37 Chocolate Recipes We Rotate Through Every Holiday

There’s a reason the same 37 chocolate recipes show up every holiday, no one’s brave enough to skip them. They appear like clockwork, demanded by relatives who “don’t eat sweets” but somehow finish half the tray. Each one has a story, a favorite aunt, or a “secret version” no one can top.

A slice of layered dessert with a creamy white layer, chocolate filling, and crushed cookie topping.
Chocolate Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it.
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert platters always end up with Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars as the first thing gone. Soft centers packed with chocolate keep folks coming back. Quick to bake, perfect for parties. Stacks well in boxes for gifting. Everybody grabs a piece on the run.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Two glass cups filled with layers of sliced strawberries, chocolate, granola, and chopped pistachios, with a blurred bowl of nuts in the background.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy tables highlight Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup for flavor and looks. Layers of smooth chocolate and juicy fruit play off each other. Feels like a treat from a bakery. Good for sharing at dinners or quiet evenings. Always gets requests for refills.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background.
Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet plates jump up a notch with Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Fluffy centers make snack time extra special. Pairs well with hot drinks. Keeps texture even after baking. Friends always joke there’s never enough made.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Chocolate Hummus

A bowl of chocolate hummus topped with chickpeas and coarse salt, surrounded by sliced peaches, apples, biscuits, and rolled wafers.
Chocolate Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Healthy dessert spreads always have Chocolate Hummus for dipping fruit or pretzels. Creamy texture surprises everyone at first. Good choice for potlucks or snack boards. Pairs well from morning to night. Always the talk of the table after one round.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hummus

Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet tooth cravings calm down with Oreo Cheesecake at the center. Crunch from the crust blends with smooth creamy layers fast. Slices cut neat for parties or quiet nights in. Good for leftovers the next day. People call for the recipe without fail.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday spreads always seem better once Mississippi Mud Pie comes out. Rich layers layer deep for each forkful. Good with whipped cream or alone. Stays fresh for days. The pan’s empty soon after serving begins.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Chocolate-covered apple slices on sticks are decorated with various toppings, including caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and crushed cookies, with more sprinkles in the background.
Chocolate Covered Apple Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fruit snacks shine brighter thanks to Chocolate Covered Apple Slices at every gathering. Crisp bites covered with chocolate fit any crowd. Quick to serve, easy to share. Keeps well for a snack any time. Friends always stash extras in their pockets.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Apple Slices

Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Evening desserts finish strong with Chocolate Pie. Creamy filling blends in every slice from edge to center. Pairs easily with coffee or a scoop of ice cream. Slices up for sharing with guests. People always ask for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles on a plate with a chocolatey spoon resting on the plate.
Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy desserts get a little easier with Chocolate Truffles lined up in rows. Smooth bites melt fast for a sweet finish after dinner. Packs well as gifts or for celebrations. Good for snacking during movie night. Always more popular than they look.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Truffles

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth chocolate meets peanut butter for Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie at any family event. Thick layers that can be sliced for sharing. Pairs up with cold drinks really well. Stays fresh for leftovers. Neighbors always want seconds for road trips.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate Cheesecake

A slice of chocolate cheesecake with a cookie crust and whipped cream topping is being lifted from the whole cake.
Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party plates never stay full when Chocolate Cheesecake hits the counter. Smooth texture with a deep chocolate layer. Easy to slice for simple serving. Great packed for single slices in lunch. Always the first dessert picked by guests.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake

Homemade Buckeyes

Close-up of homemade buckeyes, featuring chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. One is bitten to reveal the creamy peanut butter filling inside.
Homemade Buckeyes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack bowls pop up fast with Homemade Buckeyes during special events. Rich chocolate outside with a soft center blends nicely. Tiny size makes for perfect bites. Quick to pack for a snack at work. Always stays fresh for days after making.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cakes feel extra special every time Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake is on the table. Slice after slice features thick layers and sweet drizzle. Good for birthdays or group meals. Stacked slices work for leftovers. Plates are wiped clean instantly.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts – Easy & Quick!

Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts – Easy & Quick!. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan options never feel left out with Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts – Easy & Quick! on dessert trays. Soft texture claims the middle spot for coffee breaks. Holds shape while packing for road trips. Thick coating brings the sweet right upfront. People always say they want more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts – Easy & Quick!

Epic Bean Chili

Two bowls of chili with onions and sour cream.
Epic Bean Chili. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Game night snacks need Epic Bean Chili for a bold finish. Deep rich layers blend well for a meal in a bowl. Perfect for topping chips or rice. Hearty texture works for any guest list. Leftovers never stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Epic Bean Chili

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Close-up image of several chocolate brownies featuring a slightly crumbly texture and a sprinkling of coarse salt on top.
Chewy Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brownie means business when Chewy Chocolate Brownies make an appearance. Dense bites stay chewy in the center. Good combo for milk or just as a quick snack. Makes crowds happy every single time. Everyone sneaks seconds from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

A stack of chocolate truffles with white icing, one cut open to reveal a peanut butter filling.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick treats keep snack tables stocked with No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. Soft center and smooth outside bring sweet and salty together. Easy to chill and store for later. Good for quick grab and go snacks. Friends always request them for every party.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Stack of chocolate bark with swirled dark and white chocolate, topped with fresh sliced strawberries, on a red patterned cloth background.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert boards sparkle with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark in the mix. Crunch and chew land in every bite. Good for wrapping up and gifting treats. Stays firm for days. Usually the first thing gone from the trays.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Close-up of three chocolate muffins in brown paper wrappers, topped with chocolate chips, with part of a bowl of chocolate chips visible in the background.
Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Breakfasts get a sweet start with Chocolate Chip Muffins pulled fresh. Dense with chocolate but soft to bite. Pairs well with a cup of coffee. Packs nicely for on-the-go mornings. No crumbs left after sharing at work.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Tiramisu Ice Cream

