60 Valentines Day Desserts Sure To Woo Your Sweetie

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's a great time to plan on professing your love for that special someone, and we think there's no better way to do that than through a good ol' dessert. The effort it takes to make a homemade dessert, as opposed to just going out and buying a heart-shaped box of chocolates, some roses, and an oversized teddy bear, shows true thoughtfulness and dedication.

To help you express your admiration for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day, we've rounded up some of our favorite Valentine-themed dessert recipes that you can make for a post-Valentine's Day dinner, or simple enjoy them on their own. You'll find everything from the most chocolatey of chocolate cakes — because what's more romantic than chocolate, right ? — to coated strawberries, candies of various types and even dessert cocktails in this roundup. You'll likely be thanking us later when your loved one claims that these desserts are the best Valentine's Day gift they've ever gotten. 

Of course, chocolate cupcakes are a go-to for any special occasion, but for Valentine's Day, we've upped the ante by nixing the traditional matching chocolate frosting and instead topping these decadent cupcakes with a pink maraschino cherry frosting. You'll use the juice from the maraschino cherry jar to whip up the sweet frosting. Once you carefully frost your chocolate cupcakes, top the mini masterpieces with a whole maraschino cherry and chocolate sprinkles for a decorative finish.

Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

These raspberry bars feature a gooey raspberry jam-laden center complemented by a layer of cookie dough and streusel topping. Naturally, the raspberry jam has a pinkish color, a perfect tribute to a day dedicated to love. Recipe developer Molly Allen walks you through how to make the cookie dough and the streusel — you'll use canned raspberry jam for the filling. Once you're finished, you'll simply layer the ingredients in a pan and bake. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect post-romantic dinner treat.

Recipe: Raspberry Bars

You might want to reserve peppermint for Christmastime only, but there's no reason to limit this wonderful flavor to a specific time of year, especially when it's a red color frosting on white chocolate that practically screams Valentine's Day. While the red and white stripes on the cake look beautiful, recipe developer Autumn LeAnn notes that if you or your sweetie don't like white chocolate, you can switch it out for dark or milk chocolate. "It would be just as tasty!" she says. The ingrediens needed are pretty standard for a cake, so you won't have to travel much farther than your pantry to find them.

Recipe: White Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Candy is a quintessential Valentine's Day gift, especially chocolate-based candy, and who doesn't love adding chocolate's best friend — peanut butter — into the mix? Reese's peanut butter cups are a popular candy, and what better way to surprise your loved one than making the effort to prepare them from scratch yourself? Recipe developer Molly Allen uses Ghirardelli melting wafers for the chocolate component and recommends a creamy peanut butter for the center. Make sure to have some milk on hand for washing these down!

Recipe: Copycat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Who says Valentine's Day dessert has to always be in a solid form? Sipping a chocolate milkshake from a single glass with two straws sounds like the perfect recipe for romance. Recipe developer Susan Olayinka has made many a chocolate milkshake and has found the ideal ratio of milk to vanilla ice cream to chocolate sauce — the only three ingredients you'll need for this recipe. Optional toppings include whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or maraschino cherries.

Recipe: Classic Chocolate Milkshake

We call this a "very berry no-bake Jell-O cheesecake" because it's made with a plethora of mixed frozen berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, to name a few options. After sieving the berries, you'll prepare the crust, and then use a box of No-Bake Classic Cheesecake Jell-O mix to make the filling. You'll make this cheesecake in a pan and cut it into squares instead of serving it as a traditional round cake, but rest assured, it's just as — and perhaps even more — tasty than your classic cheesecake that'll surely impress your sweetie.

Recipe: No-Bake Jell-O Cheesecake

Nyesha Arrington put together this recipe for a chocolate cranberry ganache tart for a partnership with San Pellegrino and, fortunately for us and all of you home bakers, shared the recipe exclusively with Mashed. The cake takes only half an hour from start to finish and incorporates dark chocolate, chocolate cookie wafers, orange zest, and cranberries. The finished product is picture perfect with a dark chocolate tart topped with pomegranate seeds, whipped cream, and orange zest garnish.

