15 Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Desserts. Perfect for Two, Kids, or a Crowd

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, love, romance and… sweets! After all, what could be better than to surprise your loved one, please your children or impress your friends with exquisite desserts, especially if they are prepared with a soul. This holiday is not about gifts, but about special moments that we create while enjoying delicious dishes.

In this article we have collected 15 Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Desserts. Everything is collected here – and sweets for a romantic evening, and treats for children, as well as healthy options for those who are watching the figure. And you don’t need to be a chef to make it with your own hands, in your own kitchen. 

Let’s get started!

3 Fancy Valentine’s Baked Goods Ideas to Impress

1. Pavlova with Raspberries and Rose Water

This dessert looks like a cloud. The fragile crust hides a delicate, marshmallow-like core. Combined with whipped cream, fresh raspberries and the subtle flavor of rose water, this dessert will be a real decoration of your party. 

Ingredients:

• 4 whites
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. rose water
• 1 cup cream (whipped)
• Fresh raspberries for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease with butter.
2. Whisk the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.  Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the whites are thick, glossy and the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Gently stir in the starch, vinegar and rosewater with a spatula.
4. Spread the whisked mixture onto the parchment, forming a circle about 20 cm in diameter. Make the edges slightly higher than the center to create a hollow for the filling. This will create the classic Pavlova shape.
5. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 212°F(100°C)
6. Bake the Pavlova for about 1.5 hours. It should be crispy on the outside, but remain slightly soft on the inside.

Do not open the oven door after baking! Leave the meringue in the turned off oven until it cools completely. This will help prevent cracking.

7. Whip the cream to soft peaks
8. Carefully transfer the Pavlova to a serving dish.
9. Spoon the whipped cream into the recess. Spread them evenly, leaving the edges of the meringue visible.
10. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

This dessert with an airy texture and subtle flavor will definitely win the heart of your other half.

2. Chocolate Soufflé

This delicate soufflé with a rich chocolate flavor is perfect for a romantic evening. It is light, airy, bittersweet, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter (plus some for greasing the molds)
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 4 oz. dark chocolate (70%)
• 2 eggs (separate whites and yolks)
• 2 tbsp. sugar for the dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 374°F(190°C). Grease the molds with butter and sprinkle with sugar.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a water bath.
3. Beat the yolks with the sugar until light and mix with the chocolate.
4. Whisk the whites to stiff peaks and gently mix them into the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the molds and bake for 12-15 minutes.

3. Strawberry Heart Tart

This dessert with a crispy sandy base, creamy mascarpone filling and fresh strawberry slices arranged in a heart shape is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared tart base
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries (sliced)

Instructions:

1. If you are using a ready-made base, preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the package instructions. Bake the base until golden and crispy but not dry. Cool.
2. If making the base yourself, make a dough of 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 egg. Roll it out, place it in a tart mold and bake at 190°C (374°F) for 15-20 minutes. Allow the base to cool completely.
3. Whisk the mascarpone with the powdered sugar and vanilla.
4. Spread the mascarpone filling evenly over the entire surface of the base, leaving a little space at the edges so as not to overfill the tart. 
5. Cut the fresh strawberries into thin slices and arrange them on top of the heart-shaped cream.

Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken a little and the flavor will be more intense.

3 Gluten-Free Valentine’s Desserts Everyone Will Love

1. Flourless Chocolate Cake

This dense and rich cake is made for those who can’t live without chocolate. A slight espresso accent adds depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces dark chocolate (minimum 70% cacao)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. espresso powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm diameter mold with butter.
2. In a small saucepan or over a water bath, melt the butter and chocolate, stirring to make the mixture smooth and homogeneous.
3. Remove the chocolate from the heat and add the sugar, stirring well until it dissolves. Stir in the espresso powder to give the dessert a nice coffee flavor.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each one. This creates a mousse-like consistency.
5. Pour the batter into the mold and bake for 25 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the mold, and then carefully remove it so as not to damage the delicate texture. If you like, you can decorate with powdered sugar or fresh berries before serving.

