Grandma's Favorite Chocolate Desserts

Here are 27 ideas, from cakes to pies, that Grandma loved, and you will too.

By

Updated on February 20, 2024

Chocolate Cobbler — Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

When it comes to celebrations, every Southerner knows dessert can never be overlooked. And while we love to add new recipes into our rotation, there's something comforting about family favorites that have been passed on through generations. We know we can always count on Aunt Bertha or Cousin David to set something spectacular on the buffet table. We learned some of our best recipes from Grandma, especially when it comes to dessert. And while we will always make room for fruit cobblers and cheesecakes, there's something over-the-top and truly decadent about the ones starring chocolate. Here are 27 ideas, from cakes to pies, that she loved, and you will too.

01 of 27

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake — Alison Miksch; Prop styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Mary-Claire Britton

You were likely in your grandmother's kitchen when you learned that the secret to this rich and moist cake is a Southern staple.

02 of 27

Classic Chocolate Pound Cake

Classic Chocolate Pound Cake — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

While lemon pound cake is made for just about any time of day, this rich and chocolatey version takes it one decadent step up.

03 of 27

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Southern Living Chocolate Pudding Cake scooped out on plates to serve with ice cream — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

If you've never tried a pudding cake, consider this your sign to do so. A pudding cake is not made with pudding but rather makes a pudding-like sauce that sinks to the bottom of the cake. In this rich chocolate pudding cake, a crave-worthy fudgy sauce is created.

04 of 27

Devil's Food Cake

Devil's Food Cake Layers Photo from Bake! by Nick Malgieri — Devil's Food Cake Layers Photo from Bake! by Nick Malgieri. Devil's Food Cake Layers Photo from Bake! by Nick Malgieri

Cocoa is the secret ingredient to this classic treat that's simple but also perfect for just about any occasion.

05 of 27

Mississippi Mud Pie

Mississippi Mud Pie — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Likely the most popular dessert at the church potluck or family reunion, this rich and creamy pie is worth every step.

06 of 27

Death By Chocolate

Death by Chocolate — Micah A. Leal

Bring your spoons. The name of this dessert speaks to its rich and decadent ingredient list, which includes layers of moist chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, chocolate crumbles, and freshly whipped cream.

07 of 27

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate Mousse Cake — Micah Leal

For a special occasion, treat family and friends to a rich cake that we love to top with seasonal treasures like fresh blueberries and vibrant raspberries.

08 of 27

Brownie Pudding

Southern Living Brownie Pudding in bowls to serve with ice cream — Molly Bolton

If your grandmother ever let you lick the spoon after mixing brownie batter, you know how special that treat. Now you can relive it with this brownie pudding recipe. Gooey, creamy chocolate pudding has a crisp crust, just like any good brownie. Top with ice cream for the ultimate treat.

09 of 27

Mama's German Chocolate Cake

Mama's German Chocolate Cake — Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Another family favorite that you likely learned to make from scratch as a child. This dessert is impressive, and is not easy to pull together give yourself plenty of time. The homemade version is worth every step, and the Coconut Pecan Frosting makes it truly the talk of every get-together.

10 of 27

Dr . Pepper Texas Sheet Cake

Dr Pepper Texas Sheet Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Sheet cakes are every bakers favorite dessert, and this Dr. Pepper Texas version is one to add into your rotation. The true secret to this flavorful dessert: the spicy, fruity Dr. Pepper cola.

11 of 27

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

We can't resist adding our favorite colas to our cakes. This fun and fizzy creation includes 1 cup of Coca-Cola, and is topped with white sugar pearls for the perfect finishing touch.

12 of 27

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Chocolate-Zucchini Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Don't be fooled by the name, this dessert, which stars zucchini, will be the family's most-requested chocolate dessert.

13 of 27

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Chocolate Eclair Cake — Micah A. Leal

Who can resist the bittersweet ganache and milky cream in a chocolate eclair? And if the French-style pastry is one of your favorites, then you must try this recipe, which transforms the handheld treat into a layered cake. Trust us, save room for dessert.

14 of 27

Triple-Layer Chocolate Caramel Cake

Triple-Layer Chocolate-Caramel Cake — Greg Dupree

There's chocolate cake, and then there's layered chocolate cake. This dessert is finished with a Chocolate-Caramel Ganache, which adds an extra bit of sweet flavor.