Recipe: Chef Nyesha Arrington's Chocolate Cranberry Ganache Tart

The sugar cookie is a classic; it conjures up memories of childhood with its sweet taste and crunchy texture and is a breeze to make. Plus, the sugar cookie is perhaps the most fun of all its cookie cousins because you can shape and decorate your sugar cookies however you'd like. For Valentine's Day, we're loving the hearts with pink frosting version that recipe developer Jessica Morone put together. You'll only need eight ingredients and less than 20 minutes to make these cookies. Might we suggest making a date night out of preparation and decorating these delicious sugar cookies?

Recipe: Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Can't decide between a brownie and a sugar cookie? You're in luck, because recipe developer Hayley MacLean calls this recipe for red velvet brownies the perfect marriage of the two desserts. White chocolate chips add some texture and plenty of red food coloring, making these brownies perfect for Valentine's Day. MacLean adds in the secret ingredient: white vinegar. It adds some acidity to the recipe, making for the traditional red velvet flavor, and preventing the brownies from coming out too sweet. Serve the finished product with a big glass of milk.

Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies

Baby, it's cold outside! After a long day, you and your significant other are bound to want to sit by the fire and warm up together. What better way to do this than with a steaming mug of spiced hot chocolate? Recipe developer Catherine Brookes takes hot chocolate to the next level with the addition of some winter-inspired spices including nutmeg, chili powder, and plenty of cinnamon. Top the hot chocolate with freshly-made whipped cream for an even sweeter treat.

Recipe: Spiced Hot Chocolate

Perhaps frosting is a little too sweet for your sweetie? Fret not, they can still eat cake, and we've got the perfect frosting-free solution for your dilemma. Recipe developer Molly Allen's black forest cake layers chocolate cake with dark cherries in between and then wraps the whole delectable creation with a light layer of whipped cream. Traditionally, black forest cakes contain a cherry liqueur, but Allen omits the alcohol here. The hardest part of prep is putting together the layers, which is well-worth the effort.

Recipe: Black Forest Cake

Everyone loves how romantic chocolate-covered strawberries are, but what if you added in everyone's favorite hazelnut spread: Nutella? Your loved one will appreciate your ingenuity in making these creative stuffed strawberries, and you'll definitely appreciate how easily they come together. It will only take you 10 minutes to make a batch of  10 Nutella stuffed strawberries . To prepare, you'll hollow out the strawberries, add some Nutella inside, coat the strawberries in melted chocolate, and then roll them in chopped hazelnuts. Voila!

Recipe: Nutella Stuffed Strawberries

There are store-bought ice cream sandwiches with their plain 'ole vanilla center, and then there are these ice cream sandwiches, overflowing with caramel sauce between fun-size Milky Way candy bars and any kind of ice cream that pleases you. Recipe developer Lauren Schumacker recommends vanilla, chocolate, or even salted caramel ice cream. There are quite a few ingredients and prep steps involved, but trust us, once they give these sandwiches one bite, your sweetie will certainly appreciate your effort.

Recipe: Chocolate, Candy, and Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich

Chex Mix is everybody's favorite snack, and what better way to take it to the next level than to tweak the recipe in honor of Valentine's Day? Recipe developer Hayley MacLean's version of the recipe calls for the traditional Chex Mix cereal, peanuts, and pretzels, but adds in white chocolate chips, Valentine's Day-colored M&M's, and pink sprinkles. You'll mix it all together with powdered sugar and peanut butter. Consider having it for dessert after dinner and save the leftovers for a sweet snack that will last all week.

Recipe: Valentine's Day Chex Mix

One taste of these pink, heart-shaped French macarons and you will take feel yourself transported straight to Paris — the undisputed City of Love. Recipe developer Eric Ngo is actually a pastry chef in France, so you know you're in good hands here. Ngo recommends making these macarons at least a day in advance. He explains that piping the batter can be tricky, but you'll master it with some practice. You just might have to make a few test batches! The filling is made from vanilla ganache and raspberry jam. This is a cookie that will truly impress your favorite person.

