Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show how much you love someone, so don’t do it with store-bought flowers and chocolates. We’re not implying you nix chocolate completely—that’s crazy-talk—but instead, we suggest you put some love and care into dessert by making it yourself. For romantic inspiration, try celebrating this Valentine’s Day with one of these 22 chocolate dessert recipes.
1 of 22
Black Forest cake
Anna_Pustynnikova / Shutterstock.com
Based on the German dessert known as “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” Black Forest cake is actually called “Black Forest cherry torte,” according to the direct translation. It’s made of multiple layers of chocolate sponge cake, and as the name suggests, it has a cherry filling. The cherry flavor actually comes from a cherry liqueur, as indicated in this recipe from Liv For Cake.
2 of 22
Boozy hot chocolate
Fotobycam / Shutterstock.com
February means cold weather for much of the country, so hot chocolate is the perfect dessert. It can also be the perfect nightcap if you makethis “adult hot chocolate” from The Modern Proper. Be forewarned: It contains bourbon, Frangelico, AND Irish cream.
3 of 22
Chocolate chip skillet cookie
Duplass / Shutterstock.com
If you’re the kind of person who had a cookie cake for their birthday as a kid (or last year—no judgments), then welcome to the grown-up version: the chocolate chip skillet cookie. Not only is this giant cookie from How Sweet Eats both chewy and gooey, but it’s super fun to make in your cast iron pan.
4 of 22
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com
To make chocolate-covered strawberries, you really only need two ingredients: strawberries and high-quality chocolate. Natasha’s Kitchen can show you how to make them and provide some creative suggestions for more elaborate versions. If you’re in the mood for a romantic cliche, resist the urge to lovingly feed the strawberries to each other—it’s always more messy and awkward than anticipated.
5 of 22
Chocolate cream pie
Brendan Lekan / Shutterstock.com
This chocolate cream pie via Tastes Better from Scratchcomes complete with three layers: whipped cream on top, chocolate pudding in the middle, and an Oreo crust underneath. It may sound complicated, but the crust can be made in advance and the pudding needs several hours to set, so the prep is broken up nicely.
6 of 22
Chocolate cupcakes
Elena Veselova / Shutterstock.com
Chocolate cake is delicious, and chocolate frosting is delicious, which would mean that chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, like these from Handle the Heat, are twice as good. Except due to a synergy-like situation, the result is actually better than the sum of its two parts—especially if you add chocolate sprinkles.
7 of 22
Chocolate fondue
studio presence / Shutterstock.com
For some reason, chocolate fondue gives off romantic vibes—and we’re fine with that because it’s easy to make and delicious to eat. This recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron calls for just six ingredients, and two of them are chocolate! All you need to do is decide what to dip in it. (We suggest fruit like strawberries and pineapple, or cakes like angel food and pound cake.)
8 of 22
Chocolate fudge
Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com
Chocolate fudge is fancy, it’s rich, and it’s tasty—so there’s no way it could be easy, right? Not according to Show Me the Yummy, who have a five-ingredient version that only requires about five minutes of prep!
9 of 22
Chocolate lava cake
Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com
A classic dessert for two, chocolate lava cake isn’t as tricky as it looks. In fact, this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction will show you how to make them in ramekins or muffin pans. And yes, the chocolate will ooze out like a miniature choco-cano.
10 of 22
Chocolate mousse
nerudol / Shutterstock.com
Just five simple ingredients are needed for this chocolate mousse from Recipe Tin Eats:chocolate, butter, cream, eggs, and caster sugar. You can use it atop cakes or brownies, or just eat it with a spoon…and whipped cream and chocolate shavings, of course.
11 of 22
Chocolate souffle
Raimunda-losantos / Shutterstock.com
There’s a lot of satisfaction that comes with baking a rich, fluffy souffle, but it’s a delicate process. Keep Valentine’s Day shenanigans out of the kitchen while this chocolate souffle from Sally’s Baking Addiction is prepped and baked, as it could fall faster than a fool in love.
12 of 22
Chocolate tart
marcin jucha / Shutterstock.com
If a chocolate cream pie is too much like pudding for your liking, try a chocolate tart instead. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated or fancy as it sounds—in fact, it’s actually pretty simple, especially with this recipe from the Food Network.
