15 best-ever chocolate cakes
Discover our ultimate, triple-tested chocolate cake recipes. From show-stopping birthday bakes to cute cupcakes that the kids will love to make, we've got everything covered.
Chocolate cake. Two words guaranteed to make us dream of show-stopping bakes and nostalgic childhood desserts. Read on to discover the top 15 chocolate cakes you have to try – they’ve all been triple-tested and are incredibly delicious.
If you’re an avid baker and want to use the best tools for your cakes, check out our review of the best hand mixers for bakers and the best stand mixers for baking lovers. And if you want to showcase your work (for a short time before it's demolished), check out our helpful review of the best cake stands for showcasing your bakes.
For more decadent bakes, check out our collection of chocolate cake recipes.
1. Ultimate chocolate cake
More than 1,200 of you have given this recipe a five-star rating – and it’s not difficult to see why. Moist, rich and fudgy, the sponge delivers a double dose of melted chocolate, alongside cocoa powder and coffee. We’ve covered our cake with a silky chocolate ganache, and (you guessed it) another hit of chocolate in curl-form to finish. A true masterpiece.
Discover more layer cake recipes, from rainbow and ombre cakes to chocolate tortes and more.
More like this
2. Easy chocolate cake
This sponge cake sandwiched with rich buttercream looks stunning, but is actually really simple to make. In fact, it’s so straightforward that kids can help with measuring the ingredients, mixing the batter and decorating the end result. Watch our video to see exactly how it’s done.
Discover more irresistible chocolatey bakes with our chocolate cake recipes.
3. Gluten-free chocolate cake
No gluten? No problem! Make a dense, rich chocolate cake for a special occasion or anytime treat. The use of instant coffee in the sponge keeps the cake beautifully moist, and the addition of melted dark chocolate makes for a smooth and creamy icing. While suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, it will prove a hit with everyone.
Looking for light, fluffy bakes that just so happen to be gluten free? Check out more of our gluten-free cake recipes.
4. Gravity-defying sweetie cake
These trendy, jaw-dropping anti-gravity cakes are a marvel to behold. It may take a bit more effort (try our top tips and tricks to get the best results), but this cake is perfect for a weekend baking project. We've topped ours with sugar-coated chocolates, but you can swap for any small sweets that you (or the lucky recipient) like. Unleash your inner creativity!
Discover plenty more party food and drink ideas with our kids' party recipes.
5. Easy vegan chocolate cake
Following a dairy-free, egg-free, wheat-free or nut-free diet needn't mean missing out on a slice of cake. The secret ingredient in our recipe is avocado, which adds a decadent richness to the cake batter, along with simple substitutes such as sunflower spread and soya milk for the frosting.
Discover more plant-based recipes that satisfy your sweet tooth with our vegan cake recipes.
6. Brooklyn blackout cake
Ready to try your hand at something different? This dark sponge cake is filled and coated with a rich chocolate custard and finished with crumbled cake crumbs. It’s best served chilled, making it an ideal dessert that oozes indulgence. Trust us – it won’t last long.
Discover more sponge cake recipes, from classics such as Victoria sponge to more unusual flavour pairings like olive oil & muscat.
7. Keto chocolate cake
Indulge your sweet tooth without worrying about sacrificing your diet with our keto chocolate cake. It's made using almond flour, eggs and cacao, with a delicious yogurt-based topping. Enjoy as a mid-afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
Discover more dessert recipes that deliver carbs and protein in keto-friendly amounts with our keto dessert recipes.
8. Squidgy chocolate & pomegranate torte
Dense and indulgent, this rich chocolate torte is the stuff dreams are made from. Finish with a scattering of jewel-like pomegranate seeds for colour, sharpness and bite.
Ideal for entertaining, check out more of our chocolate torte recipes.
9. Chocolate fudge cupcakes
The perfect kid-friendly project, these cute cupcakes are incredibly easy to bake and decorate. Get creative with your toppings – it’s a great way to use up any chocolates, sweeties or sprinkles that are hanging around in the cupboard.
Discover more chocolate cupcake recipes, from Valentine's Day cupcakes with a surprise centre to timeless classics such as chocolate fairy cakes.
10. Triple chocolate & peanut butter layer cake
Peanut butter aficionados will be pining after this show-stopping bake. It’s comprised of three fluffy sponges sandwiched together with a peanut butter icing, decorated with a dark chocolate ganache drip and piled high with all sorts of goodies, from chocolate eggs to crunchy pretzels. We guarantee it will be met with ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from everyone.
Discover more stunning drip cake recipes, perfect for celebration cakes and centrepieces.
11. Storecupboard chocolate hazelnut cake
Raid your storecupboard for this failsafe chocolate cake. Ground hazelnuts deliver moist texture and a distinctive, buttery flavour – if you can't find them, try ground almonds instead.
Discover more baking recipes that don't break the bank with our storecupboard baking ideas.
12. Chocolate traybake
When it comes to ease of serving and nostalgia, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned traybake. We’ve flavoured the sponge batter with plenty of cocoa powder and added a smooth chocolate icing to create an American-style sheet cake that’s perfect for an indoor celebration.
Discover more chocolate traybake recipes, perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea.
13. Chocolate & raspberry birthday layer cake
Victoria sponge purists, look away now – we’ve upgraded the traditional bake with an indulgent cocoa twist. Chocolate and raspberries are a match made in heaven, and you can use convenient, budget-friendly frozen fruit in the lavish cream layer.
For more variations on the classic Victoria sponge, check out our Victoria sponge recipes.
14. Vegan chocolate party traybake
This moreish chocolate cake is free from dairy and eggs, making it a great vegan option for a party or celebration. It’s super-versatile – choose your favourite plant milk, yogurt and spread to use. The result? Squidgy, rich squares that the whole family will enjoy.
Discover more vegan desserts, from vegan ice cream to vegan pies.
15. Chocolate birthday cake
Bake this simple yet stunning chocolate traybake for a special birthday treat. Decorate with icing shapes and top with colourful candles. It's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Celebrate a birthday right with our fantastic birthday cake recipes.
More incredible cake inspiration
Birthday cakes for kids
Our most cheerful cakes
Our guide to classic cakes
Quick & easy cake recipes
Our most creative cake ideas
