Best Valentines Day Desserts: 31+ Cakes, Cookies, Candy, & More! (2024)

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These Valentine's Day desserts are sweet, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with that special someone you love! You can find rich chocolate cakes, sugary candies and confections, and fruit-filled tarts and pies on this list. If your honey has a sweet tooth, what better gift than a homemade dessert?

Best Valentines Day Desserts: 31+ Cakes, Cookies, Candy, & More! (1)

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1. Easy Chocolate Cake
2. Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries
3. Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Brownies
4. Shortbread Cookies
5. Strawberry Swirl Brownies
6. Red Velvet Cake
7. Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake
8. Tart Aux Fraises
9. Strawberry Shortcake
10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Drip Cake
11. No-Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Crisps
12. Classic Sugar Cookies
13. Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
14. Strawberry Dump Cake
15. Peanut Butter Blossoms
16. Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes
17. Cherry Pie Bars
18. Strawberry Lush
19. Sticky Toffee Pudding
20. Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake
21. Peanut Butter Cookies
22. Double Chocolate Banana Bread
23. Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler
24. Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
25. Macarons
26. Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
27. Brownie Blondies
28. Lemon Raspberry Baked Donuts
29. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
30. Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
31. No Bake Strawberry Cream Pie
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Best Valentine's Day Desserts: Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache (+More Sweet Treats!)
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Ah, Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate with your loved one and show them how much they mean to you. You could prepare them a romantic dinner for two, send them some roses, or whip them up some decadent homemade desserts!

If you know me you know I'm a fan of the latter, so I curated a list of desserts best suited for Valentine's Day. With any of my tried and true dessert recipes, your special person is sure to feel the love!

If you're craving chocolate in particular, be sure to check out my page dedicated to chocolate Valentine's Day desserts! For romantic dinner ideas, stop by my page on Valentine's Day dinner ideas too!

1. Easy Chocolate Cake

If an occasion calls for dessert, you can never go wrong with homemade chocolate cake! This recipe is super simple, and the cake is decadently moist with all the chocolate flavor you could ask for.

Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This easy chocolate cake recipe couldn't be more simple, and it turns out moist, fluffy, and deliciously rich every time! All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake! It will be your new go-to cake for birthday parties, celebrations, or just because!

Check out this recipe

2. Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are practically a symbol of Valentine's day! They are easy to make, fruity, and will curb your sweet tooth without any guilt.

You can keep them classic, or give my pink chocolate-covered strawberries a try!

Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Easy, classic chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect combination of ripe, juicy strawberries in shiny melted chocolate. Add your favorite drizzles, assorted toppings, and Valentine's Day heart-themed decorations to complete them.

Check out this recipe

3. Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Brownies

A rich brownie topped with cherry buttercream frosting and even more chocolate! Not only is the flavor combination of cherry and chocolate a classic, but visually the pink color is perfect for Valentine's day!

Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Brownies with Frosting & Chocolate Ganache

My chocolate maraschino cherry brownies are the most addictive combination of fudgy brownies and cherry buttercream frosting! Top it off with an extra layer of chocolate ganache to make this the supreme chocolate-cherry dessert! It's a decadent dessert perfect for Valentine's Day, any special occasion, or just because!

Check out this recipe

4. Shortbread Cookies

You can cut them into shapes and frost them or enjoy their subtle sweetness plain. Shortbread cookies may be simple, but they are always a treat!

Shortbread

These shortbread cookies are buttery, delicious, and so incredibly soft that they will melt in your mouth! Using only 5 simple ingredients these cookies are perfect for even a beginner baker! Plus, they are so simple to prepare that you can easily enjoy them any time of year!

Check out this recipe

5. Strawberry Swirl Brownies

Fudgy brownies with sweet strawberry jam swirled throughout. As if regular brownies weren't good enough, this fruity addition will keep you coming back for one more bite.

Strawberry Swirl Brownies

These Strawberry Swirl Brownies are easy to make, loaded with fudge brownie goodness, plus tasty strawberry swirled throughout! Each and every bite is as addictive as can be, making these incredibly delicious brownies hard to resist!

Check out this recipe

6. Red Velvet Cake

You're looking for a Valentine's Day dessert, and this decadent red velvet cake understood the assignment! With a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake will leave a lasting impression.

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is so delightfully moist and sweet that it is sure to wow all of your guests! You'll taste hints of vanilla, cocoa, and butter as well as the traditional tangy flavor from the buttermilk! It is a classic cake that everyone knows and loves!

Check out this recipe

7. Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This chocolate raspberry cake is so moist and rich, no one would know it is gluten-free! The flavors of chocolate and raspberry are perfectly balanced in this decadent dessert.

Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This flourless chocolate cake features chocolate that is combined perfectly with fresh raspberries for an amazingly rich gluten-free cake. The balance of flavors is wonderful, with both the raspberry and chocolate being highlighted and complimenting each other. Not only is this an incredibly easy cake to make, but it also looks fantastic and tastes even better!

Check out this recipe

8. Tart Aux Fraises

Tart aux fraises is a French fruit tart that is loaded with fresh strawberries! The filling is a rich crème pâtissière and the base is a flaky pastry crust. Yum!

Tarte aux Fraises (French Strawberry Tart)

The amazing, classic Tarte aux Fraises (French Strawberry Tart) combines tender shortcrust pastry with rich crème pâtissière and the freshest strawberries. All together it makes for a wholly impressive dessert that everyone will ooh-and-ah over (between mouthfuls, of course)!

Check out this recipe

9. Strawberry Shortcake

This strawberry shortcake features fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream between two pieces of citrus-flavored shortcake. It's plenty sweet but also refreshing and light!

Strawberry Shortcake

This strawberry shortcake classic dessert is a bright and refreshing treat reminiscent of summertime! When I can finally make this with fresh, field-picked strawberries, I know that summer has truly arrived! Layers of citrus-flavored shortcakes, fluffy homemade whipped cream, and sweetened strawberries make this easy dessert a staple of summer recipes!

Check out this recipe

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Drip Cake

If you're looking to impress, this decadent chocolate peanut butter drip cake will do the job. This cake is rich and indulgent, plus it is totally Instagram-worthy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Drip Cake

This chocolate peanut butter drip cake is rich, decadent, indulgent, and sure to impress all of your guests! Sweet chocolate cake is layered with mouthwatering homemade peanut butter buttercream. With a combination as delicious as this, everyone will want to know the recipe!

Check out this recipe

11. No-Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Crisps

If baking is not your strong suit, try making these Maraschino cherry chocolate chip crisps! It's a beginner-friendly recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

No Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Crisps

My easy to make No Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Crisps are a fun and fantastic addition to your festive holiday occasions!

Check out this recipe

12. Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are perfect for decorating which is a great way to get the whole family involved in some holiday baking! In fact, these easy sugar cookies may become a treat you whip up every holiday!

Classic Sugar Cookies

Our Classic Sugar Cookies recipe is the best ever at holding their shape and being super easy to roll out for perfect cut out sugar cookies!

Check out this recipe

13. Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Sweet and simple 2-bite morsels of dark chocolate and almond butter. Homemade candy is always impressive, and these are great if you are wanting to indulge in something small.

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

These easy to make no bake Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups use only 4 ingredients, and are pure snacking perfection! They're made without refined sugars and are absolutely delicious! This healthier dark chocolate dessert is better than the store bought peanut butter cups, hands down!

Check out this recipe

14. Strawberry Dump Cake

It doesn't get easier than this Strawberry dump cake. All you need is a box of cake mix, canned strawberry pie filling, and butter, that's it!

Strawberry Dump Cake

This strawberry dump cake recipe is a winning combination of delightfully flavorful and nearly effortless to make. Grab a baking dish, pie filling (plus fresh berries if desired), and a box of cake mix to whip up a family favorite dessert in no time.

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15. Peanut Butter Blossoms

A soft and tender peanut butter cookie with one delicately placed milk chocolate Hershey's kiss on top. These cookies may be simple, but boy, are they delicious!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms are so yummy with their chewy peanut butter cookie base and Hershey's Kisses milk chocolate candies set on top! The added touch of white sugar is part of this classic cookie's charm and deliciousness! Of course, they are the best cookie for peanut butter and chocolate lovers!

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16. Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes

The perfect dessert for chocolate lovers! These cupcakes are delightfully moist and ultra-tender.

They are topped off with a made-from-scratch chocolate buttercream frosting that will have everyone licking their fingers clean.

Mary Berry's Chocolate Cupcakes

These delightfully tender Mary Berry chocolate cupcakes are a real treat to bake up for any occasion, or just because you're craving some chocolate! Your chocoholics in the family will love the tasty cupcakes, especially when topped with rich chocolate buttercream frosting!

Check out this recipe

17. Cherry Pie Bars

These dessert bars taste like a homemade cherry pie, only easier! All you need is 3 simple ingredients and a little time in the oven to pull off this incredibly simple and delicious dessert.

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry pie bars are a delicious fruit dessert that is perfect for serving a crowd at any get-together! The sweet vanilla glaze requires only 3 ingredients and is perfect for topping off the golden buttery crust stuffed with cherry pie filling. Bring these cherry pie squares to a party, gathering, or potluck and everyone will want to know the recipe!