13 of 22
Chocolate truffles
Vladislav Noseek / Shutterstock.com
One of the richest desserts around is chocolate truffles, and that’s a dangerous thing for our diet. But sometimes it’s fun to live dangerously on Valentine’s Day, so why not make some truffles with this recipe from Petite Gourmets?
14 of 22
Devil’s food cake
Yummypic / Shutterstock.com
Devils’ food cake is the darkest of the dark when it comes to cake, as it’s made of layers of rich chocolate cake, and it’s filled and covered with chocolate frosting. The origins of this dessert are at least 120 years old, so we recommend using this “old-fashioned” devil’s food cake recipe from Baker By Nature.
15 of 22
Double chocolate brownies
P Maxwell Photography / Shutterstock.com
Brownies are already a chocolate dessert thanks to the cocoa powder (get out of here with that blondie talk.) But these brownies from Like Mother Like Daughter call for a heaping half-cup of chocolate chips, which makes them even more chocolatey, and oh so fudgy.
16 of 22
Double chocolate chip cookies
Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com
When regular chocolate chip cookies aren’t enough, you call in double chocolate chip cookies. And while some people like their cookies crispy and others like them soft, we prefer ours to be like Han Solo’s best friend: chewy. These cookies from Sugar Geek Show fit the bill.
17 of 22
Flourless chocolate cake
Hope Phillips / Shutterstock.com
Desserts don’t get much richer than flourless chocolate cake—and we’re not talking about the money. In fact, you can make this decadent, gluten-free recipe from Gimme Some Oven with just three ingredients: eggs, butter, and a whole lot of chocolate. But if you want to impress your date, dress this dessert up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar (and maybe some raspberries, too).
18 of 22
German chocolate cake
Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com
A layered chocolate cake with a coconut-pecan frosting makes up this German chocolate cake recipe via Tastes Better From Scratch. If you’re wondering what is German about coconuts and pecans, the answer is nothing. Unlike Black Forest cake, German chocolate cake isn’t related to Germany at all—it was invented by an American baker named Samuel German.
19 of 22
Ice cream
margouillat photo / Shutterstock.com
Have an ice cream maker that needs a little love & attention? Break it out for Valentine’s Day! Making ice cream can even be a date-night activity, whether it’s your first date or you’ve been married for years. Joy Food Sunshine has an easy seven-ingredient version.
20 of 22
Marble brownies
nickichen / Shutterstock.com
If you think brownies are a bit basic—especially for a special Valentine’s Day dessert—class ‘em up by making marble brownies instead. This version from AllRecipes actually comes from the Philadelphia brand, because, as you may guess, it involves cream cheese. Aside from the cream cheese and brownie mix, all you need are sugar, vanilla, and eggs!
21 of 22
Oreo cheesecake
Elena Lapshina / Shutterstock.com
We could have gone with chocolate cheesecake, but Oreo cheesecake is one of our favorite flavors—and the cookie parts are chocolate cookies, so it counts! Life, Love, and Sugar claims to have the best Oreo cheesecake recipe, but make it at home and decide for yourself!
22 of 22
Peanut butter cups
Erin McGrath / Shutterstock.com
Peanut butter and chocolate are soulmates, and the simplest combination of the two is a peanut butter cup. Not a store-bought one with a long list of ingredients, but a simple version like this recipe from Tasty, which only uses peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or preferences, but I can provide information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here is some information related to the various chocolate dessert recipes mentioned:
Black Forest Cake
Black Forest cake, also known as "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte," is a German dessert made of multiple layers of chocolate sponge cake with a cherry filling. The cherry flavor in the cake comes from a cherry liqueur. The cake is typically topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. [[1]]
Boozy Hot Chocolate
Boozy hot chocolate is a warm and comforting dessert perfect for cold weather. It is made by adding alcohol, such as bourbon, Frangelico, or Irish cream, to hot chocolate. This combination adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the drink. [[2]]
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
A chocolate chip skillet cookie is a large cookie made in a cast iron skillet. It is a fun and delicious dessert that is both chewy and gooey. The cookie is typically filled with chocolate chips and can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. [[3]]
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic and romantic dessert. They are made by dipping fresh strawberries into melted high-quality chocolate. The chocolate-coated strawberries can be enjoyed as is or decorated with additional toppings like nuts or sprinkles. [[4]]
Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate cream pie is a decadent dessert consisting of three layers: a chocolate cookie crust, a creamy chocolate pudding filling, and a whipped cream topping. It is a rich and indulgent dessert that can be made in advance. [[5]]
Chocolate Cupcakes