Recipe: Heart-Shaped Macarons

If your loved one is an ultimate chocolate-lover, you can't go wrong with this cookie recipe. Heck, it has "double rich" in the name! The chocolate component comes from plenty of cocoa powder in the batter and the addition of chocolate chips. Recipe developer Molly Allen recommends something high-quality like those from the Ghirardelli brand. If your finished cookies are "soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crunch on the exterior," you've nailed the recipe and your cookies are ready to serve.

Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perhaps you're up for frosé all day on Valentine's Day, or perhaps you prefer it for a sweet after-dinner drink. Either way, you're in for a treat with this recipe from recipe developer Kit Hondrum who takes rosé wine to another level by adding raspberry-flavored Chambord, frozen strawberries, raspberries, and a bit of lemon. Mix the ingredients together in a blender and then freeze the mixture for three hours before serving, ideally in cocktail glasses or shallow Champagne glasses.

Recipe: Frose Cocktail

Turkish delight has a bit of a romantic history having been developed by an Ottoman Empire sultan to serve his harem ladies (via The Culture Trip). Our red-colored Turkish delight might also woo your partner with its sugary base and powdered sugar garnish. If you're feeling extra fancy and ambitious, try adding some rose water to the mix, or opt for another flavoring like orange juice or lemon extract. Make sure to dedicate plenty of time to make this dessert since it will have to chill for 10 hours.

Recipe: Turkish Delight

What better way to add a little romance to your Valentine's Day evening than serving each other some chocolate fudge? The best thing about this simple fudge is that it's ridiculously easy to make and requires only three ingredients: semi-sweet chocolate chips, a can of sweetened condensed milk, and a bit of vanilla extract. You can also add in nuts or crushed Oreos. Britannica says fudge is a type of candy, so it's definitely fair game for this chocolate candy-centric holiday.

Recipe: 3-Ingredient Fudge

Who says you can't have breakfast for Valentine's Day dessert? We're certainly not going to impose any such silly rules! These heart-shaped pancakes are extra fluffy and made with buttermilk. Enjoy them plain or add in chocolate chips, blueberries, or perhaps even strawberries to add some red coloring to the mix. You'll pour the batter into a heart-shaped cookie cutter and cook it in a frying pan to form it into a heart shape that is sure to have your sweetie saying, "Aww!" Top them with syrup and some fresh berries.

Recipe: Valentine's Day Pancakes

Imagine you and your boo popping these bite-sized mini strawberry cheesecakes into each other's mouths. It's sure to incite some romance, or at least a little laughter! These individual portions are made in a muffin tin and have a graham cracker crust, a layer of creamy cheesecake made from whipped cream, cream cheese, and sour cream, and then topped with a slice of fresh strawberry after they've been chilled. Serve with an after-dinner cocktail, mug of coffee, or cup of tea following your evening meal.

Recipe: Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Chocolate cupcakes are a dessert that will please just about anyone, but adding red wine to the batter and the frosting will add an extra special touch. "Chocolate and red wine are such a classic pairing," says recipe developer Hayley MacLean. What type of red wine you use depends on the taste profile you're looking for; cabernet sauvignon has bitter fruity notes while merlot or a red blend will lead to a less bitter taste. To decorate, MacLean recommends using a piping bag and sunburst-shaped tip to swirl the frosting atop the finished cupcakes.

Recipe: Red Wine Cupcakes

When it comes to a delicious banana split sundae, the bigger the better. We mean, you've got two ice cream lovers digging in with two spoons; you'll need a big dish! Recipe developer Laura Sampson says you should be sure to use a ripe banana. When it comes to flavors, the world is your oyster and you can get super innovative with flavor combinations. You can always substitute the ice cream with frozen yogurt; just make sure you leave room for whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and, of course, a cherry on top.

Recipe: Banana Split

Take cranberries beyond fall into February with this cranberry crumble bar recipe that sandwiches their tart flavor between layers of sweet crumble. You'll prepare the cranberry mixture with sugar and a secret ingredient: orange! Well, orange juice and orange zest to be specific, which can complement the cranberry. You'll preferably want a food processor to make the crumble, but recipe developer Jess Morone offers tips on how to make it by hand if you don't have one available. These bars are easy to make and take just over a half an hour to bake.

