When you’re a kid, Valentine’s Day is pretty much about eating all the candy you can at your class party. But now that you’re an adult, it’s…okay, pretty much still all about the candy, if we’re being real. But instead of eating all the chocolate you can get your hands on, you should try making your own Valentine’s Day dessert for something different this year. Whether you want a romantic ending to your cozy date night at home or you’re looking for something to serve at your Galentine’s Day party, these Valentine’s dessert recipes are sure to make everyone fall in love.
No matter what your baking skills are, we’ve got a sweet recipe for everyone to try. Some of these are super-duper easy. Like, three ingredients and you don’t even need to turn on your oven kind of easy. Of course, if you’re a baking pro, we’ve also got some more elaborate recipes that’ll impress everyone. Plus, if you or your sweetheart are gluten-free or vegan, we grabbed a few recipes that work for them. Because no one should ever have to skip dessert, imo.
And if you’re still looking for romantic Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetheart or ideas for V-Day cocktails, we’ve got you covered on those, too. Keep scrolling to find all the best Valentine’s Day dessert ideas to serve this February 14th.
1
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Forget the box of chocolates and instead whip up this indulgent chocolatey cake. If they’re not in love with you already, this cake recipe from baker Becca Rea-Tucker will make them fall instantly.
Get the Chocolate Olive Oil Cake recipe.
Cookie + cake? Say less. This recipe from Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi is a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert whether you’re serving your boo, your Galentines, or…yourself.
Get the Milk Bar Cookie Cake recipe.
3
Pop-Another-Bottle Crumble
Your V-Day date is gonna be so impressed when you bring out this rustic and elegant fruit crumble topped with ice cream. The not-so-secret ingredient is half a cup of leftover wine.
Get the Leftover Wine Fruit Crumble recipe.
This light, fluffy cake is totally on-theme for Valentine’s Day. And the cream cheese frosting really takes it to the next level.
Get the Red Velvet Cake recipe from Delish.
5
Chocolate Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies
6
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
If you’re not super confident about your baking skills, you can still whip up a v fancy dessert of chocolate covered strawberries. I mean, it’s 3 ingredients and you don’t even have to turn your oven on, so I believe you can handle it.
Get the Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe from Delish.
Fun fact: you don’t even need a heart-shaped pan to put together this cute lil cake! This would be a perfect Galentine’s Day baking project.
Get the Heart-Shaped Cake recipe from Good Housekeeping.
8
Sweet Cherry Linzer Torte Cookies
9
Flourless Chocolate Cake
This dense, super-rich cake is basically the definition of decadence. Bonus: if your sweetheart is gluten-free, you’re safe with this recipe since it’s a flourless cake.
Get the Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe from Delish.
10
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
These chocolate cookies with a gooey caramel filling and flaky sea-salt topping are the perfect sweet and salty thing for your Valentine.
Get the Chocolate Caramel Cookies recipe from Good Housekeeping.
11
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream
Skip the wilting grocery store flowers this year in favor of these cupcakes. The design is easier than you think, once you have the right piping tips (you can buy the 1M and 1B tips on Amazon).
Get the Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream recipe from Country Living.
12
Chocolate Sweetheart Cupcakes
Another super-simple but impressive Valentine’s Day dessert is this candy heart bark that only requires five ingredients.
Get the Candy Heart Bark recipe from Delish.
14
Vegan Chocolate Truffles
The best way to say “ILY” to a vegan Valentine is definitely these decadent truffles, which rely on coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Get the Vegan Chocolate Truffles recipe from Good Housekeeping.
15
No Bake Cheesecake with Berry Toppings
16
Double Chocolate Mocha Mousse
I mean, who can say no to chocolate mousse? This elegant V-Day dessert is also pretty simple to make, requiring just six ingredients.
Get the Double Chocolate Mocha Mousse recipe from Woman’s Day.
Keep it classic with these sugar cookies shaped like hearts. You can make your own frosting if you wanna go the extra mile or get creative with some store-bought frosting. Don’t forget the sprinkles!
Get the Heart Cookies recipe from Delish.
18
White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines
So, these are actually store-bought Madeleines that you dip in white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and cranberries, but you can totally tell your date that you spent the entire afternoon baking these.
Get the White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Um, how freaking cute is this?? Just drag a toothpick through some dollops of frosting to create this adorable heart design.
Get the Sweetheart Cheesecake recipe from Country Living.
20
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles
If your V-Day sweetheart isn’t much of a chocolate person (I know, I know, some people are just wrong) then you can still give ’em something sweet with these snickerdoodle cookie dough truffles.
Get the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles recipe from Woman’s Day.
21
Millionaire Shortbread
This crunchy cookie gets its name from how rich it is. It’s basically crumbly shortbread topped with chewy caramel, dark chocolate and flaky sea salt. Yes please!!!
Get the Millionaire Shortbread recipe from Delish.
Everyone should have a good go-to pound cake recipe. It’s kinda perfect for every occasion, including Valentine’s Day. This one is especially citrusy and bright.
Get the Lemon Pound Cake recipe from Good Housekeeping.
23
Strawberry Rhubarb Shortbread Bars
You can use fresh or frozen rhubarb to make these gorgeous bars. They have to chill for at least two hours after they’ve been baked, so plan ahead!
Get the Strawberry Rhubarb Shortbread Bars recipe from Country Living.
Waffles are not just a breakfast food, and ice cream isn’t just a summer food. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk!
Get the Rainbow Waffle-wiches recipe from Woman’s Day.
25
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies
These seasonally appropriate cookies double down on the chocolate, thanks to the bittersweet chocolate chips and half a cup of cocoa powder in this recipe.
Get the Red Velvet Cookies recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Want to really wow your Valentine? This blooming pie with tons of strawberries oughta do it. Pro tip: I’d set aside lots of time for this one, since you’ll need to chill the dough at various intervals.
Get the Strawberry Slab Pie recipe from Country Living.
The “rosebud” on these cupcakes is actually a red sour candy strap. Your sweetheart’s gonna love this creative dessert.
Get the Mini Rosebud Cupcakes recipe from Woman’s Day.
You’ll need to make a strawberry compote for this cake, but don’t worry — it’s easier than it sounds.
Get the Strawberry Cake recipe from Delish.
30
Strawberry and Snickers Sticks
Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance.
