Semisweet chocolate brings the perfect blend of sweet sugar and rich cocoa to your favorite treats. These are our favorite ways to use the classic baking ingredient.
The Best Recipes to Make With Semisweet Chocolate
Updated on Mar. 11, 2022
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Broadway Brownie Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 271 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Cherry Upside-Down Bread Pudding
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It's always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 393 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 295 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I added some zucchini to a peanut butter bar I had created, and this time I wanted to try adding it to a cake. The zucchini makes the cake super moist but doesn’t get in the way of the chocolate and peanut butter goodness. —Marilyn Blankschien, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 297 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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I Want S'more Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
The s'more flavors in these fun muffins with marshmallow creme in the middle are sure to bring back fond childhood memories. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 287 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time
I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 253 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Peanut Butter Pie Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but my favorite—peanut butter pie—is tough to eat on the go. I dreamed up these cookies to get my favorite flavor combo in a bite-size package. They can be made ahead and taken to any holiday gathering. —Ashley Moyna, Elkader, Iowa
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Brownie Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring these super fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top delicious. — Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 350 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Hot Chocolate Bombs
Total Time
45 hours
Servings
6 chocolate bombs
From the Recipe Creator:
These hot chocolate bombs are all the rage! Make them ahead of time as a holiday gift or to have on hand when you have a hot chocolate craving. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chocolate bomb: 619 calories, 34g fat (20g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 201 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Calgary Nanaimo Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They're three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 116 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Black Bean Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 167 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Cherry-Coconut Chocolate Torte
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars. —Dian Hicks Carlson, Omaha, Nebraska
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Hot Chocolate Tiramisu
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 638 calories, 46g fat (25g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
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Layered Chocolate-Raspberry Triangles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My chocolaty triangles layered with raspberry jam are a must during the holiday season. The cakelike bars look festive, and one batch goes a long way.—Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 triangle: 158 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Chocolate Chip Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate chip scones are delicious warm, served with butter, when the chips are melted and gooey. —Diane LaFurno, College Point, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 241 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/36
Chocolate Pecan Pie Snack Mix
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My crowd-pleasing party mix is buttery, chocolaty and nutty. The recipe yields a party-sized portion, but I recommend keeping it covered so it doesn’t disappear before the event. —Annette Niemiec, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pot of S’mores
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom’s easy Dutch oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 584 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad whenever I make it because I give her a loaf, and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Warm Chocolate Melting Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 dessert: 197 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cannoli Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 591 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Zucchini Brownies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fast peanut butter and chocolate frosting tops these cakelike brownies. What a sweet way to use up your garden bounty! —Allyson Wilkins, Amherst, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 307 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
23/36
Chocolate Mousse
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
25/36
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 176 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 117 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.
26/36
Marshmallow Pops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 136 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 411 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
29/36
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
30/36
German Chocolate Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This German chocolate cake is my husband’s favorite! Each bite has crunch from the pecans, and sweetness from coconut and chocolate. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 691 calories, 40g fat (21g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Black-Bottom Cupcakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe's been in our family for years, but these cupcakes still go quick each time I make them. So I always double or triple the ingredients! You'll likely see what I mean if you make them at your place—I can't remember anyone who's tried them for the first time not asking for seconds. —Julie Briceland, Windsor, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 174 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cinnamon Brownies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For Christmas one year, a friend gave us a pan of these delicious brownies. Before I figured out their secret was cinnamon, half the pan was already gone! —Gail Mehle, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 137 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/36
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake a lot of different muffins, but this is the recipe I use the most. Their small size makes them difficult to resist! —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 110 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/36
Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
35/36
Triple-Layer Cookie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just loves these chewy chocolaty and peanutty bars. They're perfect for dessert and snacks. I make them whenever I get a craving for something sweet and special. —Diane Bradley, Sparta, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 194 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
36/36
Applesauce Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist applesauce cake recipe is a treasured heirloom passed down from my Grandma Stuit, who cooked for a family of 13 during the Depression. At reunions, it's the first dessert gone...including the crumbs! —Joanie Jager, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 282 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
