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100+ Lightened Chocolate Desserts

October 25, 2016
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Chocolate doesn't have to be deadly to your diet. Try one of these lightened—but still decadent!—chocolate desserts.
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Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

These chocolate desserts are ideal for a celebration and can mostly be made up to two days ahead. Between their decidedly rich flavor and sumptuous textures that combine a crusty top with a molten interior, these cakes earned our Test Kitchens' highest rating.

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Almond Butter Chocolate Truffles

Photo: Katherine Flynn
View Recipe: Almond Butter Chocolate Truffles

Store-bought chocolates fall short compared to these homemade peanut butter and chocolate truffles. Made with almond butter and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, you can add any toppings you like, such as coconut, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or dried fruit. For only 6 grams of sugar per serving, the options are plentiful.

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Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake
This dessert gets well-rounded chocolate richness from three sources: chocolate graham crackers in the crust, plus intense cocoa powder, and luscious milk chocolate in the filling.

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Rich Chocolate Mousse

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Rich Chocolate Mousse

A splash of coconut milk adds richness to silken tofu, the mousse's secret ingredient, while whipped egg whites give volume in place of heavy cream. Dates lend natural sweetness with notes of caramel and honey. Don't give in to temptation too soon—the mousse needs to chill at least 8 hours to set properly. Serve chilled with fresh berries.

Our light, decadent mousse saves 89 calories, 8.6 sat fat, and 13g added sugars over traditional.

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Fudge Brownie Pops

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Fudge Brownie Pops

These brownies are incredibly rich and moist, and impossibly easy to make: Just roll 'em, dip 'em, and stick 'em! For easier handling, push the finished pops, standing upright, into Styrofoam, and place in the refrigerator to chill.

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Chocolate Stout Brownies

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chocolate Stout Brownies

The typical brownie has nearly 20 grams of sugar, masking the rich flavor of cocoa in an overwhelming wave of sweetness. Here, we cut sugar in half for a richer, denser brownie that truly satisfies.

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Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée

A splash of nutty amaretto adds an extra layer of elegance to the milk chocolate in this decadently creamy dessert. If you don't own a kitchen blowtorch, simply sprinkle the chilled ramekins evenly with sugar and place on a baking sheet; broil close to heat source for 1 to 3 minutes or until sugar is melted and caramelized.

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Individual Chocolate Soufflés

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Individual Chocolate Soufflés

Impress your sweetheart with a restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your home. You'll never believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of our sexy, foolproof chocolate soufflés. Prepare for a taste of heaven.

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Double-Chocolate Cookies

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Double-Chocolate Cookies

The secret to these rich chocolate cookies is not to overbake them. For a gooey, creamy cookie center, pull them out of the oven when they are still a bit glossy.

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Chocolate Java Lava Cakes

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate Java Lava Cakes

These sumptuous chocolate-coffee concoctions, with their rich molten interior, are a chocolate lover's dream.

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Five-Ingredient Chocolate Cakes

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Five-Ingredient Chocolate Cakes

A piece of chocolate cake doesn't have to ruin your healthy-eating habits. Our lighter versions of these sweet treats are indulgent, rich, and oh-so-tasty.

Believe it: This gorgeous dessert uses only five ingredients—sugar, butter, eggs, cake flour, and cocoa (we don't count water, salt, and cooking spray). The chocolate sauce that tops the individual cakes is luscious, thick, and glossy, with full-on chocolate flavor. Beaten egg whites go into the cake batter for a light, airy texture.

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Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes are easy to make, and because simple ingredients are used, it's best to purchase premium cocoa powder and dark chocolate. Since they're studded with dark chocolate chunks, just dusting them with powdered sugar is enough to decorate these treats.

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Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart

Coarsely chopped almonds, two kinds of chocolate, and golden cane syrup help give Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart its rich flavor and our highest rating. "Easy and beautiful, this tart will satisfy every chocoholic's need for a chocolate fix," comments Test Kitchen Professional Deb Wise.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store these Test Kitchen favorite cookies up to one week in an airtight container--if they last that long. We suggest keeping a dozen in the freezer for emergencies.

