National Chocolate Cake Day (January 27)
Check out the weird holiday National Chocolate Cake Day on January 27. Learn the history of chocolate cake and get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Chocolate Cake Day
The world’s first chocolate cake was made in Boston in 1764. This was when Dr. James Baker discovered that cocoa could be ground using a water-powered mill. He and a chocolate maker ground up cocoa beans with millstones to turn it into a thick syrup (called cocoa liquor), which was poured into molds shaped like cakes.
Prior to that, chocolate had been primarily used to make a drink similar to tea or coffee, which was the original intention of these chocolate molds (almost like hot chocolate bombs).
The word chocolate comes from the Aztec word xocotal, which means bitter water. Cocoa beans themselves, and chocolate without milk and sugar added (aka dark chocolate) is actually not very sweet at all.
60 years later, in 1824, Conrad Van Houten discovered a way to remove the fat from cacao liquor, which was called cocao butter.
In 1847, Eliza Leslie published the first chocolate cake recipe in The Lady’s Receipt Book. As she was already a popular cookbook author, the recipe soon gained traction. It wasn’t how we think of chocolate cake today, either, but it was regular cake with small chunks of chocolate mixed in.
Around that same time, other popular cookbook authors and chefs – like Maria Parloa and Sarah Tyson Rorer – also create their own variations and recipes. Then in 1879, Rodolphe Lindt developed a process called “conching” that made chocolate smoother and silkier.
Boxed cake mixes weren’t invented until the late 1920s, when the first one was created by the company O. Duff and Sons and was called Devil’s food chocolate cake mixes.. Betty Crocker’s dry cake mix wasn’t released until 20 years later in 1947, along with several other flavors.
During World War II, boxed chocolate cake production came to a halt. It was picked up again when the war ended, and in 1948, Pillsbury entered the market with their own dry chocolate cake mix.
In 1957, German chocolate cake first came onto the scene when the Dallas Morning Star featured this chocolate cake covered in coconut-caramel frosting. Interestingly enough, the name did not derive from the country Germany or its inhabitants; rather, the recipe called for the German’s brand of chocolate.
A decade later in 1967, Hostess Brands began to release small cream-filled chocolate covered cakes called Ding Dongs. They moved up into Canada, where they are called King Dons.
In the 1990s, molten laval cakes became popular. These are small chocolate cakes with hot, melted liquid chocolate in the center. They are often served as dessert at many restaurants.
Ideas for National Chocolate Cake Day
Here are some delicious unique recipes for chocolate cake that you can try out today.
Easy Sourdough Chocolate Cake
This easy sourdough chocolate cake recipe is definitely one of the best ways to use up your sourdough discard on National Chocolate Cake Day. It uses one bowl and takes only a few minutes to mix up!
Malted Milk Chocolate Cake
Enjoy this dark and fudgy, four-layer Malted Milk Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting on National Chocolate Cake Day. It’ll be the best cake you’ve had in a long time!
B-52 Cake Recipe
This B-52 cake recipe may look a little daunting, but the ambitious will be rewarded for their efforts on National Chocolate Cake Day – this cake is stunning both to the eyes AND the mouth!
Fizzy Cola Cake Recipe
This fizzy cola cake recipe is made with actual coca cola, as well as cocoa powder. Definitely worth experimenting for National Chocolate Cake Day!
Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake
This Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is so easy to make! Decadent chocolate cake is topped with a homemade fudge frosting for the perfect treat on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate Cake with Hippie Flakes
This cake is inspired by a recipe by the fantastic chef Richard Sax. The "hippie flakes" is unique twist for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Crockpot Lava Cake | Chocolate
Crockpot Lava Cake is rich, delicious, and super easy to make. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true on National Chocolate Cake Day.
German Chocolate Cake (Triple Layer Recipe with Chocolate Ganache)
This German Chocolate Cake recipe has a twist on the traditional version, and leaves the original in the dust! Give it a try on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate Ice Cream Cake with Chocolate Ice Cream- Easy Recipe!
This easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is a perfect frozen dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day. A layer of chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream and frosted chocolate whipped cream. This recipe is easy to customize to just about any flavor!
Vegan Oreo Cake
Vegan Oreo Cake filled with cookies n’ cream buttercream frosting and topped with crunchy bits of chocolate cookies. It's a somewhat healthy way to enjoy National Chocolate Cake Day.