A close-up of a glass dish with tiramisu being scooped out, showing layers of cream, cake, and cocoa powder.
Tiramisu Ice Cream. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy nights in get a kick from Tiramisu Ice Cream for dessert. Creamy layers meet just the right hit of coffee. Scoops hold up for thick cones or bowls. Good after big meals. Neighbors usually call dibs on leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Ice Cream

Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Close-up view of a sliced banana bread loaf with visible chunks of banana and nuts on a white plate.
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Afternoon cravings disappear with Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips cooling on racks. Soft slices last for days after baking. Loafs easy to slice for breakfasts or snacks. Keeps texture when packed for lunch. Friends want to try it after smelling it.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper.
Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bake sales jump with Decadent Biscoff Brownies on the table. Chewy texture hides deep chocolate layers inside. Slices stack well for quick bagging. Pairs up with ice cream for a treat. Always the most talked about pick.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Sliced chocolate loaf cake with chocolate chips on parchment paper, next to a jar and fresh strawberries.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Loaf pans never last long when Chocolate Zucchini Bread hits the spread. Moist slices make the perfect snack between meals. Easy to cut for breakfast or dessert. Packs great for busy days. People ask for the recipe every single time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of dark chocolate ice cream topped with chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls fill up quick when Chocolate Ice Cream is offered up after dinner. Smooth and creamy for scooping. Chills down perfect after a hot meal. Stays soft for cone serving or spooning from the tub. Nobody skips dessert when this is around.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ice Cream

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar.
Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sandwich cookies look best with Easy Whoopie Pie stacked up. Soft cakes with creamy filling always grab attention. Great for sharing at get-togethers. Packs neatly for leftovers. Always the first treat to vanish from the snack tray.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Best Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe.
Best Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert fans agree that Best Chocolate Cake finishes off any holiday meal strong. Thick layers can be frosted or topped with extras. Slices never last long once cut. Easy to make for a crowd or just a few. Leftovers freeze well if you can save them.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cream Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a black plate.
Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pie plates pass quickly when Chocolate Cream Pie is served up. Fluffy filling blends out to the crust perfectly. Quick dessert for last-minute guests. Scoops up neatly for single servings. Always gets requests from neighbors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cream Pie

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Party guests go wild for Neapolitan Ice Cream with three flavors at once. Layers cut clean for bowls or cones. Good for toppings or plain scooping. Packs up for sharing. Every group grabs extra scoops before it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Big celebrations get sweeter with German Chocolate Cake as a centerpiece. Rich layers blend with creamy topping for best bites. Holds up well for leftovers. Cuts neatly for serving at gatherings. People always argue over who gets the last slice.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A glass dessert cup filled with mint chocolate chip ice cream, topped with chocolate pieces and served with rolled wafer cookies.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Melted cones never last because Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream stays cool and crunchy. Scoops up smooth for parfaits or bowls. Refreshing hit for any dessert time. Packs easily for lunch or snacks. Gone before the freezer refills.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Enjoy our chocolate cherry cookies, each topped with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting and a vibrant red cherry.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cookie jars fill up fast with Chocolate Cherry Cookies on rotation. Chewy centers with sweet bits in every bite. Holds up well in packed lunches. Keeps soft even after a few days out. People always take extras home after tasting them.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Red Velvet Brownies

Stack of four chocolate brownies with visible white chocolate chunks.
Red Velvet Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert spreads go red for Red Velvet Brownies at every party. Thick and delicious texture with a bright finish brings compliments. Easy to cut for large groups. Stays moist for days. Always, the last plate is cleared.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios.
Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Gift boxes look extra special with Dubai Chocolate packed inside. Creamy finish leaves behind a rich flavor. Slices up easily for sharing. Good for fancy dessert displays. Everyone says it’s luxury in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate and pretzel rolls with powdered sugar.
Chocolate Croissant. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch plates feel complete thanks to Chocolate Croissant on the pastry tray. Flaky layers pack a punch of flavor. Pairs up with coffee for a sweet morning. Stays light and crisp for hours. Always a favorite for breakfast spreads.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Croissant

Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Sliced loaf of chocolate chip banana avocado bread on a white surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with chocolate chips on top and visible throughout the slices.
Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack breaks feel healthy with Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe fresh from the oven. Smooth texture rich with every bite. Cuts clean for breakfast or a quick snack. Packs great for commutes. Friends want a slice before even smelling it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Banana Avocado Bread Recipe

Zucchini Brownies

Several brownies are arranged on parchment paper with crumbs scattered around and a piece of zucchini placed next to them.
Zucchini Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hidden veggie fans take notice of Zucchini Brownies during holidays. Soft chocolatey pieces get eaten fast without anyone guessing. Lasts for days after baking. Packs well for parties or potlucks. Everyone asks what makes them so good.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Brownies

Chocolate Lasagna

A slice of layered dessert with a creamy white layer, chocolate filling, and crushed cookie topping.
Chocolate Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layered desserts win big when Chocolate Lasagna goes on the buffet. Thick layers stack up for big bites. Holds up for hours at room temperature. Slices are clean for serving crowds. Gets requested for every celebration after people try it.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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