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Chocolate Decadence

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Decadence

No mixer? No problem. You won't need one for this surprisingly easy, aptly named dessert. Antioxidant-rich chocolate makes three appearances here―as cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate, and semisweet morsels. If you don't have ramekins, use muffin pans. The best part about this dessert: utter indulgence for a perfectly reasonable 315 calories. (Before we lightened it, this recipe contained 546.)

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Cocoa Fudge Cookies

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Cocoa Fudge Cookies

These "disappearing cookies" are so rich, soft, and chewy that they tend to vanish quickly. “They’re the perfect cross between cookie and brownie,” one reader says. “Moist and dense on the inside, like a brownie, but crusty on the outside, like a cookie, you'd never know they're light.” At only 78 calories each, feel free to make a few batches. Then watch them disappear!

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Chocolate Bundt Cake

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Bundt Cake

Unsweetened natural cocoa and espresso granules give our Chocolate Bundt Cake a rich, dark flavor. Drizzle with Rich Chocolate Sauce just before serving.

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Chocolate-Hazelnut Thumbprints

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Thumbprints

With a double shot of chocolate and hazelnut flavors, kids and adults will rave over these filled cookies. The espresso powder is optional, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor.

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Creamiest Chocolate Pudding

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Creamiest Chocolate Pudding

This recipe earned our Test Kitchens' highest rating. A combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate offers acidity and flowery notes. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator up to five days. For a pretty presentation, dip mint sprigs in water and gently dredge in sugar; let dry on a wire rack.

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Dark Chocolate and Cherry Brownies

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies

This rich dessert uses less fat than traditional brownies by substituting water and cherry preserves in place of some of the oil. The combination of unsweetened cocoa and semisweet chips makes for a rich, dark flavor.

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Double-Caramel Turtle Cake

View Recipe: Double-Caramel Turtle Cake

This decadent cake, which plays off the popular Turtle candies, boasts chocolate layers and a nutty caramel glaze.

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Chocolate Almond Cherry Crisps

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Almond Cherry Crisps

These no-bake cookies taste like bite-sized candy bars and are terrific with a cup of coffee. Prepare them up to two days in advance, and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

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Chocolate Fudge Pie

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Pie

This gooey, chocolaty treat is made from ingredients you may have in the pantry or refrigerator right now so you can get baking immediately.

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Chocolate Shortbread

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Shortbread

If you need a reason to feel better about indulging your chocolate craving, remember this: Short-term studies have suggested that consumption of cocoa may provide cardiovascular benefits due to compounds known as flavanols. Generally, the higher the concentration of cocoa, the more flavanols are in the product, so splurge on the best. Rich Chocolate Shortbread is easy to prepare and keeps for several days in an airtight container.

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Mudslide Cookies

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Mudslide Cookies

We shaved over half the calories from these Mudslide Cookies for one of our delicious recipe makeovers. Tip: when the cookies are done, they'll be cracked on top and still moist in the center.

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Chocolate-Walnut Meringue Pie

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut Meringue Pie

This is a pie that's dressed up for the prom. Inside, it's an old-fashioned, dense, sweet chocolate pie, but it's encased in a refined walnut crust and topped with elegant toasted meringue.

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Individual Chocolate Soufflé Cakes

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Individual Chocolate Soufflé Cakes

Our simple directions make a properly risen soufflé a cinch. For easy variations in flavor, substitute almond, lemon, or orange extract for the vanilla.

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Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti

Whole-wheat flour, flaxseed, and almonds add fiber and antioxidants to this biscotti recipe, a 2008 finalist in our Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest.

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Fudgy Mocha-Toffee Brownies

Randy Mayor and Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Fudgy Mocha-Toffee Brownies

Ooey-gooey and rich with chocolate and coffee flavors, these brownies have a dense and fudgy texture that's just right. A topping of toffee chips that melts into the brownies during baking sets them apart in a delicious way.

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Chocolate-Berry Cream Pie

Jan Smith
View Recipe: Chocolate-Berry Cream Pie

You can prepare this creamy pie a day in advance, just wait and spread the triple berry topping before serving.