Milky Way Cake
If you’re a fan of Milky Way chocolate bars, you’re going to love this easy Milky Way cake recipe from scratch. With a simple caramel frosting and chopped Milky Way bars on top, this is one of the best ultimate cake recipes for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Blood Orange Chocolate Cake
This Blood Orange Chocolate Cake is not just beautiful to look at, it tastes absolutely sublime too. On National Chocolate Cake Day, you'll want a rich chocolatey fudgy cake topped with caramel orange slices!
Mango Chocolate Cake - The Littlest Crumb
This tasty mango chocolate cake is a simple and easy cake recipe that tastes absolutely delicious, especially on National Chocolate Cake Day. A double layer chocolate cake base, lightly covered with a mango buttercream. Then topped with fresh mango slices. Light enough for a breakfast cake or a not-too-heavy dessert.
Mini German Chocolate Cake For Two - Homemade In The Kitchen
Show someone how much you care on National Chocolate Cake Day by baking up this homemade Mini German Chocolate Cake with coconut pecan frosting from scratch, which makes enough dessert for two (or you can pretend it’s a single serving cake. It is almost February, after all).
Chocolate Pudding Cake
Chocolate Pudding Cake makes its own gooey chocolate sauce as it bakes and is equally delicious served either warm or cold on National Chocolate Cake Day. With its rich chocolate flavor, this chocolate cake is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Twix Cake - Salt & Baker
This Twix Cake is a chocolate caramel cake baked on a shortbread crust, filled with thick caramel and frosted with a caramel shortbread buttercream frosting! It has all the layers and elements of a Twix candy bar but in cake form - so perfect for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Easy Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Crystallized Ginger
This easy chocolate olive oil cake recipe with lemon zest and crystallized ginger is such an amazing dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day! The cake is so moist and tender, with deep chocolate flavor and a bright complexity from the ginger and lemon.
Chocolate Zucchini Snack Cake
Chocolate zucchini snack cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake that's made entirely in the bowl of a food processor! This recipe makes an 8x8 cake - perfect for small, snack sized slices on National Chocolate Cake Day.
One Layer Chocolate Almond Cake
This one layer chocolate almond cake is both dense and light, supremely chocolatey, a little bit boozy, and honestly one of the best things for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Amarula Chocolate Caramel Cake
Amarula Chocolate Caramel Cake with layers of moist (Amarula drenched) cake, caramel and whipped cream, topped with flaked chocolate. It's the perfect dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Ding Dong Cake with Cream Filling
A dense, rich, moist chocolate cake with a thick layer of fluffy cream filling and chocolate ganache icing creates a Ding Dong Cake that’s so much like your favorite snack cake, but also a million times better! Give it a try on National Chocolate Cake Day.https://savingtalents.com/caramel-pecan-christmas-turtles-recipe/
Best Chocolate Truffle Cake
A wonderful chocolate layer cake with chocolate cream cheese buttercream frosting and truffles on top: the absolute dream on National Chocolate Cake Day of everyone who likes chocolate! In fact almost every chocolate dessert is something amazing to eat, especially when it is moist and with delicious chocolate frosting. But this particular cake is really impressive as it is made of six layers, each one covered by the velvety frosting! It simply melts in your mouth like a truffle and it is decorated with easy to make truffles.
Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
With a surprising hint of orange, no chocolate lover can resist this chocolate orange cake recipe on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate Cake with Black Pepper Buttercream
An easy one-bowl chocolate cake, topped with a delicious and intriguing black pepper buttercream icing to make on National Chocolate Cake Day. The black pepper adds a subtle fragrant spice that pairs beautifully with the vanilla buttercream and chocolate cake.
BLACK FOREST FAULT LINE CAKE WITH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
Black Forest Fault Line Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a rich and classic cake for National Chocolate Cake Day, where moist and delicious chocolate layers are combined with fresh cherries, and rich, silky smooth and melt in mouth frosting.
Best Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
This is the Best Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe you'll ever make or eat on National Chocolate Cake Day. It is a gluten-free dessert for serious chocolate lovers that's made with only 7 ingredients. It's a delicious & elegant make-ahead treat for any special occasion.
Chocolate Financiers | Chocolate Browned Butter Cakes
Chocolate Financiers are decadent mini French chocolate cakes made with almond flour and browned butter. Browning the butter adds an incredible aroma and flavor to these delectable mini chocolate cakes! Give them a try on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate & Coffee Whiskey Cake
This whiskey cake is a simple no-frosting cake you can make on National Chocolate Cake Day. This recipe combines chocolate, strong coffee, and Irish whiskey. Undertones of black pepper and clove support this chocolate cake, almost like a warm kiss with each bite.