Recipe: Cranberry Crumble Bars

A three layer red-colored cake with a cream cheese frosting? Yes, please! Recipe developer Mark Beahm walks you through how to prepare this cake step-by-step, reminding bakers to make sure to use cake flour. Once the batter is made, you'll spoon it into three round cake pans and bake while you whip up the cream cheese frosting in your mixer. When it comes to frosting, Beahm has a special tip: "Freezing the cake layers before frosting will make it easier to frost ... and less likely to crumble."

Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Are you and your loved one always looking for healthier alternatives to dessert? Look no further than these strawberry smoothie popsicles made from fresh fruit and vanilla Greek yogurt. Mix in some milk — non-dairy milk works, too — and then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze before enjoying. Having trouble getting the finished pops out of the mold? Try soaking it in warm water for a minute. Recipe developer Miriam Hahn suggests getting creative and original with the shape of the molds. Try a heart-shaped pop for a Valentine's Day theme.

Recipe: Strawberry Smoothie Popsicles

What better way to dress up a batch of devilishly delicious chocolate cupcakes than with a delectably contrasting fluffy peppermint frosting? We certainly can't think of one. Recipe developer Molly Allen says chocolate and peppermint "truly are the perfect pairing," and lends us her expertise when it comes to whipping up a dozen for you and your loved one. Allen even shows you how to create the red swirl effect on the frosting for a lovely presentation. Serve the finished dessert with a large glass of milk.

Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Putting together this chocolate lover's pudding pie is super easy thanks to the use of a ready-made pie crust, Cool Whip, and some chocolate Jell-O instant pudding mix. The only other ingredient you'll need is some milk to whip together the pudding. Once the pudding cools down in the fridge, you'll have the perfect dessert for your sweetie who adores chocolate — second to you, of course. Recipe developer Jason Goldstein recommends taking the chocolate indulgence one step further and grating some chocolate on top of the whipped cream for an aesthetically pleasing effect.

Recipe: Chocolate Lover's Pudding Pie

This no-bake icebox cake comes together in practically no time, perfect for when you want to make something homemade for your loved one but are short on time. The layers of Oreos, whipped cream, and strawberries make the cake look extra elegant, and when you cut it open, the addition of a bit of basil really brings out the flavor of the strawberries. For this special occasion, serve this chocolate strawberry icebox cake with some sparkling wine.

Recipe: Chocolate Strawberry Icebox Cake

Love wins with this rainbow cake recipe, which not only wows with its colorful layers, but tastes pretty darn great, too. Recipe developer Molly Allen shows you how to make, divide, and color each layer of the batter before assembling them between layers of sweet buttercream frosting. Once you've got the layers assembled in order of the rainbow colors — remember your friend ROY G. BIV? — go ahead and bake the cake. Now comes the fun part. After frosting the cooled cake, decorate with the most colorful Valentime's Day candies and sprinkles you can find to really take the rainbow element to the next level.

Recipe: Simple Rainbow Cake

What better way to warm up from the chilly weather than by sitting by the fire after dinner with your loved one in the opposite arm chair and two big mugs of decadent hot chocolate in your hands? Recipe developer Jennine Bryant calls this hot chocolate "deeply chocolatey, thick, and rich," which is exactly how we like our hot cocoa! Bryant's secret weapon is brown sugar, which adds a molasses-y, caramel flavor to the finished beverage.

Recipe: Decadent Hot Chocolate

Impressing your special someone can be as simple as taking them back to the sweet 'ole days of their childhood with a simple nostalgic bite out of a Rice Krispies treat, which they were sure to have enjoyed their share of as a kid. Our Rice Krispies treat recipe has received a glow up for Valentine's Day and is decorated with heart- and ball-shaped red, pink, and white sprinkles before they are set into the fridge to chill.

Recipe: Valentine's Day Rice Krispies Treats

These mini cherry pies are adorable, cute, and sweet — just like your loved one! These mini cherry pies are also super easy to make; the recipe calls only for three ingredients: a box of frozen pie crust, a can of cherry pie filling, and some whipped cream to dollop on top of the finished pies. This recipe yields 12 servings, but as with any bite-sized dessert, you may want to make more as they're sure to disappear fast!