Check out this recipe

18. Strawberry Lush

Sweet layers of angel food cake combined with fresh strawberries, sweetened cream cheese, and whipped cream! It's a dessert that is perfect for sharing, just grab 2 spoons.

Strawberry Angel Food Lush

This flavor-packed strawberry angel food lush combines tasty layers of angel food cake, tangy sweetened cream cheese, whipped cream, and strawberries! Throw this dessert in the fridge and have it ready to serve when your guests arrive or for a fantastic after-dinner dessert!

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19. Sticky Toffee Pudding

If your date is a fan of toffee, they will be obsessed with this sweet and sticky toffee pudding! It's baked like a normal cake, but then you cover it in homemade toffee sauce which takes the cake to a whole new level.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is rich and indulgent and combines delicious dates in a moist cake that's topped with the most amazing toffee sauce! It's a well-loved British dessert that's easy to make, delightfully tasty, slightly addictive, and definitely a treat! Plus, it is a perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table!

Check out this recipe

20. Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

Once you flip your upside-down cake, slices of pineapple and precisely placed cherries decorate it for you. There's no fancy frosting or icing here, and trust me this cake doesn't need it.

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

This pineapple upside-down bundt cake is a beautiful presentation of a well-loved and popular dessert that's quick and easy to make! This easy cake mix recipe makes getting this impressive dessert ready for everyone to enjoy even faster!

Check out this recipe

21. Peanut Butter Cookies

No one will complain about a plate full of soft and chewy peanut butter cookies! They only take about 20 minutes to make, so it's a great recipe when you need something sweet at the last minute.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are such a classic cookie that is easily recognized with their cross-hatched appearance that promises delightfully soft, chewy, peanut buttery cookies are soon to be enjoyed! I'm just like many other die-hard fans of peanut butter cookies, so here is my best classic cookie recipe!

Check out this recipe

22. Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This ain't your grandma's banana bread! This rich chocolate banana bread is loaded with chocolate chips and a punch of banana flavor!

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This double chocolate banana bread is a decadent dessert-like breakfast or an anytime treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings! It has cocoa powder in the batter itself and is also topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips! When you serve this easy bread, every chocolate lover will thank you!

Check out this recipe

23. Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler

Anyone can make this easy 2-ingredient sugar cookie cherry cobbler! Who knew pre-packaged sugar cookie dough and cherry pie filling could taste this good?

Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler

Sugar cookie cherry cobbler is a sweet, tart, and tasty fruit dessert that's perfect for sharing with large crowds! This easy 2-ingredient recipe combines juicy cherry pie filling topped with crumbled sugar cookie dough. Even a new baker can impress their guests with this easy cobbler dessert recipe!

Check out this recipe

24. Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

Vanilla extract is good and all but using real vanilla bean gives these cupcakes a creamy, earthy, and rich vanilla flavor that you can't achieve with imitation vanilla alone. You can top them with your favorite frosting or give my vanilla bean buttercream a try!

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes (Topped with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting!)

These easy-to-make vanilla bean cupcakes are deliciously moist and they are saturated with the classic vanilla flavor that everyone loves! You can tell the difference when using vanilla extract vs. actual vanilla bean paste or caviar, and boy is it addicting! Try my recipe for the best vanilla bean cupcakes and you will be shocked by how rich and decadent a simple vanilla cupcake can be!

Check out this recipe

25. Macarons

Macarons come in an endless assortment of colors and flavors that you can have a good time putting together! If you're looking to show off your baking skills, a tray of homemade macarons will do the trick.

Macaron Flavors: Vanilla Macaron (+Other Sweet Flavor Ideas!)

These macaron flavors are the best of the best options out there to completely satisfy your craving for some sweet macarons! From fruity to decadent to classic, I have a flavor you're going to love! Join me as we take a look at all of the best macaron flavors around.

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26. Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

All you need for the apple turnovers is apple pie filling, puff pastries, and an egg. Top it all off with a simple 3-ingredient icing, and you have one tasty apple treat!

Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

These puff pastry apple turnovers are a perfectly sweet treat that uses only 2 ingredients alongside common pantry staples! They are incredibly easy to make and will satisfy any sweet cravings you might have. Top them off with an easy homemade vanilla glaze to make them extra satisfying!

Check out this recipe

27. Brownie Blondies

Sweet and salty brown sugar blondies swirled together with fudgy chocolate brownies. It's the best of both worlds!

Brownie Blondies

My Brownie Blondies are rich and decadent. The perfect dessert bar is packed with delicious layers of both brownies and blondies! Luscious chocolate brownies are topped with sweet & salty brown sugar blondies to make the perfect sweet indulgence!

