bakes to more elaborate treats. It creates crisp edges on skillet brownies and airy layers of Napoleons. In hot fudge cake, it bubbles into a molten layer that melts through each bite. Cocoa deepens the character of fluffy cakes and turns dense and chewy in brownies with crackly tops. The same dark, slightly bitter note becomes smooth and velvety in chilled treats like semifreddo. From easy weeknight bakes to festive chocolate desserts, cocoa offers unmistakable flavor in every bite.
A little goes a long way when baking with cocoa powder. Dark-toned cocoa offers a mellow flavor, while lighter varieties sharpen chocolate’s natural intensity. These days, cocoa appears in more than traditional baked goods, including vegan chocolate cupcakes and low-sugar chocolate squares. One scoop of cocoa and it’s all the chocolate magic you need.
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Chocolate Buttermilk Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I take these squares to a potluck, my pan comes back clean. At home, they vanish as fast as I make them. —Clarice Baker, Stromsburg, Nebraska
2/35
Ding Dong Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and rich cake is made with ermine frosting and topped with a chocolate ganache. Ermine frosting, also known as boiled milk frosting, is an old-fashioned recipe that is egg-free, light and creamy. —Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin
3/35
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
4/35
Chocolate Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
5/35
Chocolate Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Our chocolate Bundt cake recipe calls for melted chocolate, baking cocoa and espresso powder in the batter to ensure each slice is rich and decadent. Make this cake for guests who are chocolate lovers—it will be a hit! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6/35
Oreo Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't want to frost these brownies, since the marbled top is too pretty to cover up. Besides, the indulgent cream cheese layer makes them taste as if they're already frosted. The crushed cookies add extra chocolate flavor and a fun crunch. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
7/35
Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
This perfect macaroon has dark chocolate, chewy coconut and macadamia nuts and is dipped in chocolate—sinful and delicious! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
8/35
Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo
From the Recipe Creator:
When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
9/35
Delicious Potato Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan
10/35
Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
11/35
Chocolate Lover's Mousse Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
With layer after luscious layer of creamy filling and cake, Chocolate Lover’s Mousse Torte proves irresistible every time. —Brenda Fisher, Stella, Missouri
12/35
Homemade Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. I make all my cakes from scratch, and this is one of the best! —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
13/35
Fudge Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a snack for serious chocolate lovers. These enticing cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, somewhat bittersweet and very chocolaty. I usually make them to share at get-togethers. Otherwise, I'd eat them all myself! I'm always asked for the recipe. —Delaine Fortenberry, McComb, Mississippi
14/35
Mocha Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Without a doubt, this is the best cake I've ever made. It's a decadent dessert that I share with everyone I can! —Katherine DeLoach, Visalia, California
15/35
Hot Chocolate Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York
16/35
Chocolate Almond Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Fluffy white homemade frosting tops this rich chocolate almond cake. Sliced toasted almonds on top add a little crunch. —Sherri Gentry, Dallas, Oregon
17/35
Truffle-Filled Cookie Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I made chocolate truffles as a Christmas tradition for many years. I created this recipe to incorporate my truffles into the center of fudgy cookies. It was a hit with friends and family.—Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
18/35
Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time
I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
19/35
Napoleon Cremes
From the Recipe Creator:
For the annual Christmas open house we host, I set out a buffet with lots of food and candies like these lovely layered treats. They're so creamy, and with a green pistachio layer of pudding peeking out, they're very merry. —Gloria Jesswein, Niles, Michigan
20/35
Brownie Bourbon Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and chopped pecans flavor these simple, spirited treats. Make a double batch so you can give some as gifts and savor the rest!—Paula Kirchenbauer, Newton, New Jersey
21/35
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
22/35
Chocolate Amaretti
From the Recipe Creator:
These classic almond paste cookies are like ones you'd find in an Italian bakery. My husband and children are always excited when I include these goodies in my holiday baking lineup. —Kathy Long, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
23/35
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake mixes up quickly and bakes while we enjoy our dinner. My son, David, loves to help decorate it. —Coleen Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
24/35
Skillet Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
25/35
Turtle Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade brownies are a sweet addition to the appetizer table on game day. Your guests might forget the score, but I guarantee they'll remember these treats! —Sherry Miller, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
26/35
Mini-Chip Cocoa Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Whip up a batch of cocoa pancakes dotted with mini chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings first thing in the morning. Yum! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
27/35
Hot Fudge Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a wonderful way to top off a great meal—a rich chocolaty cake that's not overly sweet. Mom served it with a scoop of ice cream or cream poured over. I'd always have room for a serving of Hot Fudge Cake.
—Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
28/35
Chocolate Maple Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan
29/35
Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this different kind of angel food cake to church bake sales, it goes before I can get it on the table!—Mary Ann Iverson, Woodville, Wisconsin
30/35
Egg-Free Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to use up brown bananas, I swapped my usual banana bread for these chocolate banana muffins when my youngest developed an egg allergy. You’d never know they’re egg-free! —Danielle Siero, Wixom, Michigan
31/35
Frosted Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
32/35
Double Delights
From the Recipe Creator:
You get the best of both worlds with these chocolate and vanilla cookies. They're an appealing addition to any cookie tray. I usually serve them at the holidays, when they're often the first cookies to disappear, but you can have them any time of year. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
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Warm Chocolate Melting Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
35/35
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Cocoa Powder Recipes FAQ
What are the best desserts to make with cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder shines in desserts where rich chocolate flavor takes center stage. It adds depth to brownies, chocolate pudding and layered cakes, while also working well in no-bake treats, chocolate frostings and layered desserts. For something lighter, try dusting cocoa over truffles or fold it into a whipped topping. Cocoa powder enhances recipes like chocolate mousse cheesecake and cocoa-swirled pavlova, bringing intensity without making desserts overly sweet.
Can I use cocoa powder in savory recipes?
Cocoa powder adds a rich, earthy note to savory chocolate recipes like chili, mole and slow-cooked stews. A spoonful can deepen the flavor of braised meats, balance the acidity in tomato sauces or add a bittersweet edge to dry rubs, stews and barbecue sauces. It also works in spice blends for roasted vegetables or as a secret ingredient in homemade enchilada sauce. Stick with unsweetened cocoa and pair it with warm spices like cumin or cinnamon for the best results.
What types of cocoa powder are best for baking?
Natural and Dutch-processed cocoa equally work well in baking. Natural cocoa is lighter in color and more acidic, working best with baking soda in chewy chocolate cookies. Dutch-processed cocoa is darker, smoother and is paired with baking powder to achieve lift, making it ideal for decadent cakes and fudgy brownies. The difference lies in how each is processed, with Dutch-processed cocoa being neutralized to reduce acidity. The best cocoa powders for baking typically have a strong aroma, delicate texture and no added sweeteners.
