Woohoo! October 28^th is National Chocolate Day! There are lots of chocolate-related holidays throughout the year, but National Chocolate Day is a day to celebrate the glory of all things chocolate. Most people love chocolate – after all, who can resist the rich, deep, sweet and slightly bitter taste of really good chocolate.

Not all chocolate is created equal, however. Of course, some chocolate tastes better than other chocolate but there is also a nutritional difference. As if we needed more reasons to eat chocolate, we can be happy that dark chocolate is a superfood! Flavanols, which are more prevalent in dark chocolate, have antioxidant effects that reduce cell damage implicated in heart disease. Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve vascular function, possibly reducing the risks of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. To read more about the health benefits of dark chocolate, see Chocolate Isn’t Just Good for Your Heart — It Also Improves Your Gut … Here’s Why, Food Face-Off: Health Benefits of Milk vs. Dark Chocolate and Choose Dark Chocolate for Heart Health.

Choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 65 percent or higher but of course, eat it in moderation because it still has significant calories (up to 450 calories for 3 ounces). For those times you do indulge, see Creative Ways to Put Dark Chocolate to Good Use and 10 Divine Ways to Create Delicious Dark Chocolate Desserts. You can even learn to make your own Homemade Dark Chocolate Chunks. Then get ready to celebrate all things chocolate with these 10 decadent dishes for dark chocolate lovers.

1. Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Blizzard

If you liked the Blizzards from the fast food chain, you’ll love these Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Blizzards. It’s a healthier option with frozen bananas, organic dark chocolate, cacao, dates, and peanut butter. This is a great recipe to try with kids and adults alike because they can choose what ingredients they want to have swirled into their blizzard.

2. Dark Chocolate Banana Bonbon Bites

Dark chocolate, banana, and almonds make for an incredible taste combination in these mouthwatering Chocolate Banana Bonbon Bites. They’re perfect for a sweet treat and healthy boost: all three ingredients are loaded with magnesium. Be warned, the sensation of cracking chocolate followed by the sweet taste of banana ice cream makes these treats irresistible!

3. Raw Peppermint Oreos Dipped in Dark Chocolate

These Raw Peppermint Oreos Dipped in Dark Chocolate are so good, you’re going to love them! Chewy chocolate cookies sandwich a peppermint vanilla coconut creme filling. Then all the cookies are dipped in chocolate, making them double chocolate. Can life get any better? Yes because these are also really good for you and easy to make.

4. Secret Dark Chocolate Cake

Can you keep a secret? The biggest secret to this Dark Chocolate Cake is the use of olive oil. It allows this cake to become super moist with a rich dark chocolate taste. Serve this with your favorite vegan ice cream or coconut whipped cream. You won’t be able to keep how delicious this cake is secret, however. One bite and everyone will know.

5. Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites

Chocolate and cheesecake are natural besties, which makes the invention of Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites a no brainer. They are creamy and rich on the inside, sweet and decadent on the outside with dark chocolate and all without a bit of dairy. Plus, they come together so easily that the challenge is only eating one!

6. Triple Chocolate Orange Brownies

These Triple Chocolate Orange Brownies are perfectly moist and oh so chocolatey. They have a hint of orange zest for a bright twist on the classic. Chocolate and orange taste so good together. These are ideal to bring to a party and share with everyone but save some for yourself because these will go quick.

7. No Bake Brownie Batter – Go Ahead, Lick That Spoon!

This Double Chocolate Brownie Batter is incredibly indulgent. It has that deep, dark, decadent taste – the kind of taste that you expect to get when you bite into a brownie. Of course this, not your regular brownie batter, it’s made with organic black beans and is free from dairy, gluten, and refined sugar.

8. Chocolate-Dipped Maple ‘Meringues’

These Chocolate-Dipped Maple ‘Meringues’ are made with chickpea brine, also known as aquafaba. Instead of regular sugar, these are made with maple syrup that tastes so much richer than icing sugar. They’re dipped in dark chocolate for a light and decadent treat.

9. Espresso Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge

This Espresso Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge is amazing! It has coffee, dark chocolate, and hazelnuts all together in one delicious, gooey bite. It couldn’t be easier to make, and it’s rich and decadent. Yes, please!

10. Homemade Chocolate Covered Blueberries

If you love chocolate-covered anything, you have to try these Homemade Chocolate Covered Blueberries! Not only are they adorable and delicious but they have double the antioxidants, so they’re doubly healthy. That will make you feel better about being tempted to eat the whole batch in one sitting. When something tastes so indulgent and so decadent, and that something is also so good for you, it’s definitely reason to celebrate. So break out the dark chocolate and have the richest, darkest, yummiest National Chocolate Day ever! Lead image source: Secret Dark Chocolate Cake