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28. Lemon Raspberry Baked Donuts

You can totally enjoy these sweet citrus raspberry donuts as a special Valentine's Day breakfast, or you can serve them as an after-dinner dessert. There's no rule that says you have to eat donuts in the morning!

Lemon Raspberry Baked Donuts

These lemon raspberry baked donuts are ultra-refreshing, light, delicious, and packed with a mouthwatering citrus flavor! They are a mess-free alternative to your traditional fried donuts, but taste even better! The doughnuts themselves are packed with tasty raspberries and then they are dunked in a sweet and tart lemon glaze!

Check out this recipe

29. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Chewy chocolate pecan pie filling baked inside a delectable cream cheese pie crust. It's much easier making these dessert bars than a whole pie but with all the same flavor!

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These chocolate pecan pie bars are a wildly popular and delicious treat whenever and wherever they are served! There is no way to go wrong when you have a delightful cream cheese pie crust topped with chewy, chocolate filling and crunchy pecans! It doesn't matter what the occasion is to make a batch of such a fantastic dessert!

Check out this recipe

30. Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

When in doubt, break out some homemade chocolate chip cookies! This is the go-to recipe that I have used for years, and it could be yours too!

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crunchy, chewy, and perfectly sweet small batch chocolate chip cookies are just what you need to satisfy your chocolate cravings in a hurry! They're incredibly easy to make with this one-bowl batch that makes the perfect half dozen cookies!

Check out this recipe

31. No Bake Strawberry Cream Pie

This creamy no-bake strawberry pie is hard to beat! A graham cracker crumb base is topped off with a combination of fresh strawberries, strawberry Jello, and an easy homemade whipped topping.

No Bake Strawberry Jello Cream Pie

Just the right combination of flavors to really make the fresh strawberries stand out!

Check out this recipe

Are you going to give one of these tasty Valentine's Day desserts a try? Let me know how it turns out in the comment section below!

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

🧁 More Sweets & Treats

Blueberry Pie Bars - Like a fresh homemade blueberry pie in an easy-to-make dessert bar!
Dutch Apple Pie - Like a classic apple pie but with a crumbly brown sugar streusel on top!
Divinity - This old-fashioned candy is delectably sweet and light as air!
- Soft cookies that are half chocolate and half vanilla!
Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes - Rich chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter buttercream frosting on top and in the center!
Peach Galette - A rustic French dessert filled with fresh peaches!

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5 from 2 reviews

Best Valentine's Day Desserts: Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache (+More Sweet Treats!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 20 servings

Calories: 192kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
▢ 2 cups sugar
▢ ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
▢ 2 teaspoon baking powder
▢ 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ½ tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
▢ 1 cup milk (warmed to room temperature)
▢ ½ cup butter (melted and cooled slightly)
▢ 2 large eggs (beaten, at room temperature)
▢ 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1 cup water (boiling)

Chocolate Ganache

▢ 9 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
▢ 1 cup heavy cream

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

Bake Your Easy Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your 9x13 baking pan.
Mix all of your dry ingredients thoroughly (use a whisk to combine, or sift the cocoa powder after measuring). For the best chocolate flavor, do include the optional espresso powder or switch your unsweetened cocoa powder out for Dutch process cocoa.
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the liquid ingredients, including beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then mix to combine.
Pour in the 1 cup of boiling water after your batter is combined. Mix until smooth and transfer to your prepared 9x13 pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick, knife, or cake tester comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The cake should spring back from the touch when done, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack (in the pan).

Add the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Place your semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped baker's chocolate) into a heat-safe bowl and pour the cream into a saucepan. Heat your heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubble.
Remove the simmering cream from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Allow the cream to set for 1-2 minutes, then stir with a spatula until smooth.
Set the ganache aside to thicken slightly. Wait about 20-30 minutes, then pour the ganache over your cake. Allow the ganache to set or slice and serve.

Equipment You May Need

Measuring Cups

Mixing Bowl

9x13 baking pan

Notes

For best results, make sure to spoon and level your flour. Instead of scooping it out with the measuring cup, fluff it up and scoop it with a spoon and then level it with the back of a knife. This prevents you from packing too much flour into the measuring cup which results in a dense cake.
For the best chocolate flavor, do include the optional espresso powder or switch your unsweetened cocoa powder out for Dutch process cocoa.
You can also frost this cake with some chocolate buttercream frosting!
To store: At room temperature, your cake can be stored in a cake storage container for a few days. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but the ganache will harden. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before slicing.
To freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap (before adding ganache) and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

9x13 cakes, 9x13 desserts, best chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, chocolate ganache, easy chocolate cake recipe, valentine's day desserts

Course Birthday Cakes, Cake Recipes

Cuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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