This cake will win the heart of anyone this Valentines Day! There’s something undeniably charming about a cake that feels both indulgent and playful. This rich chocolate cake, topped with buttery shortbread lollipops and crowned with fresh strawberries, is the kind of bake that turns any gathering into a celebration. The sponge is deeply chocolatey and wonderfully moist, layered (or generously frosted) with a silky chocolate icing that melts into every crumb. Crisp, golden shortbread rounds – baked on sticks for a whimsical touch – add a delicate crunch and a hint of buttery sweetness that balances the richness of…
Step into any store in February and you’ll see them: glossy heart-shaped boxes, satin ribbons and rows of neatly lined truffles waiting to be chosen. Valentine’s Day and chocolate feel so naturally paired that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. But this sweet tradition wasn’t always a given. Long before chocolate became a silky truffle or a melt-in-your-mouth slab, it was enjoyed as a bitter drink. In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, cacao was ground and mixed with spices to create a rich, frothy beverage reserved for royalty and ceremony. It was precious, powerful and deeply symbolic – a far…
Chocolate mousse doesn’t have to be complicated to feel luxurious. These elegant chocolate mousse shots are light, creamy and intensely chocolatey, with a subtle ricotta base and a burst of fresh raspberries on top. Perfect for dinner parties, date nights or when you want a dessert that looks impressive but takes surprisingly little effort. Enjoyed these chocolate mousse shots? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! Also See: Vegan pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/vegan-pancakes-with-fruit-and-chocolate-sauce Feature image: Are Media
Today is National Chocolate Cake Day (it’s a thing celebrated every January 27th around the globe). It’s basically an excuse to stuff our faces with everything from gooey mud cakes to quirky beetroot-infused marvels. To mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up the most decadent, fun and downright delicious chocolate cake recipes from classic crowd-pleasers to inventive twists you’ll want to bake right now. 1. Flourless chocolate cake Gluten-free baking just got easier with this rich and creamy flourless chocolate cake! 2. Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake If you’re looking for a fun Saturday activity, try our super easy vegan chocolate…
There are few things in life that bring the same comfort as chocolate. From a nostalgic slab broken into squares to the glossy drizzle on a celebration cake, chocolate has an undeniable ability to turn an ordinary moment into something special. It’s one of the most loved ingredients in baking, but it’s also one of the trickiest to work with. The difference between a glossy ganache and a grainy mess often comes down to knowing how to handle it. Baking with chocolate isn’t just about stirring a handful of chips into cookie dough. The type you choose – dark, milk…
If you’re craving a breakfast (brunch or dessert) that feels a little indulgent but still light and wholesome, these pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce tick every box. These fluffy vegan pancakes are topped with fresh seasonal fruit and drizzled with a silky, dairy-free chocolate sauce that tastes far richer than it should. Proof that plant-based baking can be just as decadent — if not more so. Enjoyed this recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! Also See: Vegan piña colada pavlova https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/vegan-pina-colada-pavlova-2 Recipe and styling by Illanique van Aswegen Photograph by Adel Ferreira
An indulgent baked cheesecake that’s a delicious, sweet end to a Christmas meal. To make your life a little easier on the day, set some time aside to bake this cheesecake up to 3 days ahead, and store in the fridge, wrapped in cling film – without removing it from the cake tin. The texture of the cheesecake is silky smooth. This is thanks to baking it in a water bath – which sounds daunting, but really isn’t! You really must wrap the tin twice in heavy-duty foil, though. ALSO SEE: BERRY ETON MESS CHEESECAKE Recipe and styling by Claire…
Salt, chocolate and tahini – the perfect dessert filling! Enjoyed this salted dark chocolate tahini tart? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! Also See: Drunken mocha mousse tartlets https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/drunken-mocha-mousse-tartlets
A South African classic with a modern twist – this granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache is super-delish! Bright, creamy and irresistibly smooth, this granadilla fridge tart is a summer favourite. Fresh granadilla pulp brings a bold, zesty pop that cuts through the richness of the silky white chocolate ganache, creating a dreamy balance of sweet and tangy. Set in a buttery biscuit crust, every chilled slice delivers pure sunshine flavour with a touch of indulgence. Perfect for warm days, weekend gatherings or whenever you’re craving something light yet decadent. Made this granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache?…
Indulge in pure decadence with this super-rich dark chocolate berry cake — a silky, butter-and-buttermilk sponge layered with velvety dark chocolate ganache, then crowned with juicy fresh berries. It’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious, but still warm and comforting. Did you make this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa Also See: Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/dessert/vegan-chocolate-recipe
Indulge your senses with this decadent chocolate truffle cake — layers of rich sponge, silky chocolate filling and a glossy topping crowned with twirls. Perfect for impressing at a dinner party or treating yourself on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Follow the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to bring pure chocolate joy to your kitchen. Also See: Coffee, dark chocolate and hazelnut meringue layer cake https://www.foodandhome.co.za/features/coffee-dark-chocolate-and-hazelnut-meringue-layer-cake Recipe by Anna Montali Photography by Graeme Borchers
Indulge your senses with this sumptuous Almond, chocolate and orange cake. It’s a moist, light and irresistibly flavourful treat that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free too. With tangy citrus, rich cocoa and nutty almond all in one slice, it’s perfect for teatime, dessert or whenever you need a little decadence. Also See: Vegan chocolate cake recipe https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/dessert/vegan-chocolate-recipe
Sink your teeth into decadence with these white chocolate, cinnamon and pecan blondies. A buttery, gooey twist on classic blondies that’s rich, nutty, and spiced just right. With cinnamon warmth, crunchy pecans and melted white chocolate swirls, they’re the perfect treat to bake for loved ones. Also See: Malva blondies with amarula glaze https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/malva-blondies-with-amarula-glaze
Amarula and chocolate crème brûlée is a devilishly creamy dessert. Who doesn’t love breaking that barrier of hard sugar, especially when these delicious flavours are waiting for you? Before pouring the two colours of custard into the ramekins, it will help to put each mixture into a separate teapot – teapots have a fine pouring action that ensures that the mixtures enter gently and don’t fuse. ALSO SEE: Baked milk tart https://www.foodandhome.co.za/features/baked-milk-tart
We gave you white chocolate drinks to sip and savour: now it’s time for dessert! Creamy, sweet, and oh-so-indulgent, white chocolate is the star of the show today. Whether you love it for its velvety texture or the way it pairs beautifully with fruit, nuts, or even a touch of spice, there’s no denying its charm. To celebrate White Chocolate Day, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite white chocolate desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. From elegant tarts and cheesecakes to quick treats you can whip up in minutes, these recipes are pure decadence. 1. Dripping…