15 of 27

Mississippi Mud Cheesecake

Mississippi Mud Cheesecake — Southern Living

Something truly magical happens when chocolate cake meets cheesecake. This twist on the classic Mississippi Mud Cake will wow any chocolate-loving crowd.

16 of 27

Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake

Light, fluffy, rich, and chocolatey, this is the pound cake everyone will soon be requesting. Our recipe includes buttermilk, instant espresso, and chocolate morsels for an impressive anytime treat.

17 of 27

Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding — Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Skip the pies and cakes, and surprise guests with individual servings of creamy chocolate. This delicious rich pudding is elevated by the buttermilk cream.

18 of 27

Chocolate Cobbler

Chocolate Cobbler — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Fruit cobblers are always on-demand, so why not delight the Church potluck crowd with a dreamy dessert that features a layer of tender cake mixed up with warm, pudding-like fudge. For a refreshing finish, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

19 of 27

Chocolate Delight

chocolate syrup on Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This recipe came to us from Home Town star, Erin Napier's grandmother. But as it turns out, this has also been a favorite for many Southern Living readers over the years. The best part (besides the layers of vanilla goodness and chocolate pudding) are all the fun names that y'all claim to call this rich dessert.

20 of 27

Over The Moon Chocolate Pie

Over the Moon Chocolate Pie — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Inspired by the Southern favorite Moon Pie, this over-the-top dessert features a graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate filling, and a touch of whiskey. The best part might just be the marshmallowy meringue that gives it that impressive height.

21 of 27

Chocolate Lasagna

Chocolate Lasagna

Welcome lasagna to the dessert buffet with this treat that's made with chocolate cookie crumbles, butter, cream cheese, and more. It's layered, decadent, and truly out-of-this-world.

22 of 27

Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge

Southern Living Mamie Eisenhower Chocolate Fudge cut and ready to serve — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

The fact that this recipe is also called Million Dollar Fudge might be all we need to say. It's super rich and creamy and very easy to make.

23 of 27

Chocolate Water Cake

Chocolate Water Cake — Micah A. Leal

This cake doesn't require any butter, milk, or eggs, which makes it dairy-free and vegan. Plus, it starts with a simple batter. Don't worry, it will wow every member of the chocolate-loving crowd.

24 of 27

Texas Sheet Cake With Fudge Icing

Texas Sheet Cake With Fudge Icing — https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/fudge-icing-0

The Lone Star state claims this recipe, which requires less than 30 minutes of hands-on time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Leave it to the decadent fudge icing that makes this cake truly spectacular.

25 of 27

Wacky Cake

wacky cake frosting on a piece of cake — Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

An old-school recipe with a fun name that still remains hard to top. Our simple recipe starts with pantry staples and does not include any butter, eggs, or milk. Best part it's a cinch to make because it doesn't require even a mixing bowl or whisk.

26 of 27

Milky Way Cake

Milky Way Cake — Alison Miksch

The fact that this layered recipe starts with seven Milky Way candy bars speaks to the decadent goodness of this treasured dessert.

27 of 27

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie — Micah A. Leal

Make room for pie. This dessert shines thanks to the homemade pudding base and the dark chocolate that's whipped into the warm custard before it cools. Top this hard-to-beat treat with freshly whipped cream and chopped dark chocolate.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

100+ Of Our All-Time Favorite Chocolate Desserts

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Lasagna sliced on a plate to serve

Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Ultimate Dark Chocolate Brownies

20 Indulgent Dark Chocolate Recipes That'll Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth

Southern Living Chocolate Covered Marshmallows on a platter to serve

Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse in glasses to serve

Chocolate Mousse

Southern Living Chocolate Pudding Cake scooped out on plates to serve with ice cream

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Southern Living Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cake

Southern Living Chocolate Fondue ready to serve with fruit and cake to dip

Chocolate Fondue

Southern Living Peppermint Bark broken into pieces on a plate to serve

17 White Chocolate Desserts We're Daydreaming About

Southern Living S'mores toasted and ready to serve

Your Ultimate Guide To The Best S'mores

Mama's German Chocolate Cake

Mama's German Chocolate Cake

Southern Living Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake

Raspberry Molten Chocolate Cake

Bakerâs Chocolate

What's The Difference Between Regular Chocolate And Baking Chocolate?

Southern Living Mint Julep Brownies sliced and ready to serve

Mint Julep Brownies

Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint Brownies

Southern Living Chocolate Buttercream on top of chocolate cupcakes

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting