20 Decadent Chocolate Desserts That Will Blow Your Mind

Chocolate is by far one of my favorite treats, and as if we needed another reason to keep eating it, there’s even evidence that it’s healthy for you.

So if you’re like me and your life just isn’t complete without copious amounts of chocolate, these recipes are for you.

Looking for something light?

Try something like the low-fat chocolate cake, sweet potato fudge, or pumpkin chocolate protein pudding.

Want to go all-in on your cheat meal?

Look no further than the chocolate cheesecake. healthy lava cakes, or chocolate lasagna (yes, it’s outrageously good!).

Enjoy!

Death by Chocolate Cheesecake

Picture courtesy of All Day I Dream about Food

For a dessert that’s decadent, filling, and amazingly low in sugar, try this chocolate cheesecake.

It looks fancy enough to serve for any special occasion. But because of the balance between rich ingredients and zero-calorie sweetener, this is a contains hardly any simple carbs. Each slice contains just 5 grams of sugar.

Serves 12

Ingredients

Crust:

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup Swerve sweetener (or erthyritol)

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

Filling:

6 oz. unsweetened dark chocolate, chopped

1 Tbsp. butter

24 oz. low-fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup Swerve sweetener

1/2 cup confectioner’s Swerve sweetener

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 large eggs, room temp.

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/3 cup heavy cream, room temp.

2 tsp. melted butter, for greasing

Topping:

3/4 cup whipping cream

1/3 cup confectioner’s Swerve sweetener

3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 350

Protein: 12 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Fat: 35 grams

 

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Healthy Chocolate Dessert Pizza

Picture courtesy of Purely Twins

This dessert pizza has double the chocolate with a cookie-like crust and chocolate chips on top. But there’s a whole lot more to it than that.

For the sweet pizza sauce, there’s a delicious cashew cream. To make it, simply blend together cashews, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla. Once you have the base, add your favorite dried fruits and nuts on top.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Chocolate Pizza Crust:

1 large plantain

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

2 large eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

Cashew Cream:

2/3 cup cashews, soaked and rinsed

1 Tbsp. coconut oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract (or more to taste)

1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

Suggested Toppings:

1/4 cup coconut flakes

1/4 cup cacao nibs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 335

Protein: 8 grams

Carbs: 30 grams

Fat: 23 grams

 

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Sweet Potato Fudge

Picture courtesy of The Vegan 8

This fudge is simple to assemble, and yet guests will be impressed when you bring it to a holiday gathering. The base of sweet potatoes is obviously not as rich as heavy cream, but the result is still chocolatey enough to be a satisfying dessert.

Keep in the fridge for a quick, cooling bite in the summer. Or serve this at room temp as a healthy alternative to heavy winter desserts.

Serves 12

Ingredients

2 cups sweet potato puree

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

3/4 cup cacao powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sea salt to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 134

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 13 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

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Chocolate Chia Ice Cream

Picture & recipe courtesy of Top with Cinnamon

This wholesome ice cream uses chia seeds as a thickener, and it’s sweetened with a little maple syrup and Medjool dates instead of refined sugar.

In fact, this healthy frozen dessert doesn’t have any of the typical ice cream ingredients like eggs or heavy cream. But with this thick, creamy texture, you’d never know it’s not gourmet chocolate ice cream.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds

1 2/3 cups milk

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted

4 pitted Medjool dates

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 234

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 40 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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Dark Chocolate Mousse

Picture courtesy of The Healthy Foodie

Avocado is naturally thick and creamy, making it the perfect ingredient to make a Paleo chocolate mousse. But don’t worry – that’s not something you can taste in this chocolate dessert.

It’s also flavored with luscious coconut milk, a touch of instant coffee to make the chocolate even richer, and a dash of ancho chili powder if you dare (or replace with cinnamon if you don’t).

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado

4 Medjool dates, pitted

1 Tbsp. raw honey

1 cup full-fat coconut milk

1/2 cup cacao powder

1 tsp. instant coffee

1/4 tsp. ancho chili powder (or cinnamon)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 329

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 33 grams

Fat: 23 grams

 

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Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds

Picture courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction

If you want to have fun in the kitchen, either making a great gift or healthy dessert to keep, all you have to do is melt some chocolate. That’s all it takes to dress up some everyday almonds to transform them into dessert.

This also makes a great activity to do with kids as long as an adult is the one melting and handling the molten chocolate. Give children some utensils to stir, along with just enough salt to sprinkle on top.

Serves 6 / Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

6 oz. bittersweet chocolate

1 1/2 cups unsalted raw almonds

Sea salt, for garnish

1 Tbsp. turbinado sugar, for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 221

Protein: 5 grams

Carbs: 18 grams

Fat: 15 grams

 

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Healthy Lava Cakes

Picture courtesy of The Healthy Maven

Flourless chocolate cake is known for its silky yet dense, fudgy texture. The melting, oozing chocolate in the middle of these healthy chocolate lava cakes will ensure nobody knows the secret ingredient in this cake.