Recipe: Mini Cherry Pie

Nothing sets the mood for a night of fun like a margarita, and recipe developer Carrie Madormo has taken everyone's favorite beverage and morphed it into everyone's favorite dessert: a cupcake! You'll find the traditional margarita flavors of lime and tequila in these cupcakes, with the addition of berries. Madormo recommends raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries to "balance the tart lime" and give the cupcakes a romantic pink-ish color. Garnish with a thinly-sliced lime and don't forget to say "cheers" before eating.

Recipe: Berry Margarita Cupcake

The title says it all: red velvet + cheesecake + brownies! Sign us up! Recipe developer Jessica Morone takes a classic brownie recipe and adds in the red velvet flavor — which also adds the fun, red coloring — and a pretty swirl of cheesecake on top. You'll use plenty of cream cheese for the swirled cheesecake layer and perhaps an ingredient you might not expect: red wine vinegar. The finished product is sure to garner some "oohs!" and "ahhs!" from your sweetie as they reach for a piece or two.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

If your partner is a big Domino's fan, they likely know that the chocolate lava crunch cake is one of the best dishes at the pizza joint. Well, you're in luck because recipe developer Eric Ngo has put together an incredibly accurate copycat recipe so you can make it at home and surprise them. The dark chocolate is "literally the superstar in this recipe" and Ngo recommends using one with 70% cacao, but notes using milk chocolate would be okay if you're looking for a sweeter taste. Make sure to have plenty of milk on hand when enjoying the finished product!

Recipe: Copycat Domino's Chocolate Lava Crunch Cake

Homemade rock candy is sure to impress your loved one, but making it together can also be a fun and romantic activity! Don't let this recipe intimidate you, though. Recipe developer Catherine Brookes walks you through how to make this nostalgic candy in just a few easy steps. The rock candy itself is made from just sugar, water, and food coloring, but you'll need a few kitchen tools as well to pull off this recipe, including Mason jars, bamboo or wood sticks, plates, and clothespins.

Recipe: Homemade Rock Candy

If the idea of homemade ice cream appeals to you but the idea of putting in the effort of all that churning does not, this is the perfect recipe for you. The good news, you don't need an ice cream machine. You'll use — surprise, surprise! – marshmallows to make the base, which is traditionally custard-based, and two chocolate bars as well as cocoa powder to make it extra chocolatey. Enjoy this dessert on its own or add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a maraschino cherry to turn it into a sundae.

Recipe: No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

If your loved one is the kind of person who will wait in a Starbucks drive-thru for a long period just for one of the coffee joint's cake pops, executing this recipe is a surefire way to win them over this Valentine's Day. There is versatility in the recipe; depending on how much work you want to do. You can make the vanilla cake and frosting from scratch, or simply use a box mix and store-bought frosting. You'll melt candy to make the sweet pink coating.

Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Cake Pops

We've already discussed just how amazing the combo of chocolate and peppermint can be with our chocolate peppermint cupcake recipe, but imagine if you could replicate that flavor in an after-dinner drink? Luckily for you, you can! Recipe developer Jaime Bachtell-Shelbert put together this recipe that she describes as "like your favorite chocolate peppermint candy." You'll need to pay a visit to the liquor store to grab some vanilla vodka, creme de cacao liqueur, and peppermint schnapps to pull off this recipe. Make sure to garnish the rim with crushed peppermint candy cane.

Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Here we're revisiting the breakfast-for-dessert trend with these cutie cinnamon rolls, which are shaped into hearts instead of wound into the traditional spiral shape. You'll need several ingredients for this recipe, but don't let that deter you. Recipe developer Kristen Carli recommends putting together a mise en place so you'll have everything ready to go. After you make the dough, you'll top it with cinnamon sugar and then shape the strips into hearts. You'll then drizzle these babaies with a special glaze and powdered sugar.

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Hearts

What makes this chocolate pudding so special? Recipe developer Eric Ngo says it's the extra chunks of chocolate chips, which — because they contain cacao butter — make the pudding super thick and extra chocolatey. You can also toss some cacao nibs on top as a garnish for some more chocolate goodness. Prep is super simple and will take just a little over an hour, including chill time. Want to give your sweetie an extra special treat? Add whipped cream and fresh berries on top.

