Valentine's Day isn't everyone's cup of tea. For those who are single, it may be a reminder of not having a significant other. For those in a couple, it might feel like just another way to spend unnecessary amounts of money on a fancy Valentine's Day dinner. But one fact reminds: If you love chocolate, candy, and baked goods, you probably love Valentine's Day. Sure, fancy dinners and Valentine's Day cocktails are great, but it's the sugar-infused goodness that really has us all coming back each year. As a kid, you can probably remember the elation of receiving the best Valentine's Day candy, or being gifted a box of chocolates from a parent.
There's just something about the holiday that makes desserts feel exciting in a way they don't any other time of year. From cake recipes to ice cream, there are a million ways to interpret dessert on Valentine's Day — and spoiler: They all taste great. Whether you're whipping up a sweet treat for a loved one this holiday, or you're just looking to treat yourself, here are 70 Valentine's Day dessert recipes that range from simple and classic, to unique and creative. No matter what you choose, you really can't go wrong — that's the best part about dessert.
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Chocolate Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies
MIKE GARTEN
We won't blame you if you choose these hugs and kisses over the ones your significant other wants to give you. Kidding! (Kind of.)
Instead of giving your partner their favorite candy bar in the cute pink and red holiday wrapping paper this Valentine's Day, turn it into this chocolatey-fruity kebab.
Summer may still be a few months away, but that doesn't mean you can't start having ice cream sandwiches already. It's the day of love! Let yourself and your significant other enjoy all of the day's sweet treats.
If this dessert doesn't scream, "Valentine's Day!" then we don't know what does. If you're looking for a dessert that's going to impress a date or delight at the office party, this is a great choice.
Your Valentine's dessert can be anything you want, so forget chocolate (if that's not your thing). These lemon hearts are festive and make for a delicious chocolate alternative.
Red Citrus Salad with Berries, Pears and Pomegranates
Mike Garten
Granted, this is technically a salad recipe, but the combination of honey, greek yogurt, and fruit sounds like a dessert to us (especially if you're looking for a treat that's rich in vitamin C).
This breathtakingly decorated cake will be the most gorgeous centerpiece for your Valentine's Day dinner table. And if you don't live somewhere it snows in February, simply remove the snowflake toppings.
This five-ingredient dessert is the perfect last-minute sweet treat to whip up. It only takes 5 minutes and is very on brand for Valentine's Day, considering the hints of pink and red colors.
If you want to try something new this Valentine's Day, consider making these hermit bars. They're rich with molasses, dried cherries, and candied ginger, which fill them with flavor.
These pavlovas (a.k.a. meringue swirls) are almost too pretty to eat, but once you take a bite, you won't want to stop. They do take a few hours to cool, however, so plan accordingly.
Put a classy twist on your favorite toasted pastry with these gorgeous mini desserts. All you need is refrigerated pie dough, raspberry (or any other) jam, and an egg.
What's Valentine's Day, the holiday made up of pink and red everything, without a classic red velvet dessert? These ice cream sandwiches are to-die-for, and if you're feeling really adventurous, you can make your own vanilla ice cream to go with it.
You can never go wrong with cheesecake, let alone adorable, mini-sized ones that you can top with anything your little heart desires: fresh berries, whipped cream, and/or crumbled cookies, just to name a few.
Start off the most romantic day of the year with breakfast in bed with these three-ingredient doughnuts that only take 15 minutes to make. Glaze them or dust them with powdered or cinnamon sugar.
You can make these madeleines in two different ways, either with store-bought cookies or making madeleines from scratch. Then you just dip them into melted white chocolate and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries.
Put an Irish spin on the classic chocolatey dessert by folding a fourth cup of your favorite stout into the batter for a richness and depth that makes turns your childhood favorite into your adult favorite. And if you want to add some red or pink food coloring, there would be no judgments here.
Kick off your Valentine's Day first thing in the morning with this Spiced Cranberry Coffee Cake recipe. The cranberry adds a nice burst of color, while the rest of the flavors balance its tartness with a bit of sugar and spice.
If you want to prepare something tasty and a little more on the lighter side of the flavor scale, look no further. These fruit poops are perfect, even if it's still 20 degrees out.
No Valentine's Day dessert list would be complete without an ooey, gooey, chocolate-packed recipe, and this one ticks all the right boxes. Plus, the almond flavor gives it a little depth.
If you really want to impress your guests, consider baking this delicious chocolate meringue cake. Fresh raspberries are the ... well ... raspberry on top.
These buttery thumbprint cookies perfectly complement the tartness of the raspberry-lemon filling, all topped off with a white chocolate drizzle that makes sure these aren't too sour.
These cupcakes are perfect for sharing with the whole family. And forget about buying a specialty cupcake pan — just mold your liners into the shape of hearts.
This festive-looking, red-and-white dessert is a perfect mix of flavor and aesthetics, while not being as sugary-sweet as some other traditional desserts.
There's something about a skillet brownie that just sounds like a dessert fit for a special occasion. Make this at the end of a dinner date to really 'WOW' someone.
The only thing that could make your Valentine's Day dessert even better is a handwritten love note directly on it. Some Valentine's Day cards are for keeping, others are for eating.
Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake with Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Brian Woodcock
Top this breathtaking cake with fluffy, colored meringues and edible flowers and you have the best, most delicious dinner centerpiece you (and your valentine) could want.
Forget basic chocolate-covered strawberries this Feb. 14, and consider whipping up this über decadent mousse instead. Keep in mind, however, it does take a few hours to make, so plan ahead.
These heart-shaped cookie pops take less than 30 minutes to prep and bake, making them an ideal quick and easy dessert to whip up. And if you're a parent looking for a Valentine's Day-inspired activity for your kids, baking these treats will double as family time (the kids will have a blast decorating their hearts how they see fit).
Not only do these bites serve as a light and delicious Valentine's Day dessert, but they also work as an everyday snack. So, make a double batch if you want plenty of leftovers.
Cheesecake alone is almost always a guaranteed winner, but when you add strawberries and cupcakes to the mix? Well, no one will be able to turn it down.
The gorgeous colors are only the second-best part of this striking dessert. The combination of whipped cream, cake, and chocolate ganache is unbeatable.
Olivia MuenterOlivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond.
