When that afternoon sugar craving strikes, it’s time for chocolate. Despite my efforts, I’m about half-and-half on my ability to resist temptation. I don’t think I’ve crossed over to full-blown chocoholic…yet…but there’s still time. :)
Nothing quote satisfies a sweet tooth like chocolate. And the fact that it is National Chocolate Day (October 28) is just another reasons, nee excuse, to celebrate!
Meet some of our favorite chocolate dessert recipes—from indulgently sweet chocolate lava cakes and gooey caramel and chocolate turtles to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pecan bars. All gluten-free, dairy-free if not vegan. There’s something for everyone. Look no further for your next treat.
EASY GLUTEN-FREE TURTLE-INSPIRED CUPS
This recipe is so simple. Its sweet, oozy-gooey deliciousness is everything you want in a caramel and chocolate treat. The hardest part about it is waiting for everything to set before chowing down.
A quick word of warning—there is a reason they sell small bags of Turtles in sets of three. Immediately after finishing one, you NEED another.
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE PECAN BARS
I mean what a combo! Creamy chocolate, crunchy pecans in a caramel-esque sauce on top of a sugar cookie crust. Wedding diet starts tomorrow, am I right?
When it comes to desserts I don’t find myself making a ton of bars; however, I think that should change. They are crazy easy to make, especially this “lazy” version where you don’t have to make the dough from scratch, and an excellent treat to bring to a porch party or backyard get together as the weather has finally figured out it’s Spring!
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE CAKE
Moist and decadent with its rich chocolate brown color, this will be your go-to chocolate cake recipe. Did I mention it is gluten AND dairy free? Well it is and no one will be able to tell a difference.
Of all the chocolate cake recipes I have made, this is the chocolaty-ist. I paired it with a simply cream cheese icing for a recent birthday celebration, but it is also amazing with some raspberries, just saying!!
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE
Mini chocolate cakes, filled with chocolate, then topped with a scoop of ice cream and chocolate syrup. It’s a chocolate-lovers’ dream!
If I had to describe chocolate lava cakes in one word—addictive. I would join Chocoholics Anonymous but that would make me a quitter. And I am not a quitter.
Once the almost fudge-y cake walls are comprised by a spoon, a stream of ooey-gooey, warm chocolate lava slowly flows from inside, melding with the cold ice cream. STOP IT! It’s almost too much to handle.
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES
We’re here today to celebrate the deliciousness that is chocolate crinkle cookies. Fudgy chocolate, crisp edge cookies with a melted coating of powdered sugar. They’re dang good. DANG GOOD!
And since you use a store-bought cake mix box to make them, they are incredibly easy. Perfect for holiday baked good exchange, a great way to keep the kids busy (though the powdered sugar can be messy), and a extra special cookie to leave out for Santa.
GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN CHOCOLATE-COVERED RAISINS + ALMONDS
Covering things in chocolate is the perfect time-saving solution and raisins and almonds are packed full of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. A freakin’ delicious combination!
Sweet raisins, nutty almonds, and rich chocolate. Creamy and crunchy. Semi-healthy and inexpensive. You can eat these on their own, add them to trail mixes, or just snack on one here and there.
GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
Peanut butter balls are a simple, no-bake sweet treat.
Each bite full of smooth, creamy peanut butter mingled with crispy, airy rice cereal. The perfect combo with enough sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth, then dipped in chocolate. Mmm!
GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK
In need of a quick holiday sweet treat everyone will enjoy? BOOM—chocolate peppermint bark! These are easy, easy, easy to make, and yet still somewhat impressive looking.
Plus they’re completely customizable. Swap out the candy canes for your favorite candy, seasonal or not.
GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN CHOCOLATE-COVERED ORANGE SLICES
When I was younger, one of the best parts of Christmas morning was opening my stocking from Santa because I knew there would be a delicious, creamy and tangy chocolate orange waiting for me!
You can store any extras in the fridge for a few days, but these are seriously addicting I would be surprised if you do have any left to store.
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE-DIPPED POTATO CHIPS
We went to a party once where they had chocolate dipped potato chips and remember thinking “that’s odd.” But then I tried them. End of story.
Salty, sweet, crunchy and creamy all converge on one ruffly chip from a bag at the store. Who would have thought?
Their quite simple to make and are perfect for any get together!
All photos by STudioist.
