BY LAVANYA SUBRAMANIAN*
Gather your loved ones and rediscover the joy of homemade desserts this Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to surprise your family with a sweet treat, these delightful recipes are easy to make and filled with love. Let’s get baking!
Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Indulgence in every bite!
These velvety, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles require just three main ingredients but deliver pure bliss. Coat them in cacao powder or dip them in a hard chocolate shell for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cacao powder
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 8 cubes pure Belgian chocolate (sweetened)
Instructions:
- Heat milk and maple syrup, then mix with cacao powder to create a smooth chocolate mixture. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with cacao powder.
- Melt Belgian chocolate, dip the truffles, and refrigerate until the shell hardens. Enjoy!
Red ‘Beet’ Cake
A vibrant, naturally colored cake with a hint of earthy sweetness.
This gorgeous red cake gets its hue from beet powder and is topped with a luscious white chocolate layer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 cup beet powder
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cup sprouted whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (or flaxmeal alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make a beet sauce by combining milk, white chocolate chips, and beet powder over low heat.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Bake at 325°F for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
- Assemble by layering with melted white chocolate. Enjoy!
Baked Strawberry Donuts
Light, fluffy, and dipped in homemade strawberry sauce!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tbsp beet powder
- 1 tbsp flaxmeal
- 1 tbsp tapioca flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup thick date paste
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Add milk if needed for consistency.
- Grease donut molds and fill halfway.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Dip in homemade strawberry sauce made with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. Serve and enjoy!
Mango Marmalade Squares
A fruity, citrusy treat with a creamy layer.
Ingredients:
- 25 graham crackers, crushed
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 2 cups mango cubes
- 3 whole oranges
- 5 star anise
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Make a mango-orange puree by simmering mango, whole oranges, and star anise, then blending it smooth.
- Press a graham cracker crust into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
- Mix mango puree with cream cheese and honey, then spread over the crust.
- Decorate with orange and mango wedges and grated chocolate. Chill before serving.
Chia & Cacao Melange
Wholesome, simple, and bursting with rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 24 dates
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
Instructions:
- Blend dates and milk into a smooth paste.
- Add cacao and cinnamon powder and blend again.
- Stir in chia seeds lightly and pour into jars.
- Refrigerate overnight and enjoy!
Chocolate Bread Pudding
A cozy dessert with warm spices and gooey chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 2 cups oat milk
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flaxmeal (soaked)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Spices: cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron strands
Instructions:
- Mix milk, maple syrup, oil, flaxmeal, and spices.
- Toss in bread cubes and coat well.
- Spread in a greased dish, top with chocolate chips, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Let cool, then drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Which of these desserts will you be trying first? Let me know your favorites and drop a comment on my blog, My Nutrosia. Happy baking! 🍰💕
*Check out more recipes on Lavanya’s cooking blog, My Nutrosia.