2. Gluten-free Red Velvet Cupcakes

Delicate cupcakes of rich red color are simply pleasing to the eye, and the light vanilla-chocolate flavor makes them insanely delicious. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 tbsp. cocoa
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp. red dye
• 1/2 cup cream cheese for frosting
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients ( flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking powder, sugar and salt.) in one bowl, wet ingredients ( egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil and red food coloring) in another bowl. Stir until smooth.
2. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms. Do not stir too long to keep the cupcakes airy.
3.  Spread the batter into the cupcake molds, filling them 2/3 full. Bake at 175°C (350°F)  20-22 minutes. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer – it should come out clean.
4. Preparing the glaze. In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to whisk until the frosting is thick and smooth. At the end, add vanilla extract and whisk again.

Decorate the cooled cupcakes with the icing using a pastry bag or a spoon.

3. Coconut Macaroons

These sweet and stretchy coconut macaroons will appeal to coconut lovers. They turn out golden crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Try this great gluten-free dessert!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups grated coconut
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with parchment.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
3. Wet your hands with water or use a spoon to form small balls or slides from the coconut mixture.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden in color. Allow to cool completely.

Serve macaroons as a stand-alone dessert or with a cup of coffee or tea.

3 Cute and Simple Valentine’s Desserts for Kids

1. Chocolate Sprinkles Pretzels

Oh, these sweet and salty treats with colorful sprinkles are just adored by kids. Plus, they’re easy to make with the kids and make the process a lot of fun. The salty crunchy base perfectly combines with the rich flavor of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• Pretzel sticks
• 8 oz. white chocolate
• Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Melt the white chocolate.
2. Dip half of each pretzel stick into the chocolate and immediately sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
3. Place on parchment and let set.

2. Rice Krispies in Heart Shape

This is a classic marshmallow treat that has been given a romantic heart shape. They are soft, stretchy and so delicious that kids are always running for more.

Flavor: Sweet, with a hint of caramel and a slight crunch of rice cereal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of Rice Krispy cereal
• 1 pack of marshmallows (about 250 g)
• 3 tbsp. butter
• Red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.  Add the marshmallow to the saucepan and continue to heat over low heat, stirring until dissolved. The mass should be smooth, stretchy and without lumps. 
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add a few drops of red food coloring. Stir until evenly colored. You can add more dye if you want a brighter color.
3. In a large bowl, pour the Rice Krispies cereal. Slowly pour the hot marshmallow mixture over them. Stir quickly and gently so that all the cereal is evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking tray, pre-greased with butter or covered with parchment paper. Moisten your hands with cold water or use a lightly oiled spatula to gently tamp and smooth the mixture. The thickness of the layer should be about 1-2 cm.
5. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes so that it hardens slightly but remains pliable. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the hearts. 

Place the finished hearts on parchment paper and let them cool completely. Serve on a pretty plate or package in clear bags for gift giving

3. Yogurt Parfaits with Strawberries

The following dessert is not only delicious, but also healthy! Tender layers of yogurt, fresh strawberries and crunchy granola are just perfect for little sweet tooths.

Ingredients:

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh strawberries (sliced)
• Granola

Instructions:

1. Place layers of yogurt, strawberries and granola in clear cups.
2. Top with a layer of yogurt and garnish with a slice of strawberry.

In this dessert, the creaminess of the yogurt is complemented by the freshness of the strawberries and diluted by the light sweetness of the granola.

3 Healthy Valentine’s Dessert Ideas for a Romantic Night

1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

This light creamy mousse has not a single gram of sugar and uses only natural ingredients. It’s for the nutrition-conscious.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Peel the avocado, mix the pulp with the rest of the ingredients. 
2. Whisk all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
3. Spoon into cups and chill before serving.

Garnish with mint if desired.

2. Fruit Skewers with Honey Yogurt

This is a simple but spectacular dessert. The fruit and delicate yogurt and honey sauce make it visually appealing and healthy. Good for finishing off a dinner party.

Ingredients:

• Strawberries, pineapple, kiwi (cut into chunks)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• A few wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash all fruit thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. Dice the pineapple and kiwi, and leave the strawberries whole or cut them in half if they are large.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers, alternating colors to make the kebabs look bright and appetizing. For example, start with strawberries, then add kiwi, pineapple and repeat.
3. Mix honey with yogurt and serve as a dip.
4. Place the finished kebabs on a nice plate or wooden board. Place a bowl of honey yogurt nearby for dipping.