Instead of a bag of wheat flour, you’ll need to pick up a can of black beans. This chocolate cake also uses applesauce instead of oil or butter, so the fat – less than 10 grams per cake – comes from flaxseed, almonds, and the cacao itself.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp. warm water

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground cayenne

1/2 tsp. sea salt, divided

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup almond meal

1 tsp. baking powder

4 pieces dark chocolate (about 1 oz.)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 256

Protein: 9 grams

Carbs: 46 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Pumpkin Chocolate Protein Pudding

Picture courtesy of Power Hungry

Starting with pumpkin puree helps create a smooth texture in pudding. It also means that this healthy pudding is fast to make – just as quick as the “instant” pudding mixes.

Instead of being cooked on the stove, everything is tossed into a blender to be processed until smooth. Then it chills in the fridge for a couple hours to set.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 scoops WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 77

Protein: 11 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 1 gram

 

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Chocolate Banana Bread Cupcakes

Picture courtesy of Blender Babes

You don’t have to give up dessert to be proud of your diet. For healthy sweets of all kinds, look no further than Chocolate Covered Katie: Over 80 Delicious Recipes That Are Secretly Good for You, the cookbook by acclaimed blogger Katie Higgins.

It’ll show you how to make lightened up versions of desserts like chocolate chip cookie dough pie, and peanut butter pudding pops, and chocolate obsession cake.

Serves 10

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup mashed banana

3 1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil

2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

3/4 cup spelt flour (or all-purpose flour)

1/2 cup xylitol (or granulated sugar)

Pinch of pure stevia extract

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 153

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 19 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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Brownie-Bottom White Chocolate Cheesecake

Picture courtesy of Sugar Spun Run

Can’t decide between baking chocolatey brownies or making strawberry cheesecake? Enjoy them both with this recipe.

It’s no-holds-barred on the sugary and rich ingredients, so you may want to swap some of the sweetener and use stevia or a type of sugar alcohol (like xylitol or erythritol) instead.

But regardless, one taste will let you know it’s worth the effort – and the calories – to enjoy this made-from-scratch dessert.

Serves 16

Ingredients

Brownie:

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Cheesecake:

2 packages (8 oz. each.) cream cheese, softened

2 cups white chocolate chips

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup sour cream

1 large egg

Strawberry Swirl:

10 strawberries, tops removed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. milk

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 452

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 49 grams

Fat: 28 grams

 

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Skinny Chocolate Raspberry Pots de Crème

Picture courtesy of Healthy Seasonal Recipes

On looks alone, you’d never believe this is a lightened up take on the traditional French custard. Instead of heavy cream, the custard is made with low-fat milk along with half and half. You can’t cut out the egg yolks from a custard, but you can add a superfood like raspberries for balance.

To complete the picture of a restaurant-worthy dessert, the chocolate pots de crème are topped with a ganache glaze.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Raspberry Crème:

1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed

1 cup low-fat milk

1/4 cup half and half

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

3 egg yolks

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

Glaze:

1 Tbsp. pure honey

2 Tbsp. half and half

1 oz. dark chocolate chips

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Fresh raspberries for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 326

Protein: 6 grams

Carbs: 60 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Picture courtesy of A Healthy Life for Me

These chocolate chip cookies hit all the right notes to satisfy a crowd of kids and adults. Yet the amazing thing is they don’t have any flour.

These Paleo cookies are simple to make with just a few ingredients. In this recipe, the nut butter functions to replace both the flour and butter. It’s like adding almond flour and almond oil in one.

Serves 25

Ingredients

1 cup raw almond butter, stirred

3/4 cup coconut sugar

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. sea salt

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 112

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Healthy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Picture courtesy of Naturally Loriel

If you rely on instant chocolate pudding mix, now you have an alternative. And that’s a good thing when you check that box for the all those unexpected ingredients: hydrogenated oil, artificial colors and flavors, and chemical emulsifiers.

This homemade chocolate pudding doesn’t take much longer to make – only 5 minutes or so to measure everything – and in the end you’ll have a tastier dessert with no refined sugar.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 1/2 tsp. beef gelatin

1/3 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

3 1/2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 tsp. sea salt

1 2/3 cup whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 231

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 35 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake

Picture courtesy of Everyday Dishes

Making cream-filled éclair doughnuts is a lot of work because you have to start with pate a choux – the French puff pastry dough. Assemble this easy layer cake instead, and you can enjoy the same flavors with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and fudge frosting.

This recipe uses ready-made ingredients for convenience. If you have the time and energy, you could make the pastry cream for the filling and the chocolate frosting from scratch.

