Cool Chocolate Desserts

June 19, 2014

Eaten cold—whether in ice cream, pudding, ganache, or cream pie—chocolate's earthy bitterness and buttery tones allow for an unexpected depth of flavor. Simultaneously rich and refreshing, soothing and invigorating, these summertime chocolate desserts are an irresistible marriage of extremes.

French Silk Pie

French Silk Pie

This dreamy chocolate pie is a customer favorite at the Country Dove restaurant in Elk City, Oklahoma.James Roper

Chocolate Sorbet

Chocolate Sorbet
The rich flavor of bittersweet chocolate takes center stage in this sorbet from pastry chef Tracy Obolsky of North End Grill. Because it is dairy-free, the chocolate flavor is much more intense than with an ice cream; keep it vegan, or serve it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Get the recipe for Chocolate Sorbet »Matt Taylor-Gross
Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

In these minty ice cream sandwiches, the chocolate mousse "ice cream" and cake are both sweetened with bittersweet chocolate, letting the chocolate's richness—brightened by fresh spearmint—be the main flavor.Farideh Sadeghin

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie
This rich, creamy chocolate pudding pie is pure nostalgia.Helen Rosner

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse
This simple yet sophisticated, airy yet intense concoction has been a hit with home cooks in America at least since the New York Times published its first recipe for the dessert in 1955.Todd Coleman

Chocolate Egg Cream

For many kids, it's a relief to discover there's no actual egg in a chocolate egg cream--just a frothy mix of cold milk, seltzer, and rich chocolate syrup.Todd Coleman

The Darkest Chocolate Ice Cream in the World

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, OH has some of the most amazing flavors around, but they all start with one simple base. This recipe calls for both cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate.Todd Coleman

David Lebovitz's Mocha Sherbet

This chocolate and espresso delight from David Lebovitz is a rich fudgy combination of favorite flavors that is surprisingly light and refreshing.David Lebovitz

Alice Medrich's Chocolate Pudding

Don't get fooled by the simplicity of a chocolate pudding. This rich, velvety dessert, flavored with bittersweet chocolate and rum, is a real crowd pleaser.Todd Coleman

Ovaltine Pudding with Honeyed Rice Krispies

Malty Ovaltine flavors this pudding from New York City chef Pichet Ong.Todd Coleman
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate pudding is layered with a peanut butter mousse in this pie inspired from Bradley's Corner Cafe in Topeka, Kansas.Todd Coleman
Chocolate cream pie

Chocolate Cream Pie

A crunchy crust and pudding-like filling make this pie a standout.Michael Kraus

Thin Edge of the Wedge

This dessert comes from the cookbook The Eating in Bed Cookbook (MacMillian, 1962). It is a voluptuous chocolate pudding, perfect for eating in the privacy of your own bed.Michael Kraus

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Dark Dutch-process cocoa powder makes for a more flavorful, cookie-like crust, serving as the perfect base for a layer of rich caramel topped with decadent ganache.André Baranowski

Horchata with Chocolate and Pumpkin Seeds

Horchata, a cool, creamy drink popular across Latin America, is frequently made from ground almonds and rice. This decadent adaptation, spiked with cinnamon and dark chocolate, tastes rich and nutty and makes a delightful liquid dessert.Sarah Karnasiewicz

Pistachio Gelato

This delectable Italian specialty is cool, creamy, lightly nutty, and especially delicious when paired with our Chocolate Gelato.Christopher Hirsheimer
Vanilla Banana Black & White Milkshake

Vanilla Banana Black & White Milkshake

This recipe for a chocolate and banana layered shake is based on one in Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes (Norton, 2009) by Adam Ried.André Baranowski
White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Mousse

White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Mousse

In this updated take on a classic French dessert, cream cheese adds stability and a pleasing tang, which balances the sweet white chocolate without overpowering it.Todd Coleman

Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies

At brunch at the Liberty Bar in San Antonio, a plate of these spicy-sweet cookies is set down on the table at the beginning of the meal—gratis. Featured in our book Best Cookies, they make a perfect cookie for holiday parties, especially when drizzled with a little melted white chocolate.Helen Rosner

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