To prevent the fruit (such as kiwi) from darkening, lightly drizzle with lemon juice before assembling. You can use colored skewers or arrange each serving in miniature cups. Decorate the plate with fresh mint leaves for garnish. 

3. Chia Pudding with Vanilla

This easy pudding is made in advance and is perfect for a leisurely romantic evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk (or other plant/cow milk)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Optional: fresh fruit, nuts, coconut shavings for decoration

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, chia seeds, and vanilla. Stir thoroughly.  Let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes, then stir again. This is important so that the chia seeds don’t settle to the bottom and thicken evenly. 
2. Cover the bowl or jar with a lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. During this time, the chia will absorb the liquid and turn into a tender pudding.

Stir the pudding well again before serving. Spread it into serving cups.  Decorate the dessert with fresh fruit or nuts.

3 Chocolate Lover’s Valentine’s Dessert Roundup: From Cake to Cookies

These desserts will give you the full spectrum of chocolate indulgence. They are perfect for a romantic evening as well as a treat for guests.

1. Triple Chocolate Brownies

These are simply a chocolate dream! The combination of dark, milk and white chocolate creates an incredible harmony of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks (dark, milk and white chocolate)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Then let cool slightly and mix with the sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each one to make the mixture smooth. Add the cocoa and chocolate pieces, distributing them evenly in the batter. 
3. Line a 20×20 cm square baking dish with parchment paper or grease with oil. Pour the batter into it. Bake for 25 minutes at 175°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the mold before slicing. Cut into squares and serve with milk or coffee.

2. Strawberries in Chocolate

This treat perfectly combines the sweetness of strawberries with the bitter richness of chocolate. Chocolate covered strawberries look exquisite, are easy to prepare and add a touch of romance to any evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of fresh strawberries (about 500g)
• 8 ounces of dark chocolate (70% cacao)

Instructions:

1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. It’s important that the berries are completely dry or the chocolate won’t stick well.
2. Cut the chocolate into pieces and melt it in a water bath or in the microwave (30 seconds at a time, stirring each time to avoid overheating).
3. Hold the strawberries by the tail (or use a toothpick) and dip them in the melted chocolate, covering 3/4 of the berry.
4. Place the chocolate covered strawberries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let cool at room temperature or place the strawberries in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Transfer the cooked strawberries to a pretty platter. If desired, you can draw patterns with white chocolate.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies with Filling

Soft chocolate cookies with a delicate creamy ganache filling are the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

• A batch of ready-made chocolate chip cookies (about 20 pieces)
• 1/2 cup cream
• 4 ounces of dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream to the first bubbles but do not bring to a boil and pour the finely chopped chocolate over it. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool.
2. Spread the ganache on one cookie and cover with another.

If you want to make the chocolate chip cookies yourself, here are the ingredients for the dough. 

• 1/2 cup (115 g) butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125 g) flour
• 1/3 cup (40 g) cocoa powder (without sugar)
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup (90 g) chocolate drops (optional)

Instructions for making the dough for Valentine’s Desserts:

Butter and Sugar Mixing. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the brown and white sugar until light and airy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. 

Adding the egg and vanilla. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

Mixing the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, leavening agent and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the cocoa and baking powder.

Combine dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low mixer speed or by hand with a spatula. The batter will be thick.

Adding chocolate drippings (optional). If you want the cookies to be even richer, add chocolate drops and gently stir them into the dough.

Chilling the dough. Wrap the dough in foil or cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent the cookies from spreading when baking.

Shaping the cookies. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Form balls of dough about 2.5 cm in diameter (about 1 tablespoon of dough) and place them on the baking tray, leaving about 5 cm between them.

Baking. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. It should harden slightly at the edges but remain soft in the center. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Spread the ganache on one cookie and cover with the other.

I’m sure these 15 Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Desserts will help you have a memorable evening.

Choose, prepare and enjoy every moment!