Chocolate Layer Cake with Mascarpone and Caramelised Meringues
There is no real celebration on National Chocolate Cake Day without a cake! This scrumptious and rich Chocolate Layer Cake with Mascarpone and Caramelised Meringues is all a chocolate lover needs: 5 tasty chocolate layers assembled with two types of chocolate frosting. And this whole beauty is decorated with caramelized meringues that you can easily make at home.
Red Wine Strawberry Chocolate Cake
This decadent Red Wine Strawberry Chocolate Cake cake is the ultimate cake for National Chocolate Cake Day! A whipped creamy mascarpone strawberry kirsch filling is sandwiched between luscious red wine chocolate cake, all encased in a rich red wine dark chocolate ganache with ganache dipped strawberries on top.
Chocolate Rum Cake {Bundt Cake}
Chocolate Rum Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day but easy enough to make for any day of the week. Chocolate bundt cake soaked in a warm buttered rum sauce for one of the best chocolate cakes you'll ever taste!
Triple Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Mix Recipe
Nothing signals the holiday season and National Chocolate Cake Day like the sweet and spicy snap of gingerbread. Enjoy this must-have flavor in a freshly baked Triple Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Mix.
Kladdkaka - Swedish sticky chocolate cake
Kladdkaka is one of the easiest cakes you'll ever make, and it may well become a favorite, too for National Chocolate Cake Day. This Swedish sticky chocolate cake uses just a handful of everyday ingredients, and takes only a few minutes to prepare and bake. Get ready for rich, indulgent deliciousness.
Hazelnut Chocolate Cake Recipe From Piedmont, Italy -Torta di Nocciole
This Italian hazelnut chocolate cake is made with only four ingredients, is naturally gluten free and dairy free, but tastes sublime! Expand your palatte on National Chocolate Cake Day!
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes
Easy to make one bowl chocolate cake and cupcakes for National Chocolate Cake Day. These chocolate mayonnaise cupcakes are made with simple ingredients and no egg or oil. Instead mayonnaise is used!
Chocolate Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The best chocolate spice cake recipe perfect for your National Chocolate Cake Day celebrations! You’ll love this old fashioned chocolate spice cake recipe - buttermilk, molasses, and warm spices make this a rich, moist, flavorful cake, and then our incredible cream cheese frosting brings it all together!
Black and White Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Compote
This Black and White Cake has three-layers of chocolate sponge layered with blackberry compote and covered with white chocolate buttercream. You'll love it for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate Honey Cake with Whisky Sauce
This delicious Chocolate Honey Cake is perfect for National Chocolate Cake Day. It's flavored with melted chocolate and cocoa powder, sweetened with honey and a touch of brown sugar, and drenched in whisky sauce. It's a deeply chocolate cake with a rich texture that's PERFECT for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Flourless Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake
Love cinnamony, spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate? Then on National Chocolate Cake Day, try this super easy, super tasty, Flourless Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake.
Mashed Potato Chocolate Cake: Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe
Do ever look at your holiday leftovers and you can’t even imagine what you’re going to do with the amount of food you have? Here's a great recipe for using leftover mashed potatoes on National Chocolate Cake Day. This Mashed Potato Chocolate Cake fools everyone – you’d never know what’s in it – and it tastes moist (thanks to the spuds).
Triple Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe ~ Barley & Sage
This triple chocolate layer cake is a favorite chocolate cake recipe for National Chocolate Cake Day! With moist, fudgy chocolate cake layers, smothered with rich chocolate buttercream, and then covered with dark chocolate ganache, this cake is truly a chocolate lovers dream!
Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Filling
How do you imagine the perfect chocolate layer cake for National Chocolate Cake Day? You would probably think of moist layers, gooey frosting and a great chocolate taste. But if you are a real dessert lover, you might go one step further in your dreams and add a raspberry filling. Chocolate tastes even better with it! Indeed, this Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Filling is a real perfection!
Romanian Chocolate Cake – Boema
Romanian chocolate cake or prajitura Boema, an incredible triple chocolate cake soaked in caramel syrup and topped with ganache and cream, a must-have recipe for all chocolate lovers on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Iron Skillet Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is made on National Chocolate Cake Day from simple ingredients you’ve already got in your kitchen. The cast iron skillet gives a “crispy-around-the-edges” touch that only an iron skillet can do.
