The Best Recipes to Make With Semisweet Chocolate

I named these dessert bars for Broadway because they’re a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

I’ve always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It’s always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

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. This decadent recipe is the result, and we are really enjoying them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Years ago, I added some zucchini to a peanut butter bar I had created, and this time I wanted to try it with a cake. The zucchini makes it super moist, but doesn’t get int the way of the chocolate and peanut butter goodness. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin

When it comes to mini versions of anything, I’m sold! These muffins are ooey-gooey individual-sized monkey breads made with frozen dinner roll dough, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. They couldn’t be easier to make, and kids just love them. —Tina Butler, Royce City, Texas

My Nana used to make these cupcakes at Christmas every year. Even though she is no longer with us, the cakes have special meaning and it brings me joy to bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it high on top of each cupcake. —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri

I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but my favorite—peanut butter pie—is tough to eat on the go. I dreamed up these cookies to get my favorite flavor combo in a bite-size package. They can be made ahead and taken to any holiday gathering. —Ashley Moyna, Elkader, Iowa

These deeply fudgy cookies are a great way to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them even more over-the-top. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada

Who doesn’t love a steamy mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day? Now you can give friends, neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserves a treat the pleasure of this indulgent drink with these giftable hot chocolate pods. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My twist on rice crispy bars includes crunchy crushed pretzels. Then I top them with a creamy peanut butter coating and rich chocolate topping. Garnished with peanuts and even more pretzels, I don’t think I’d ever go back to plain old bars again. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They’re three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta

You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

This torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars. —Dian Hicks Carlson, Omaha, Nebraska

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

My chocolaty triangles layered with raspberry jam are a must during the holiday season. The cakelike bars look festive, and one batch goes a long way.—Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

As good as this homemade pound cake is alone, it hits new heights draped with the accompanying chocolate-orange sauce warm from the stovetop. Every bite is heavenly!

Who can resist a sky-high stack of golden, fluffy pancakes? Pumpkin and chocolate chips take them over the top! —Libby Walp, Chicago, IL

My crowd-pleasing party mix is buttery, chocolaty and nutty. The recipe yields a party-size portion, but I recommend keeping it covered so it doesn’t disappear before the event. —Annette Niemiec, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mom’s easy Dutch oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad when I make it because I give her a loaf and she can’t help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois

These cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They’re always surprised that these little desserts are so light. —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas

Hints of orange and coffee lend standout flavor to this elegant Chocolate Cannoli Cake. A variation of this cake was a finalist in the ‘Best Cake in Michigan’ contest. You’ll be shocked that something so good has just 8 g of fat per serving! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

A fast-to-fix peanut butter and chocolate frosting tops these moist brownies that are a sweet way to use up your green garden squash. We really like the cake-like texture of these zucchini brownies. —Allyson Wilkins, Amherst, New Hampshire

A friend shared this rich velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California

I bake something almost everyday—either in the morning before everyone’s awake or in the evening. I whip up these tender muffins in no time and serve them with jam for breakfast or ice cream and chocolate syrup for dessert. —Stephanie Kienzle, North Miami Beach, Florida

I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania

Making these pops is a fun activity for a children’s party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida

Folks who love the flavor of the classic cookie will enjoy that same great flavor in these chocolate chip bars. These blondies can be mixed up in a jiffy, taste wonderful, and are perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois

If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It’s so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine

When you’re in a hurry to make dessert, here’s a “mix of mixes” that’s so convenient and quick. The result is a big pan of very rich, fudgy brownies. Friends who ask me for the recipe are amazed that it’s so easy. —Denise Nebel, Wayland, Iowa

According to my husband, this is the best German chocolate cake recipe in the whole world. Every bite has a light crunch from the pecans, a sweet taste of coconut and a drizzle of chocolate. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

This recipe’s been in our family for years, but these cupcakes still go quick each time I make them. So I always double or triple the ingredients! You’ll likely see what I mean if you make them at your place—I can’t remember anyone who’s tried them for the first time not asking for seconds. —Julie Briceland, Windsor, Pennsylvania

For Christmas one year, a friend gave us a pan of these delicious brownies. Before I figured out their secret was cinnamon, half the pan was already gone! —Gail Mehle, Rock Springs, Wyoming

I bake a lot of different muffins, but this is the recipe I use the most. Their small size makes them difficult to resist! —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you’ll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

My family just loves these chewy chocolate and peanutty bars. They’re perfect for dessert and snacks. I make them whenever I get a craving for something sweet and special. —Diane Bradley, Sparta, Michigan

This picnic-perfect cake travels and slices very well. With chocolate chips, walnuts and raisins, it’s a real crowd pleaser. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington