Although there are a lot of flavors available, nothing beats the luscious chocolate cake. Restaurants and bakeries offer their own take on this classic so it can be difficult to find the best one. Cakes have always been part of our lives. Not only do we order them during celebrations, but we also eat them to satisfy our sweet tooth.
Choosing a chocolate cake also depends on personal preferences in terms of taste, texture, and other factors. In this article, we shared some tips on how to choose a chocolate cake in our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, along with some of our top chocolate cake picks.
Quick List - Top Chocolate Cakes
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's differentiate a few of the most common types of chocolate cake. They generally vary in structure, texture, and base. It is important to know these for you to make an informed choice on which chocolate cake to buy depending on your preference.
This type is probably the first thing that comes to mind when talking about cakes. It can go from a single layer to multiple tiers, with icing in between and around the whole cake. The base of a layer cake resembles the texture of a brownie or bread. It can also be called a fudge cake if it has a moist and compact texture.
Sponge and chiffon cakes can also be used for a layer cake. They are lighter, airy, fluffy, and less dense than the fudge but are also moist. Any type of cake and icing is good as long as they hold the cake together. The more layers a chocolate cake has, the more elegant it looks!
Some people like the creamy icing more than the cake itself. If that is the case, then you should go for a chocolate mousse cake. It has a layer of cake at the bottom but is predominantly made of mousse and whipped cream on top. This is not as heavy as the layer cake since there is a small ratio of the cake base.
It has a smooth, fluffy, and creamy texture since it is made with whipped egg whites. If you love ice cream and other cold desserts, you will like a good chocolate mousse as well. This type is best served chilled and should be eaten before it melts. You can also place it in the freezer if you prefer a more firm mousse.
A lava cake is like a hybrid of a chocolate cake and a soufflé and is not just an undercooked cake. A perfect one has a moist cake on the outside with a warm chocolate liquid inside. It takes just about 10 minutes to bake a flawless one. Some would bake the cake first before injecting the chocolate sauce into the cake.
It is called as such because when you slice it open, hot, chocolate “lava” oozes out. It is usually served piping hot with ice cream and even seasonal fruits. Each lava cake has a variety of textures which includes the moist and fluffy cake base, gooey chocolate "lava," and the creamy ice cream on top.
Chocolate ganache is essentially just melted chocolate mixed with hot cream. The ganache used for cake bases is thicker compared to the ganache used to glaze or coat cakes as it is chilled or refrigerated, making it more compact.
The ganache itself can already be a cake on its own or can also be incorporated into a layer cake. Although the texture of a chocolate ganache cake is similar to a chocolate mousse, there are a few differences between the two.
The former has a firmer texture and is sturdier than the latter since whipped eggs are not used in making one. When refrigerated, a chocolate ganache cake may get hard. However, you can defrost it for a bit until it achieves your preferred softness.
The chocolate torte is made with little to no flour which makes it a good choice for people who have a gluten-free diet. A torte can be mistaken for a fudge or sponge base, but it is different. It is more compact and less aerated than the layer cake since it has minimal to no flour to make it rise.
In place of flour, crushed nuts or breadcrumbs are used, which makes a tightly packed crumb base. Think of the texture of a torte as a combination of a regular sponge and ganache, but make it denser. Although the texture is not as fluffy as other cakes, tortes can be stacked into multiple layers since they can hold their shape.
The size of the cake you purchase depends on your consumption. To satisfy your cravings, cake slices are ideal for personal consumption. You can also order a slice if you'd like to try it out first before purchasing the whole cake.
Aside from slices, there are also smaller 3 to 6-inch variants of larger cakes. These can be purchased either for your own consumption or as a small token or gift for your loved ones. Larger cakes starting at 9 inches are best for special occasions since they can be shared with your family and friends.
In addition, cakes also come in different shapes such as round, square, and rectangular. It is important to get the size right to make sure that everyone gets a taste of the cake with equal servings. At the same time, order only the right quantity to avoid leftovers.
Although plain cakes are already good on their own, adding your own personalized touch makes them more special. When looking for a store to buy a chocolate cake from, ask if they have options to customize the cake.
They may offer services to write a short and sweet message on top. Some bakeshops and restaurants also sell creative toppers for different occasions and numbered candles for birthdays and anniversaries.
Do note that this will cost you a bit more, so you should verify the amount before purchasing the cake to avoid going over your budget. If you do not want to splurge on lavish designs, you can just buy candles and make your own cake decor.
Each bakeshop has its own recipe for the humble chocolate cake. They vary in terms of toppings, icing, texture, and sweetness level. Different combinations of these make every cake distinct from other shops. Chocolate cakes which are on the soft and sweeter side are a good and safe option for both kids and adults.
Those who want to taste more of the chocolate minus the sweetness can go for cakes with a bittersweet taste. Some cakes even have nuts for that added crunch, or salt to curb the sweetness and add some depth to the flavor. For more adventurous foodies, you can try out unique flavor combinations and cakes with various textures.
If you are looking for a chocolate cake that you have not tried before, check the website or social media account of the bakeshop or restaurant and read through the reviews posted online. Customers usually leave detailed comments regarding the taste and the overall service of the store so you will be guided.
Take note of the distinct qualities of each cake and compare them. Of course, taste perception is relative to each person. You can also ask friends or family members who have the same taste as you for their recommendations. If you are still unsure, the best thing to do is buy a slice or a small-sized cake to taste it yourself.
People consider eating chocolate cake as an indulgence and would often splurge on it. Although it is delicious, you should still be mindful of the amount you eat at a time. If you want to fulfill your craving for chocolate cake but are concerned about your blood sugar, then go for a zero or low-sugar option.
Cakes usually have eggs and flour among other ingredients. For those who are on a gluten-free diet, look for a flourless cake or torte. There are also vegan and vegetarian chocolate cakes available in the market if you follow that lifestyle. However, always check the breakdown of ingredients especially the sweeteners and even fats or oils used.
Buying from big and trusted brands is a fail-proof choice since the quality and taste of the cake are guaranteed. They usually have more branches across the country so you don't need to search far and wide for a delicious chocolate cake.
You may also buy from underrated small businesses that can match - or even surpass - the quality of the cakes you buy from well-known shops. If the cake you'll buy is a gift, then get one from the favorite bakeshop or restaurant of the recipient.
If you do not know their favorite store, then you may choose the best-selling chocolate cake near you. You can also purchase one that they have not tried before, as long as you have already tried it to see if the flavor is right up their alley.
Choosing to have the cake delivered whether via courier or in-house delivery riders is convenient. With this, you will be able to buy your favorite chocolate cake minus the hassle of going out. However, this also comes with a few risks like having the cake delivered way too early, or later than expected.
Riders often use motorcycles to transport goods so there is a chance that the cake will move around on the way. To avoid inconveniences, you can remind the rider and the store to secure the packaging. You can also opt for pick-up to be sure that you get it on time and in good condition, though this will take more time and effort on your part.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Conti's Bakeshop Chocolate Obsession | ![]() | Have a Chocolate Feast With Three Kinds of Chocolate | |
2 | Big Al's Cookie Jar Chocolate Caramel Cake | ![]() | Mouthwatering Blend of Chocolate and Caramel | |
3 | Le Sucre Lab Chocolate Dreamcake | ![]() | A Chocolate Ganache Cake With Different Textures | |
4 | Chocolat Death by Tablea | ![]() | Moist Chocolate Cake Made With Locally Grown Cacao | |
5 | Workshop 17-Layer Chocolate Cake | ![]() | Chocolate-y Goodness in Every Layer | |
6 | Chili's Molten Chocolate Cake | ![]() | Warm Lava Cake With an Explosion of Rich Chocolate Flavor | |
7 | Wildflour Salted Chocolate Cake | ![]() | A Right Balance of Sweet and Salty | |
8 | Lia’s Cakes in Season Chocolate Avocado Cake | ![]() | Chocolate Cake Made Even More Luscious With Avocadoes | |
9 | The Vegetarian Kitchen Dark Chocolate Cake | ![]() | Vegan Chocolate Cake That Does Not Compromise Taste and Satisfaction | |
10 | Red Ribbon Chocolate Mousse | ![]() | Filipino Favorite Chocolate Mousse |
This cake from Conti's is for people who are really obsessed with chocolate, hence the name. They are mostly known for their Mango Bravo, but this one also takes the cake. In between the crunchy wafer layers, you are treated to a chocolate feast of bittersweet dark chocolate, white chocolate cream, and premium milk chocolate.
Not only that but a generous dusting of cocoa powder is spread on top along with a chocolate casing around the cake to cap it all off. You can customize the cake by buying candles, cake toppers, and a greeting card from Conti's. An insulated bag can also be bought with your cake for added protection while it's being transported to you.
This chocolate cake with caramel has steadily been making waves on the internet over the past few years. We can definitely see why. It has a moist cake unlike any other that is already good on its own.
The caramel sauce on top makes it a heavenly combination. You might be worried that it may be too sweet, but according to reviewers, the flavor is just right. The caramel gives a slight sweetness that does not overpower the chocolate taste of the cake.
You can heat the cake in the oven or microwave if you like the caramel to ooze into the cake. It also comes in multiple sizes to cater to different appetites. You can also go for their own version of chocolate cake if you want a more chocolatey flavor.
Dreamcakes have been a craze in the Philippines over the past years. A lot of shops have their own version but the original creators in Le Sucre Lab have trademarked the term "Dreamcake".
It has a moist cake at the bottom with layers of dark chocolate ganache, chocolate goo, crispy chocolate disk, and cocoa powder on top. It comes in the signature round tin can which makes it the perfect gift for your loved ones or just as a personal indulgence.
If you're watching your sugar intake or if you're on a diet, they also have a Guiltless Chocolate Dreamcake which is the sugar-free and gluten-free version of the original one. However, you might need to shell out a bit more money for this one.
Local-brand Chocolat has been in the business since 2003. If you feel limited by the choices of chocolate cakes from other stores, then you should definitely check this one out! They offer a wide variety of flavor combinations but their best seller is the Death by Tablea cake which has the signature moist and light Chocolat cake base.
The icing is made of condensed milk and Mindanao-grown cacao which is topped with chocolate shavings for the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness in every bite. If you are a hardcore dark chocolate fan, you can also try their Deep Dark Classic.
Do not let the seemingly basic structure and size of this cake fool you! Once you cut into it and take a slice, you will see its wonder, all 17 layers of it. Each spoonful will give you an equal ratio of icing and cake because of its multiple layers. No need to call dibs on a specific part of the cake!
It is made with 72% Dark Valrhona Araguani chocolate, which gives the cake a slightly fruity flavor, with hints of raisins, chestnuts, and licorice. Ideally, you must pre-order this cake 48 hours in advance. However, going to the store to pick up your order is recommended if you plan to purchase a whole cake.
Most people who rave about lava cakes have already tried this one from Chili's. They swear by this cake since it is the perfect dessert to cap off a savory meal. The moist cake base hides the "lava" waiting to ooze out when sliced. A scoop of vanilla ice cream covered with a chocolate casing is placed on top to resemble a volcanic eruption.
The contrasting temperatures of the steaming cake and the vanilla ice cream will truly give you a unique gastronomic experience. When you order on the site, there is a text box where you can specify additional instructions regarding storage for delivery, customization options, and more.
If you are looking for a cake with the signature taste of chocolate but with a bit more oomph, then you might like this Salted Chocolate Cake from Wildflour. It looks unassuming at first due to its sleek and smooth exterior, but once you take a bite, you will never go back to the plain old chocolate cake!
The salt crystals sprinkled around elevates its flavor and helps reset your taste buds, making you come back for more. You can get this per slice if you want it for yourself, and also for celebrations because of the larger 9-inch size. You may also try their Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake if you want a plain one.
Lia’s Cakes in Season offers a wide range of avocado cakes. Of course, the line wouldn’t be complete with their own take on chocolate cake. It has a moist chocolate cake base on the inside with their signature creamy avocado frosting in between the layers and all around the cake.
Most of all, there is a generous amount of chocolate shavings on top of the cake to add a crispy texture and more chocolatey goodness. The mix of chocolate and the natural taste of avocadoes gives it a unique sweetness and creaminess. If you happen to love avocadoes, you may get the avocado carousel cake which includes 2 slices of each flavor, including this.
On the product description, there is a list of ingredients used for this cake, so you will be aware in case of allergies. For special occasions, they have an option to indicate a message on the cake and to add candles. According to reviews, their in-house delivery provides fast service.
This Vegan Chocolate Cake from The Vegetarian Kitchen is so good that it is named by PETA Asia as one of the top 10 vegan chocolate treats in Manila! It still has everything you want in a chocolate cake - the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness from the dark chocolate along with a moist texture that everyone loves.
It is a safe dessert to serve on occasions where guests have different diets. This cake is not only for vegans and vegetarians but for all people to enjoy. Let your family and friends taste this and they will be surprised to know that it does not contain any ingredients from animals.
Ask any Filipino out there what a chocolate mousse cake is, and they will probably point you to this one from Red Ribbon. This cake has been a favorite by kids and adults alike. It has a cake base at the bottom, followed by a luscious chocolate mousse, and whipped cream at the topmost layer sprinkled with chocolate chips.
The mousse and whipped cream melt in your mouth as you munch on the lingering chocolate chips and the cake base. This makes you want more of the creamy layers that you might finish the cake in one sitting! When you order, you have an option to purchase cake toppers and add a message on top of the cake.
If you are looking for other desserts besides chocolate cake, look no further! In these articles, we listed down the best ice creams, caramel cakes, and other chocolate-based desserts. Click on the links to find out what they are!
Author: Patricia Catimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Conti's Bakeshop|Chocolate Obsession
No. 2: Big Al's Cookie Jar|Chocolate Caramel Cake
No. 3: Le Sucre Lab|Chocolate Dreamcake
No. 4: Chocolat|Death by Tablea
No. 5: Workshop|17-Layer Chocolate Cake
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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