The complimentary Carnival dessert that’s worth ordering every time, according to loyal cruisers

While Carnival isn't known for its Michelin-star food, the cruise line offers a surprisingly delicious variety of cuisine, from tacos at BlueIguana Cantina to juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint and crispy chicken tenders at Big Chicken. 

One standout dish that consistently earns praise is the warm chocolate melting cake. Served in the Main Dining Room every evening, the decadent dessert features a rich, ooey-gooey chocolate center that's perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I had heard about the dessert for years but didn't buy into the hype until I took my first cruise on Carnival Celebration. Since then, it's been a must on every Carnival cruise I've been on, and I've enjoyed introducing the melting cake to friends and family. 

I'm not alone, either. Hannah Sommer, who is part of the VIFP Club's Gold tier with 59 days at sea, said, "After 10+ Carnival cruises, could I tell you how many melting cakes my family and I have enjoyed? No, we lost count after the first few cruises! Nothing beats that first spoonful of rich, chocolatey goodness." 

"Yes, the consistency can be somewhat sporadic, but you know you got a good one when the spoon immediately sinks in, and your sweet tooth is instantly satisfied. The only thing that might be better is [the] baked Alaska on the last night of every cruise, but who says you can’t have both!"

In fact, Sommer's parents love the dessert so much that they make it at home. It's easy thanks to the popular cruise line sharing the recipe online, ensuring that even if your next Carnival cruise is a year away, you can get your chocolaty fix. 

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Sarah Cinq-Mars, a teacher from North Carolina who went on her first cruise aboard Carnival Elation last year, also raves about the dessert:

"My next Carnival cruise is in May on the Carnival Luminosa, and all I can think about is the melting cake to be very honest. Even after only having it once, it was life-changing!" 

Cruise.Blog's video editor, Jenna, recently sailed aboard Carnival Firenze out of California. While onboard, she tried the warm chocolate melting cake and was mostly impressed. 

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"I loved the gooey center, although sometimes I found it a little too runny. The taste was extremely rich, so much so that I couldn't finish the whole dish each evening. Nonetheless, I love a warm cake topped with vanilla ice cream, so I ordered it a few times during the cruise," she recalled. 

Because the melting cake is available in all of Carnival's main dining rooms, you don't have to worry about paying extra for this dessert. Yes, this means you can order it every single night of your 7-day cruise for no additional cost! 

Read more: 11 foods you must eat on a Carnival cruise

How to make Carnival's chocolate melting cake even better

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Sommer went on to talk about ways to elevate the delicacy of the dessert. "Pair it with peanut butter and thank me later," she said. 

However, if you're like me and not the biggest fan of peanut butter, you can opt for a lighter and sweeter alternative: strawberries. I didn't learn about this hack until after my last Carnival cruise over a year ago, so I'm looking forward to putting it to the test in a few months. 

Another tip is to swap out the ice cream flavor. Instead of vanilla, ask your waiter if they can bring a side of strawberry or chocolate ice cream. They may even have a special flavor available! However, if you like the standard vanilla, Sommer recommends asking for an extra serving. 

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The warm chocolate melting cake is just one example of how Carnival continues to deliver delicious food for every guest aboard. Over time, the cake has developed a cult-like following, and you won't find many who don’t consider it a must during their cruise. 

So, if you're planning a Carnival cruise, don't miss out on the melting cake during dinner. It has become a signature offering loved by first-timers and veteran cruisers alike!