Serves 12

Ingredients

2 boxes (3.4 oz. each) French vanilla pudding mix

3 cups milk

1 container (8 oz.) whipped topping

1 box (14.4 oz.) graham crackers

1 container (16 oz.) dark chocolate fudge frosting

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 443

Protein: 14 grams

Carbs: 60 grams

Fat: 19 grams

 

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Chocolate Chip Stuffed Strawberries

Picture courtesy of ABC / Lisa Lillien

This dessert is not only easier to make than chocolate-covered strawberries, but it’s actually more decadent because of the cream cheese filling.

Destem the strawberries, and make a little room in the middle. Stir up the vanilla ricotta filling in a bowl real quick, stuff it in the middle, and sprinkle a few chocolate chips on each one. Then devour.

Serves 2

Ingredients

10 large strawberries, stems removed

4 Tbsp. low-fat ricotta cheese

2 packets stevia

2 drops vanilla extract

3 tsp. mini semisweet chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 107

Protein: 4 grams

Carbs: 16 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Nutella Fudge Oatmeal Brownie Batter

Picture courtesy of Desserts with Benefits

Looking at this edible brownie batter, it’s unbelievable to think it has over 20 grams of protein The only downside of this dessert is that you have to make it a day ahead so it can do its thing in the fridge overnight.

Take a few minutes to blend together black beans, almond milk, and hazelnut butter. Then fold in the dry ingredients, cover to chill, and the next day you’ll have a chocolatey oatmeal that’s nutritious enough to eat for breakfast.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 scoops WHEY+ chocolate protein isolate

1/4 cup granulated erythritol

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/4 cup hazelnut butter

1/2 tsp. stevia extract

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 231

Protein: 22 grams

Carbs: 29 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip

Picture courtesy of Tessa Domestic Diva

This dessert dip is great to serve with fresh fruit and graham crackers, and it can also be used to add a peanut butter swirl to another dessert like chocolate mousse.

It tastes like peanut butter cookie dough, but thankfully it’s easier and faster to make than a whole batch of cookies.

Serves 5

Ingredients

1 cup PB2

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 Tbsp. peanut butter

2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 194

Protein: 10 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

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Cacao Cashew Cups

Picture courtesy of Emily von Euw

This dessert might not look like peanut butter cups, but that’s because they’re upgraded a few levels from the original.

The bottom layer is made with almonds and dates, and the center contains a filling of cashew butter. It’s topped with just enough chocolate to bring these chocolate dessert cups home.

From the cookbook Rawsome Vegan Baking, these are an awesome way to end a day of endurance training. Since you won’t be consuming much fat before and during your workout, you can indulge guilt-free when you finally stop to rest.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup pitted dates

1 Tbsp. cacao powder

4 Tbsp. raw cashew butter

1 1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted

1 1/2 Tbsp. cacao powder

1 1/2 Tbsp. agave nectar

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 427

Protein: 9 grams

Carbs: 50 grams

Fat: 25 grams

 

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Low-Fat Chocolate Cake

Picture courtesy of Chez CateyLou

Chocolate cake is not exactly nutritious in any form, but there are ways to sneak in some wholesome ingredients to make the macros a little friendlier.

Much of this recipe looks standard for a cake – flour, egg, brown sugar – but Greek yogurt stands in for oil or butter. It also helps this stay moist and achieve a cakey crumb. Whether you use 0% or full-fat yogurt, you’ll still be saving at least 10 fewer grams of fat per serving.

Serves 9

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 large egg

2 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 153

Protein: 3 grams

Carbs: 30 grams

Fat: 4 grams

 

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Healthy Chocolate Lasagna

Picture courtesy of Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind

Most chocolate lasagna recipes use crushed Oreo cookies, boxed chocolate pudding mix, and whipped topping. It tastes even better – and is more nutritious for you – to make this paleo dessert.

The result doesn’t look that different, but the flavors are better. You’ll need quite a few more ingredients, but it’s worth it for a chocolate dessert that qualifies as comfort food without preservatives, artificial flavors, or processed sugar.

Serves 18

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup coconut oil, plus more for greasing

1 1/3 cups coconut sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk, room temp.

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup creamy almond butter

1/2 cup coconut flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup shredded zucchini (with peel)

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Paleo Chocolate Pudding:

6 Medjool dates

4 ripe avocados

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

4 Tbsp. of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Few pinches of sea salt

Ground cinnamon to taste

Paleo Whipped Cream Frosting:

1 cup palm shortening

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk, room temp.

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted

1 Tbsp. raw honey

1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder

2 tsp. vanilla

Pinch sea salt

Pinch of cinnamon

1 cup chocolate chips

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 629

Protein: 7 grams

Carbs: 55 grams

Fat: 46 grams

 

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What did you think of these chocolate desserts? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!