National Chocolate Day is October 28. This informal holiday should not be confused with the day observed by the U.S. National Confectioners Association for International Chocolate Day, which is September 13, the same day as Milton Hershey’s birthday. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because you see the Hershey name in every candy aisle in America.
National Chocolate Day will be celebrated on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
October 28 as a food holiday has a not-shocking proximity to another candy-motivated holiday on October 31st (yes, Halloween). Chocolate is practically a national obsession in some parts of our culture, so it’s only logical that we’d get a day to appreciate chocolate on its own without having to share the spotlight with candy corn, pumpkin pie, and Jolly Ranchers.
Scroll Down for a List of Chocolate Recipes ⬇
What Is Chocolate?
Chocolate comes from the cacao plant. It is made from cacao beans which are harvested and processed into what we know today as chocolate. In its raw form cacao can be beans, powder, or paste. It is made into chocolate as we typically consume it by adding sugar and fat.
When you eat a raw unprocessed bean (our sources say you can) you are eating cacao. When you eat processed cacao you may be consuming cocoa (the powder) or something far more elaborate such as a Hershey bar.
A Very Brief History Of Chocolate
Chocolate has been around for thousands of years; the earliest record of chocolate in human diets includes the use of chocolate four thousand years ago in what used to be called Mesoamerica (then), which we know better as present-day Mexico.
Some sources note the discovery of cacao residue on ancient pottery dating back to 1300 B.C.E. (a scholarly alternative to the religious dating convention A.D., also known as anno domini which is medieval Latin for “the year of Our Lord”).
One of the oldest civilizations in the area used chocolate as medicine as well as for rituals. Fast forward to the 21st century and National Chocolate day and you have an important part of our food culture that is tied to many other parts of our society; moviegoing, fundraising, retail, and food culture overall.
Celebrating National Chocolate Day
On National Chocolate Day, October 28th, you can celebrate in the most obvious ways including trying new types of chocolate you’ve never experienced before. But part of the fun of informal holidays like this?
Trying new chocolate recipes you’ve never attempted before. Ever try to make hot chocolate by replacing the milk with coconut milk as a vegan/vegetarian alternative? Many vegan food swaps are unpopular with people unfamiliar with vegan food culture. Not this one–the creaminess of the coconut milk actually makes this a bit MORE decadent than the ordinary variety.
Ever had a chocolate chip cookie pizza? This dessert item may be popular among those who like to get creative with their National Chocolate Day observance. Basically chocolate chip cookie dough spread out pizza dough style and topped with…you guessed it.
But you can get even more adventurous with a recipe for chocolate covered bacon. You’re after something where the chocolate is firm, like a ganache and not runny like Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Many recipes call for you to temper your chocolate; this is done by heating, cooling, and heating the chocolate again. It makes for a beautiful coating for your bacon when prepared this way.
If you’re a real chocoholic, you might even consider a visit to a Hershey’s Chocolate World, which offers a Hershey tour, the ability to create your own candy bar, try chocolate tastings and wine pairings, there is a lot to do here!
There is naturally a Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but there is also a location in Niagara Falls and Las Vegas. National Chocolate Day will be one to remember if you decide to make a day trip to have an experience at Chocolate World.
See our big list of National Food Holidays!
Recipes for National Chocolate Day
Hey chocoholics! It's time for National Chocolate Day. Here's a list of recipes to try to celebrate this silky and satisfying sweet.
Chocolate Mousse with Drunken Cherries
This Chocolate Mousse is rich and decadent plus it’s a snap to make! It’s wonderful on its own or top with delicious drunken cherries.
Easy Chocolate Fudge
Let's get down to the basics, and chocolate perfection. You’re just 3 ingredients away from enjoying this smooth, rich & EASY chocolate fudge!
Chocolate Berry Bread Pudding
This Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding is SO simple to make but tasty enough that everyone will love it! This is perfect for a Sunday brunch or holiday dessert.
Chocolate Raspberry Icebox Cake
Chocolate Raspberry Icebox Cake takes just six ingredients and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave over!
Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
You don't have to be a kid to adore this thick and creamy treat. This homemade chocolate pudding takes just a few ingredients and is ready in under 15 minutes.
Chocolate Caramel Bars
These Chocolate Caramel Bars are DANGEROUSLY delicious. A layer of chocolate and caramel is nestled between sweet and crisp oats. Perfect for cutting into portions and packing in your lunch for a mid-day chocolate fix.
Chocolate Chip & Toffee Skillet Cookie (Pizookie)
Better than the original Pizzookie, make this Chocolate Chip & Toffee Skillet Cookie at home, top it with a scoop of ice cream, and indulge all you want.
Chocolate Truffles
An easy chocolate truffle recipe that’s smooth and silky, just like truffles should be.
Almond Flour Chocolate Cake
This Almond Flour Chocolate cake is easy to make, ultra-choclatey, and super decadent!
Mole Negro Sauce (Black Mole Sauce )
This vegan mole negro sauce is a deep, smoky sauce made with dried black chilies, spices, and bittersweet chocolate. Perfect for topping chicken or other meat, or adding to enchiladas, tacos, or tamales.
Chocolate Martini
You can make this with many variations, but this recipe is creative and sophisticated, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings at cocktail hour.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Chocolate covered bacon. Does it really need more of an introduction?
Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes
This one takes the chocolate and bacon pairing to the next level. Simply scrumptious with this salty sweet combo.
Lamb with Dark Chocolate Pepper Sauce
Yes, you can have chocolate for dinner. This roasted rack of lamb with a dark chocolate pepper sauce is delectable and classy -- perfect for a celebratory dinner.
Triple Chocolate Beef & Bean Chili
This hearty chili is made with three types of chocolate - cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate, and chocolate stout beer.
Mexican Chocolate Soup
This vegetarian Mexican chocolate soup is super easy, but the spices and veggies make it flavorful and comforting.
Chocolate Covered Jalapenos Recipe
These sweet and spicy jalapenos can be stuffed with peanut butter, cream cheese, caramel, or any of your favorite flavors.
Enchiladas Dulces (Sweet Enchiladas)
This recipe takes enchiladas in a new direction -- made with chiles, Mexican chocolate, and topped with queso fresco, this is a sweet dinner dish with a kick.
Chocolate Pasta Three Ways
Chocolate pasta? Yes! Combine two of your favorite food cravings and choose if you want to make it a sweet or savory meal with this recipe that is both delicious and elegant.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Eggs ( Paleo, Gluten-free)
Have you ever had banana eggs? Well now you can (and should). Throw chocolate into the mix and your breakfast will never be the same.
Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Pancakes Recipe
Weekend breakfast or brunch is something the whole family looks forward to, and these chocolate chip sweet potato pancakes will be the perfect new addition to your menu.
Chocolate Potato Pancakes
These potato cakes are hash brown heaven with chocolatey chunks. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this is a tasty and easy recipe for breakfast or dinner.
Russian Chocolate Salami
This Russian Chocolate Salami is an easy no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time an frozen in batches to keep on hand for anytime you need a treat. Perfect to pair with coffee or tea.
Cocoa-Orange Catfish
This recipe might change your mind about pairing fish with chocolate. It is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness and can be prepared with and white fleshed fish filet.
Squid with Curry and Chocolate Sauce
This is a great fusion dish that pairs squid with the combination of chocolate and curry. Soak up the sauce with your favorite crusty bread.
The Best Chocolate Milkshake Recipe
We can't have a list of chocolate recipes without adding a chocolate milkshake. If you've never made them at home before, they're super easy -- and delicious.
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