6 Easy Valentine’s Day treats
When the calendar turns to February, most people naturally zoom in on the 14th. We all want to do something for our loved ones on Valentine’s Day, but with busy schedules and limited budgets, it can be hard to come up with the perfect gift. Baking is a great way to show you care, and it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it looks in those cooking competitions you see on television. Below are six delicious treats your partner or family will love, and they can come together in an afternoon.
- Flourless chocolate cake. Flourless cakes are richer than traditional cakes, and they’re also gluten-free. This style of cake also keeps the math and technique to a minimum and still results in a fudgy, wonderful dessert. With melted chocolate, eggs, unsalted butter, and a little whisking, you’ll create a batter in a snap.
- Chocolate-covered strawberries. These treats practically scream “Valentine’s Day!” Chocolate-covered strawberries are delicious, indulgent and couldn’t be easier to make. Just melt semi-sweet chocolate chips or white vanilla baking chips in a saucepan or microwave, dip in the strawberries, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and enjoy!
- Cake pops. This treat was really en vogue just a few years ago, and is still a fun way to treat the special someone in your life to something sweet. Bake a box of cake mix, then crumble it up. Mix in frosting until you have a chunky, gooey “batter.” Then shape the concoction into hearts using a cookie cutter, in accordance with the season. Poke a lollipop stick through them, and coat your pops with melted chocolate. The finished product will perfectly satisfy your valentine’s sweet tooth.
- Strawberry Nutella milkshake. For the ultimate decadent dessert that comes in a glass, combine the chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella spread with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. To really put this recipe over the top, swap out fresh strawberries for strawberry preserves and add a shot of Irish cream.
- Chocolate bark. If you can melt chocolate, you can make chocolate bark. Grab any of the nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or pieces of candy your sweetheart enjoys, and throw them on top of melted chocolate spread out on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate until firm, then break into chunks and serve. You can make bark out of any type of chocolate, though you may want to choose the kind that will pair best with the flavor of the mix-ins you’re adding. Have fun with this one! It’s basically a customizable candy bar that tastes way better than anything you could pick up at a convenience store.
- Cookie cups. This easy twist on a chocolate chip cookie will make you look like a pro baker. Unwrap a tube of ready-bake cookies and place them in muffin tins. Bake until golden, let them cool off, and then top with your choice of filling. From simple homemade whipped cream, to marshmallow spread, to ice cream, there are so many ways to make these little bites incredibly tasty.
12 Easy Valentine Desserts to ♥ [Pillsbury]
21 Sweet and Simple Valentine’s Day Treats For Kids [PopSugar Mom]