Death by chocolate cake

Did you know that January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day? We’re not exactly sure who started this so-called holiday, but we guarantee nobody’s complaining about it, especially not college students. Nothing is better than coming back to your dorm room or apartment after a hard day of classes and indulging in a little something sweet. Whether you're a fan of white, milk, dark, or any other type of chocolate, there are tons of recipes sprinkled on Pinterest and foodie websites to help you curb your cravings. But, we won't make you read through hundreds of mouth-watering posts. No, we gladly did that for you. After hours of sampling potential candidates, these emerged as our favorites. Some were selected by ease of preparation, and others just tasted amazing. Enjoy!

Easy as 1-2-3

These chocolate cakes not only taste great, but are also simple to make. You just need a mug and a microwave.

Mint chocolate cake in a mug

Basic ingredients include: canola oil, egg, heavy cream, flour, brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, chocolate chips, cream cheese, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and white icing (optional). Cook time: two minutes. Get the recipe at SheKnows.com.

One-minute chocolate cake in a mug

Basic ingredients include: cocoa powder, flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, coconut or vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla. Cook time: 40 seconds. Get the recipe at ChocolateCoveredKatie.com.

Nutty little mug cake

Basic ingredients include: Nutella (yes!), sugar, vegetable oil, egg, milk, cocoa powder, flour, and one Ferrero Rocher. You can also top with whipped cream, if desired. Cook time: one minute. Get the recipe at ThisLittleStreet.com.

Chocolate fudge s'mores mug cake

Basic ingredients include: graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, milk chocolate morsels, and marshmallow fluff. Cook time: three minutes. Get the recipe at How Sweet It Is.

Gluten-free

We know many of you have gluten issues, so we scoured the Internet for a recipe that’s easy and tastes great. Hope you like it.

3-ingredient flourless chocolate cake

Basic ingredients include (count ‘em!): chocolate, eggs, and butter. Cook time: 25 minutes (oven). Get the recipe at GimmeSomeOven.com.

Death by chocolate

Warning! These recipes should only be consumed by diehard chocoholics or those needing a serious sugar rush to get through finals.

Coca-Cola chocolate cake (AKA the triple C cake)

Basic ingredients include: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, Coca-Cola, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans. Cook time: 30 minutes. Get the recipe at DayDreamKitchen.com.

Wasted chocolate cake

Basic ingredients include: cocoa powder, hot water, flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange liqueur (optional), powdered sugar, whole milk, and assorted chocolate candies. Cook time: 30 minutes. Get the recipe at Hoof Prints and Heels.

Courtesy of HomeDressing.net.

Of course, if you don’t have the time or the ingredients, you can always take a shortcut. Just stop by your local grocery store and pick up a basic chocolate cake. Next, head to the candy aisle and grab a few confections to give your cake some pizazz. Whatever you do, just have some fun — and don’t forget the milk!