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Triple-Chocolate Cake

Photo: Levi Brown
View Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Cake

For those who say it's not dessert if it's not chocolate: Creamy milk chocolate mousse is sandwiched between intensely chocolaty cake layers.

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Bourbon-Caramel Truffles

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Bourbon-Caramel Truffles

Truffles typically have lots of cream and butter. Our bite-sized treats forgo those riches while maintaining the soft, creamy texture.

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Chocolate Walnut Tart

Photo: Jonny Valiant
View Recipe: Chocolate Walnut Tart

A riff on the classic pecan pie, this dessert is rich, chocolaty, and a little fancier with its freestanding fluted sides. Of course, you can use a 9-inch pie plate if you don't have a tart pan with a removable bottom.

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Black Forest Cherry Cake

Photo: John Kernick
View Recipe: Black Forest Cherry Cake

The original cake has many layers; our streamlined version is easy to assemble and doesn't sacrifice any flavor or presentation panache. The heavy cherry filling may cause the cake to sink slightly in the center once assembled, but it won't detract from the stunning presentation.

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Salted Chocolate Ganache Cake

Photo: Ellen Silverman
View Recipe: Salted Chocolate Ganache Cake

Choose a premium chocolate bar for this simple one-layer cake. Make up to one day ahead, and store in an airtight container.

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Chocolate Chunk Bread Puddings

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Bread Puddings

Try not to chop the chocolate too finely so you'll have good-sized chunks to bite into. This pudding uses Hawaiian bread, which is a soft, sweet bread found in the bakery section of most grocery stores.

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Chocolate Pots de Crème

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate Pots de Crème

Pots de crème are decadent, creamy custards served in tiny cups—and they’re a perfect ending to a cozy dinner. Make this dessert the night before, and chill until you’re ready to serve.

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Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Instant coffee intensifies the chocolate richness of these cupcakes. For thicker frosting, cover and chill for 10 minutes before spreading on the cupcakes. Refrigerate frosted cupcakes overnight; cover lightly with plastic wrap, or store them in an airtight container.

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Baked Chocolate Mousse

Photo: Nigel Cox
View Recipe: Baked Chocolate Mousse

Similar to a flourless chocolate cake, this sinfully delicious mousse has a superthin cake-like outer layer and a dense, fudgy center—it’s as rich and satisfying as any chocolate dessert you’ll find.

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Dark Chocolate Sauce

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Dark Chocolate Sauce

Here’s a scrumptious way to dress up any simple dessert, such as ice cream, berries, or Banana Split Sundaes.

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Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Frosting

Photo: Nigel Cox
View Recipe: Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Frosting

Marshmallow creme mixed with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates a light and fluffy filling for this layered cake.

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Dark Chocolate Orange Cake

View Recipe: Dark Chocolate Orange Cake

Dark chocolate and orange are a classic combination in this decadent dessert. With Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur), orange juice, and orange rind strips on top, this cake is zinging with citrus.

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Chocolate-Frangelico Fondue

Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: Chocolate-Frangelico Fondue

This is pure chocolate indulgence, with a whiff of hazelnut. Fondue is more versatile than you may think. Drizzle this warm sauce over cake, ice cream, or yogurt.

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Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies

Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies

Decadently rich, this top-rated recipe was crowned the winner of our best chocolate recipes. Large chocolate chunks create big, luxurious pockets of melty chocolate in the brownies, but you can always substitute chocolate chips.

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Chocolate-Mint Bars

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
View Recipe: Chocolate-Mint Bars

You’ll love these if you’re a big fan of the Girl Scouts' Thin Mint cookies. The dense base layer is like a rich, fudgy brownie, so don’t overcook it or the dessert bars will be dry. Refrigerating the mint bars allows the chocolaty top layer to set properly. You can make the dessert up to one day ahead.

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Double Chocolate Ice Cream

Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: Double Chocolate Ice Cream

A combo of cocoa powder and melted chocolate makes for a rich, ultra-chocolaty dessert. We updated the recipe to use heavy cream in place of the half-and-half in the original.

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Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake

Photo: Oxmoor House