Chocolate cupcakes are small individual cakes made with chocolate batter and topped with chocolate frosting. They are a popular dessert choice and can be enjoyed on various occasions. Chocolate cupcakes are typically moist and rich in flavor. [[6]]
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue is a dessert where bite-sized pieces of food are dipped into melted chocolate. It is a fun and interactive dessert that can be enjoyed with a variety of dippable items such as fruits, cakes, or cookies. [[7]]
Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate fudge is a rich and creamy confection made from chocolate, sugar, butter, and milk or cream. It is typically cooked to a soft ball stage and then beaten until it becomes thick and smooth. Chocolate fudge can be customized with additional ingredients like nuts or marshmallows. [[8]]
Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate lava cake, also known as molten chocolate cake, is a dessert with a warm and gooey chocolate center. It is made by baking individual cakes with a liquid chocolate filling. When the cake is cut open, the melted chocolate flows out, resembling a lava flow. [[9]]
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is a light and airy dessert made from chocolate, eggs, sugar, and cream. It is typically chilled and served in individual cups or glasses. Chocolate mousse can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for cakes or brownies. [[10]]
Chocolate Souffle
Chocolate souffle is a delicate and elegant dessert made from beaten egg whites and chocolate. It is known for its fluffy and airy texture. Souffles require careful preparation and baking to achieve the desired rise and lightness. [[11]]
Chocolate Tart
A chocolate tart is a dessert made with a chocolate pastry crust and a rich chocolate filling. It is a simple yet decadent dessert that can be garnished with whipped cream, fresh fruits, or chocolate shavings. [[12]]
Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are bite-sized confections made from a mixture of chocolate, cream, and butter. They are rolled into small balls and coated in cocoa powder, nuts, or other toppings. Chocolate truffles are rich and indulgent treats often enjoyed as a special treat or gift. [[13]]
Devil's Food Cake
Devil's food cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake made with cocoa powder and sometimes melted chocolate. It is typically layered with chocolate frosting and can be garnished with additional chocolate decorations. Devil's food cake is known for its deep, dark chocolate flavor. [[14]]
Double Chocolate Brownies
Double chocolate brownies are fudgy and chocolatey treats made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. They are denser and more indulgent than regular brownies, thanks to the addition of extra chocolate. Double chocolate brownies are often enjoyed warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream. [[15]]
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double chocolate chip cookies are chocolate cookies loaded with chocolate chips. They are a rich and decadent twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. Double chocolate chip cookies are typically soft and chewy, with a double dose of chocolate flavor. [[16]]
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cake is a dense and decadent dessert made without flour. It is typically made with a combination of chocolate, eggs, and butter. Flourless chocolate cake has a rich and fudgy texture and is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. [[17]]
German Chocolate Cake
German chocolate cake is a layered chocolate cake with a coconut-pecan frosting. Despite its name, German chocolate cake is not actually from Germany. It was named after an American baker named Samuel German who developed a type of dark baking chocolate used in the cake's recipe. [[18]]
Ice Cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert made from a mixture of cream, sugar, and flavorings. It can be made in various flavors, including chocolate. Homemade ice cream can be customized with different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or cookie dough. Making ice cream can be a fun activity, especially when done together as a date-night activity. [[19]]
Marble Brownies
Marble brownies are a variation of traditional brownies with a marbled pattern of chocolate and vanilla or cream cheese batter. They are made by swirling together two different batters to create a visually appealing and flavorful dessert. Marble brownies are typically moist and fudgy. [[20]]
Oreo Cheesecake
Oreo cheesecake is a creamy and indulgent dessert made with a crust of crushed Oreo cookies and a rich cream cheese filling. It combines the flavors of chocolate and cream cheese, making it a favorite among Oreo lovers. Oreo cheesecake can be garnished with additional Oreo cookies or chocolate sauce. [[21]]
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are a classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. They are typically made by filling small cupcake liners with a mixture of peanut butter and powdered sugar, then covering them with melted chocolate. Homemade peanut butter cups can be customized with different types of chocolate or additional toppings. [[22]]
I hope this information helps you explore and enjoy these delicious chocolate dessert recipes!