Italian Chocolate Torte
If you’re a chocolate lover, this Italian Chocolate Torte is a delicious way to satisfy that craving on National Chocolate Cake Day. Packed with dried fruit and nuts, topped with a rich chocolate ganache it’s a chocolate lover’s dream that is perfect for the holidays or your next special occasion.
Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Cake
Ferrero Rocher is a cake for National Chocolate Cake Day made with chocolate sponge, filled with a cream cheese chocolate ferrero rocher filling and topped with chocolate ganache.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Crepe Cake
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Crepe Cake is one spectacular dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day! Made with layers of deliciously soft chocolate crepes, with a creamy but light salted caramel diplomat cream in between. No baking required.
Beer and Sauerkraut Chocolate Fudge Cake
Though it sounds terrifying, this fudgey chocolate cake will wow even the biggest skeptics on National Chocolate Cake Day. A truly awesome cake for the most die-hard chocolate lovers.
Chocolate Beet Snack Cake Recipe
Naturally-sweetened and inherently moist, this chocolate beet snack cake features winter beets – peels and all, in a comforting treat on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Chocolate cake with caramel
This Chocolate Cake with Caramel is a rich and dreamy cake for National Chocolate Cake Day. Three layers of moist, fudgy chocolate cake are slathered in homemade chocolate frosting and dripping with caramel.
Paleo Triple Chocolate Cake
This Paleo Triple Chocolate Cake is a triple-threat, death-by-chocolate ultra rich and moist experience just fully loaded to the brim with chocolate decadence! Give it a try on National Chocolate Cake Day!
Best Keto Chocolate Cake
It’s National Chocolate Cake Day, so it's time to share the best keto chocolate cake recipe you will ever make! With a moist and decadent chocolatey texture, this cake is full of flavor with only 1.9g net carbs.
Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake
Impress your guests on National Chocolate Cake Day with this Luxurious Showstopping Instant Pot Lava Cake! Each exciting bite of joy oozing with unbelievably silky rich molten chocolate. This mysterious melt-in-your-mouth indulging satisfaction is the ultimate dinner party dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
This Hot Fudge Pudding Cake is so sinfully rich! A luscious chocolate cake bakes right with a creamy, chocolatey pudding sauce. Each bite is pure chocolate heaven, making it the perfect dessert for National Chocolate Cake Day.
Unbelievable Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake
An unlikely combination of chocolate and sauerkraut yields an absolutely delicious and moist Chocolate Cake for National Chocolate Cake Day. Add cocktail cherries to the middle and finish with a luxurious Ermine Frosting for a real stunner!
S'mores Cake
This S’mores Cake, which is perfect for National Chocolate Cake Day, consists of a moist chocolate cake baked on a sweet graham cracker crust, with a chocolate ganache filling and a toasted marshmallow whipped cream filling, covered in a delicious graham cracker marshmallow buttercream and a chocolate ganache drip!
Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake
This quick and easy chocolate cherry bundt cake recipe is an addicting, easy dessert made with cake mix and cherry pie filling you should try on National Chocolate Cake Day. This delicious cake tastes just like homemade, but without the extra work. Top with a fudgy chocolate glaze and maraschino cherries for a fun look.
Kladdkaka Swedish Chocolate Cake
A perfectly indulgent dessert this six ingredient Swedish gooey chocolate cake has chewy edges, a soft rich gooey centre and takes just 25 minutes to make! Give it a try on National Chocolate Cake Day.
Kahlua Chocolate Cake with Chocolate-Kahlua Frosting
Kahlua is a sweet, coffee-flavored liqueur with rum that hints at dark chocolate. It makes the perfect topping on National Chocolate Cake Day to go with a boxed dark chocolate mix.
Dark Chocolate Date Cake
The tender cake is filled with two types of rich dark chocolate, two cups of softened, chopped Medjool dates to add natural sweetness and just the right amount of vanilla extract to make for the most flavorful cake on National Chocolate Cake Day. It’s all topped with a German chocolate-inspired frosting made of dates, chocolate, walnuts and coconut.
Easy Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
This delightful chocolate orange cake is a throwback to Terry's Chocolate Oranges, but in a delicious cake form! Enjoy some on National Chocolate Cake Day!
Fudgy Chocolate Prune Cake
This Fudgy Chocolate Prune Cake is made with California Prunes to give it a moist, rich, sweet flavor. It is a perfect cake to indulge in with a loved one on National Chocolate Cake Day.
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