World Chocolate Day (7 July) is the perfect excuse to treat yourself –
and we’ve rounded up a whole buffet of chocolatey goodness to help
you celebrate in style. From Elmarie Berry’s cheat-worthy dream cake
to Zola Nene’s quick mug fix and Tannie Maria’s famously indulgent
Venus Cake, there’s something for every craving and skill level.
Whether you’re after gooey, gluten-free, low-carb or laced with coffee,
these 13 decadent desserts are guaranteed to win hearts (and stomachs).
So go ahead – dig in and let chocolate be the love language of the day!
Cheat Chocolate-Caramel Dream Cake
by Elmarie Berry
from The Table
If you're craving something indulgent without the fuss, this Cheat Chocolate-Caramel Dream Cake by Elmarie Berry is here to deliver. Using a few simple ingredients, like a box cake mix and caramel treat, you can whip up a rich, gooey dessert that feels gourmet in no time. Perfect for when you need to impress with minimal effort, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a decadent chocolate-caramel combo!
Chocolate and Hazelnut Brownie Bread
by Karl Tessendorf & Greg Gilowey
Rich, fudgy and packed with toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate, this is the dessert-loaf of dreams. Whether baked over coals or in the oven, it’s a gooey, sliceable treat that’s best served thick with scoops of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries and a dusting of cocoa. Perfect for sharing – if you feel like it.
by Tannie Maria
from Recipes to Die Live For by Sally Andrew
The Venus Cake, hailed as one of Tannie Maria’s finest culinary creations, combines a delightful array of her favourite ingredients: chocolate, coffee, cream, apricot jam, and peanut butter. This rich and indulgent cake serves 10–12 people and is a highlight of Recipes to Die Live For by Sally Andrew.
Gluten-free Beany Chocolate Cake
by Jax Moorcroft
“If possible, bake the cake the night before and store it in the fridge overnight.”
by Iné Reynierse
“Your heart will thank you for supporting it with these cupcakes, which are full of the goodness of beetroot.”
by Sinoyolo Sifo
from Sifo: The Cooking Husband
“When I am hosting dinner at my house, this is my favourite dessert to make. The mousse has a rich chocolate flavour and very smooth texture. I usually add cream on top to balance out the sweetness.”
deur Elmarie Berry
uit Kosbaar
“Wat ’n lieflike manier om ’n Sondagoggend te begin met ’n koppie stomende koffie en varsgebakte plaatkoekies gevul met Nutella. Dit is my kinders se gunstelingontbyt en so maklik om te maak. Probeer gerus die resep en maak jou gesin se harte bly!”
Citrus and Chocolate Ganache Dutch Baby
by Karl Tessendorf and Greg Gilowey
from Pots, Pans & Potjies
“Halfway between a pancake and a Yorkshire pudding, the Dutch Baby is puffy and crusty, yet soft and chewy. We’ve gone sweet on this one with an awesome complementary Darling Brew Black Mist pairing, though savoury options are also epic.”
by Sarah Graham
from Good + Simple
“If we find ourselves with an unhurried Sunday morning, this is our favourite-favourite family breakfast. Rob usually doubles the recipe and gets two pans on the go (and most of our other kitchen utensils!) to make as many of these as he can. Then we greedily gobble them topped either with the classic combination of lemon juice and cinnamon sugar, or lashings of Nutella and sliced strawberries and raspberries.”
by Vickie de Beer
from Low Carb Express
“These little flapjacks are quick to make and very versatile. Serve warm with whipped cream and berries.”
by Izelle Hoffman
from Mindful Eating
Deliciously wholesome, these flapjacks blend egg whites, flaxseed, almond flour, cacao and honey into quick, nutritious breakfasts or snacks. Whip up in just 10 minutes, then top with almond butter, banana and cacao for a satisfying treat that’s both healthy and indulgent.
Microwave Chocolate-Coffee Cake
by Zola Nene
from Simply Zola
“Dessert for one can be quite tricky to pull off, especially when all you crave is a piece of cake. It doesn’t make any sense to put the oven on and bake an entire cake just for yourself, so this mug cake is just the thing. Mix everything in the bowl, blast in the microwave and that sweet craving is taken care of … until the next time.”
by Prim Reddy & Niranj Pather
from Temptations
“You can make these little pots of deliciousness up to two hours in advance. Once you’ve filled your cups or ramekins, cover them and chill in the fridge until ready to bake.”
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