Recipe: Super-Rich Chocolate Pudding

Here's another candy, you might find a similar version of in a heart-shaped box of Valentine's Day treats, that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen: Mounds bars – not to be confused with their cousin Almond Joy – with their dark chocolate coating and chewy coconut center. You'll only need three ingredients to pull off this recipe: desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk — which, recipe developer Susan Olayinka calls "the best product known to man" — and dark chocolate, the latter of which you'll melt to create the candy's coating. Make sure to make plenty as once you and your loved one start popping these babies into your mouths, one will never be enough!

Recipe: Homemade Mounds Bars

We can't think of a dessert more quintessentially Valentine's Day than chocolate-covered strawberries, and recipe developer Molly Allen is here to show you how to make them for your loved one. Head over to the grocery store and buy the largest, freshest strawberries you can find. Next, melt either dark baker's chocolate or swap it out for white chocolate, which can also work well. Once your strawberries are covered in chocolate, garnish them with some icing, nuts, or Oreo bits.

Recipe: Easy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These aren't just ordinary brownies; they're brownies dressed up to the nines for Valentine's Day! These rich, chocolatey brownies are drizzled white chocolate — dyed pink, of course — and some pink sprinkles for the ultimate festive vibes. Once done, you can cut the brownies into traditional bar shaped-pieces or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to fashion the brownies. If you're feeling extra fancy, top the brownies with whipped cream or serve them with ice cream or fresh fruit.

Recipe: Valentine's Day Brownies

So, we've tackled traditional hot chocolate, now it's time to take everyone's favorite winter beverage to the next level with the addition of strawberry flavoring. The strawberry flavor comes from actual strawberries pureed in a food processor with a bit of milk that you'll combine with a rich, chocolatey mixture while you heat it up. If you want to go all out with garnishes, coat some giant marshmallows in chocolate, add some sprinkles and, of course, don't forget to add a slice of strawberry to the edge of the mug!

Recipe: Strawberry Hot Chocolate

What better dessert than decadent truffles to end your Valentine's Day dinner? Add the element of red velvet and you're golden. Recipe developer Catherine Brookes uses store-bought red velvet cake mix and cream cheese frosting  — though, she notes that vanilla or chocolate frosting will suffice, too — for this recipe. Brookes shows you the creative method behind how to completely coat each truffle in rich white chocolate. Garnish the truffles with festive red and pink Valentine's Day sprinkles, of course!

Recipe: Red Velvet Truffles

Who says you have to save watermelon for summertime? This pink-colored watermelon pie makes for a great and unique Valentine's Day treat. While the idea of this pie mimics that of a key lime pie, trust us, the flavor is all watermelon here. You'll only need five ingredients to make this pie: watermelon gelatin, water, whipped topping, fresh watermelon, and a graham cracker crust. The recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare, so you won't spend time slaving away in the kitchen that you could otherwise spend with your sweetheart.

Recipe: Refreshing Watermelon Pie

On the fence about what to make for Valentine's Day dessert? Resorting to a classic recipe, in this case, our OG chocolate cake, is always a safe bet. We mean, who doesn't love chocolate on chocolate? Recipe developer Jessica Morone walks you through how to prepare both the cake and frosting from scratch to make a decadent two-layered chocolate cake. While the round shape is traditional, you'll win brownie points if you successfully shape the cake into a heart.

Recipe: Classic Chocolate Cake

Ok, so you're looking for a chocolate after-dinner cocktail that you can share with your loved one. This mudslide cocktail recipe may take the cake — the chocolate cake, that is — because the level of decadence thanks to the chocolate in this cocktail is certainly something to write home about. After rimming a rocks glass with chocolate syrup, you'll mix together the cocktail, which contains half and half or heavy cream, Bailey's Irish Cream, vodka, and Kahlúa.

Recipe: Decadent Mudslide Cocktail

Sweethearts conversation hearts are one of the most popular Valentine's Day candies out there. Apparently, the sayings featured on the candies change every year and are based on a theme. According to Reader's Digest, 2022's theme was "Words of Encouragement," including sayings like "WAY2GO" and "PROUD OF U." With our conversation heart cookies recipe, you can choose whatever sayings you'd like to write atop the pink frosting of the cookies with a food coloring pen. Customizing these for your partner will show just how much you really care.

Recipe: Conversation Heart Cookies

A pink cheesecake? Say no more! This simple no-bake cranberry orange cheesecake is, hands-down, one of the best you'll ever eat. Bursting with flavor and plenty of cream cheese, the buttery Nilla Wafers crust provides a decadent contrast to the cheesecake filling and the cranberries covered in sugar make for the perfect garnish. The best part? You won't have to slave over an oven for this cheesecake; you simply pop it in the fridge to cool before enjoying.

Recipe: Simple No-Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Recipe developer Eric Ngo says this classic éclairs recipe is "an intermediate-advanced level type of recipe," but notes that it can certainly be executed by any baker with practice. What better way to impress your loved one than with new baking skills and a delicious French treat? You'll need to assemble a pâte à choux, the éclairs' pastry, a vanilla cream to fill the éclairs, and melted chocolate to top them. Once you've mastered the recipe, you can also try a variation in which you slice open the éclairs and add a fruit filling. Yum!

Recipe: Classic Eclairs

Who doesn't love a good fudge? This fudge with a Valentine's Day twist is sure to please your loved one and is only made with five ingredients: white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and, of course, Valentine's Day-themed sprinkles to garnish your fudge and make it super festive. With 68 five-star ratings from Mashed bakers, you know this recipe has to be easy and fun to execute and the finished product will taste just as great.

Recipe: Valentine's Day Fudge

What's piecaken? A pie + cupcake, of course! Recipe developer Jessica Morone came up with this unique creation. Morone's version uses dark chocolate fudge cake and cherry pie, the perfect combo for a Valentine's Day treat! Prep is simple: Once you make the cake batter, you'll fill a muffin tin halfway, then scoop in some cherry pie, and cover again with cake batter. Top with chocolate frosting and, naturally, a maraschino cherry for some real pizzazz.

Recipe: Easy Piecaken Cupcakes

Chocolate-covered strawberries might be one of the most quintessential Valentine's Day desserts, but this recipe offers an interesting and healthier twist on the classic recipe. You'll use Greek yogurt for the coating, but, fret not, you won't be totally missing your chocolate fix as you'll drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the strawberries once they're dipped in the yogurt and frozen. These yogurt-dipped strawberries come out looking like an impressive work of art and are just as delicious.

Recipe: Yogurt-Dipped Strawberries

We've chosen marzipan for the final candy recipe in this roundup, and we've saved it for last for good reason. It's seriously delicious, so much so you should give it a shot even if you're not typically a marzipan fan. Preparing this marzipan is simple and easy, requiring only six minutes of your time and three ingredients: almond meal, confectioner's sugar, and an egg white. You can shape the marzipan into slices or balls, depending on you and your loved one's preferences.

Recipe: Easy Marzipan

Few words say romance like pink, Champagne, and cake, and when you combine them all together, you've got one seriously sweet and romantic treat. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a bottle of Champagne to make this cake as recipe developer Jessica Morone actually recommends using a sparkling rosé. You'll make a Bavarian-style vanilla cream for the cake itself and a buttercream frosting to surround it. We bet you can guess what beverage to enjoy this cake with: Champagne, of course!

Recipe: Pink Champagne Cake

What's better than a rich red velvet cake? A red velvet cake that requires only three ingredients to make, that's what! You and your sweetie will be able to enjoy this cake soon after you whip it together in no time using a boxed cake mix, applesauce, and store-bought cream cheese frosting. Now, you might be questioning the addition of applesauce a bit, but rest assured, recipe developer Jason Goldstein has his reasons for using it, saying it "adds a ton of moisture to the cake, ensuring you get that rich, velvety texture."

Recipe: 3-Ingredient Red Velvet Cake

We think this is the perfect drink for when you're looking for a nightcap to enjoy with your loved one after a Valentine's Day dinner. There is plenty of chocolate in this drink for the chocolate lovers out there, but, as recipe developer Michelle McGlinn points out, the addition of creme de cacao adds light tones of vanilla. You can garnish your cocktails with chocolate shaving swirls. This drink contains plenty of booze, so go easy!

Recipe: Chocolate Martini Cocktail