Cocoa

Unlike the topping on German chocolate cake, which is soft and gooey, the coconut-pecan crust on this cake-like brownie is baked, making it crisp.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Presenting the ultimate treat for the die-hard chocolate fan….

On Valentine's Day, it would be hard to beat these lovely treats. Good news: You can begin pre-paring them a day ahead.

The flavor of this rich chocolate cake is terrific the day it's baked but becomes even deeper over time; we suggest making it at least one day ahead. And it works particularly well as cupcakes.

A dessert worthy of the finest steak houses in Chicago, Denver or New York. White chocolate and milk chocolate filling and a bittersweet chocolate frosting give a sophisticated spin to an American favorite.

The secret to this rich and fudgy cake is good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, which provides the smooth taste of chocolate without the fat.

A joint effort by Leigh McLean and Sweet Dreams Bakery in Memphis.

This Italian version of fruitcake is dense, chewy and candy-like. Wrap it in brightly colored cellophane for giving.