Love at first bite--6 lightened chocolate desserts

Chocolate is a Valentine's Day staple that doesn't have to be deadly to your diet. Try one of these lightened-but still decadent!-chocolate desserts to share with the one you love.

Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

These hot-from-the-oven dark chocolate desserts are the perfect grand finale for any celebration. Between their decidedly rich flavor and sumptuous textures that combine a crusty top with a molten interior, these cakes earned our Test Kitchens' highest rating.

View Recipe: Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

See More: Holiday Desserts

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes are easy to make, and because simple ingredients are used, it's best to purchase premium cocoa powder and dark chocolate. Since they're studded with dark chocolate chunks, just dusting them with powdered sugar is enough to decorate these treats.

View Recipe: Double-Chocolate Cupcakes

Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart

Coarsely chopped almonds, two kinds of chocolate, and golden cane syrup help give Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart its rich flavor and our highest rating. "Easy and beautiful, this tart will satisfy every chocoholic's need for a chocolate fix," comments Test Kitchen Professional Deb Wise.

View Recipe: Upside-Down Fudge-Almond Tart

See More: Sweet Treats Under 150 Calories

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store these Test Kitchen favorite cookies up to one week in an airtight container--if they last that long. We suggest keeping a dozen in the freezer for emergencies.

View Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Decadence

No mixer? No problem. You won't need one for this surprisingly easy, aptly named dessert. Antioxidant-rich chocolate makes three appearances here―as cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate, and semisweet morsels. If you don't have ramekins, use muffin pans. The best part about this dessert: utter indulgence for a perfectly reasonable 315 calories. (Before we lightened it, this recipe contained 546.)

View Recipe: Chocolate Decadence
See More: Ultimate Summer Cookbook: Desserts

Cocoa Fudge Cookies

These "disappearing cookies" are so rich, soft, and chewy that they tend to vanish quickly. "They're the perfect cross between cookie and brownie," one reader says. "Moist and dense on the inside, like a brownie, but crusty on the outside, like a cookie, you'd never know they're light." At only 78 calories each, feel free to make a few batches. Then watch them disappear!

View Recipe: Cocoa Fudge Cookies

Continue Reading: 14 More Lightened Chocolate Desserts

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