Indulge Your Sweetheart (and Your Sweet Tooth!) with These 4 Valentine’s Day Desserts

By Meghen Jones

So, admittedly, it’s taken a lot to get to this point. But, you’ve already picked out a stunning outfit that is sure to wow your sweetheart, in addition to a planning a savory menu and decorating your off-campus apartment with the most adorable and affordable Valentine’s Day decorations.  With all of your planning executed in a near perfect manner, the plan for dessert got lost somewhere in the middle of your already exhausting schedule. And isn’t the essence of Valentine’s Day itself too sweet to skip out on your favorite course?

Even if you happen to be single, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy a sweet treat to take your mind off of all the celebrations you’ve seen on and around campus for the past few days. Now that you’ve decided upon dessert—whether you’re coupled up or not—you must make another difficult decision. What should you make? Pretty tough, we know—especially for someone with a sweet tooth like yours. Luckily for you, your friends at uCribs are suckers for all things Valentine’s Day-related. (I mean, can’t you tell? This is like our third blog on the subject!) That’s why we’ve compiled 4 of the most decadent Valentine’s Day desserts to satisfy your sweetheart…and your sweet tooth.

White Chocolate-Raspberry Parfait

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, chocolate is where it’s at. You’ll find it in an endless list of desserts—chocolate pudding covered with fresh strawberries, spiced chocolate truffles, and even chocolate parfait. Speaking of parfait, there’s no doubt that this simple dessert is a favorite amongst most of us, and even though we’d be happy to enjoy it anytime or anywhere, serving it up on Valentine’s Day will really make a statement to your sweetheart—a delicious, physical declaration of your love.

This White Chocolate-Raspberry Parfait recipe is literally Valentine’s Day in a glass— if we do say so ourselves. Rich and silky layers of white chocolate mousse covered with sweet raspberry sauce will ignite your taste buds after one bite. Made with fresh lemon juice, tart raspberries, and of course, sweet white chocolate, this dessert will set the tone for a perfect night in. Think about it: vibrant red and lush white décor accompanied by delicious White Chocolate-Raspberry Parfait. Sounds like the perfect way to express how you truly feel about your loved one, no?

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups raspberries

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

For the mousse:

4 ounces white chocolate, chopped

2 cups heavy cream

3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups raspberries

Shaved white chocolate for topping

Directions:

1. Make the sauce: Combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, mashing with a spoon. Press through a mesh coffee filter into a bowl using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate until cold.
2. Make the mousse: Put the white chocolate and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is melted; whisk until smooth and creamy. Beat the remaining heavy cream in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until it becomes foamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until soft peaks form. Whisk about 1 cup of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest until combined.
3. Divide the mousse evenly in small glasses topping each with about 1 tablespoon of the raspberry sauce and a few raspberries. Top with the remaining mousse, sauce, and raspberries, then sprinkle with shaved white chocolate. Refrigerate until cold.

Better Than A Boyfriend Brownies

Fueling the chocolatey madness, brownies are second to none when it comes to your list of dessert favs. Fudge Brownies, Blondies, or Glazed Strawberry Brownies… the chewy goodness will have you feeling a little addicted—even when you’re attempting to stick to a healthy lifestyle. But, this holiday is certainly one in which you shouldn’t feel guilty indulging yourself. We believe even the single ladies deserve a sweet treat that turns their evening into a tasty and delightful one.

So, single or not, everyone deserves a batch of Better Than A Boyfriend Brownies! As a German chocolate brownie covered with sticky caramel and melted chocolate chips, Better Than A Boyfriend Brownies might be just that—yes, we said it: better than your boyfriend! Admit it: when has a brownie ever hurt your feelings, ghosted you, or forgotten your anniversary? We’ll just say never. Either way, this brownie treat is certainly one not worth passing up!

Ingredients:

1 box German Chocolate cake mix

1 stick unsalted butter

1/3 cup evaporated milk

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Caramel:

 1 14-ounce bag of caramels

1/3 cup evaporated milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8×8 inch square pan with cooking spray then line with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging out over the sides. Coat again with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, beat together the cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven.
3. Place the unwrapped caramels over a double boiler on medium heat. Add remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk, then stir together gently until caramels are melted.
4. Sprinkle the first layer of the brownie with chocolate chips and pour the melted caramel over the top.
5. Pour the remaining half of the brownie batter strategically over the top of the caramel. Return the brownies to the oven and bake until the top of the brownie looks relatively set.
6. Let brownies cool down in the pan to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Using parchment paper, lift brownies from pan. Slice and serve.

Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing

What’s a Valentine’s Day celebration without its signature Red Velvet cake? Red Velvet has become increasingly popular over the past 90 years, ever since Hershey surprised the world with a chocolate cake known for its red color. So, since the Red Velvet is so complementary to Valentine’s Day, nothing really exemplifies love quite like Red Velvet Waffles drizzled with Cream Cheese Icing.

These quick, simple, and on-brand waffles topped with your favorite combination of mixed berries make a beautifully plated dessert, ideal after enjoying a romantic dinner for two. (Bonus: It’s also a wonderful breakfast item to charm your special someone with!) Sure, making cake mix is never a cake walk, but it will certainly be worth the time and effort to put a smile on your loved one’s face.

Ingredients:

1 box red velvet cake mix, plus the ingredients listed on the box

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

3/4 cup warm milk

2 1/2 cups mixed berries

1 tablespoon sugar

Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the waffle iron, then prepare the cake mix according to the box directions.
2. Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray, then pour some of the batter on the hot waffle iron, being careful to not overfill the iron. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. To make the cream cheese drizzle, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in the milk.
4. Mix the berries together with the sugar then top each waffle and drizzle with the cream cheese drizzle.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Nachos

Whether you’re catching the game or hosting a movie night in your off-campus apartment, nachos covered in gooey cheese and spicy jalapenos are so irresistible. It’s been the go-to snack since we were kids, and it honestly never gets old— no matter how many different combinations you try. So, why not take a savory food staple and turn it on its ear by crafting a delectable dessert to enjoy with your loved one?

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Nachos is nacho average version of this classic must-have snack. Instead of pico de gallo and guacamole, you’ll find fresh, juicy strawberries layered upon sweet, toasted cinnamon chips drizzled with milk chocolate. You’ll be hooked after one bite! Plus, this dessert has the potential to make your significant other feel like Cupid struck them once again… after seeing you for the first time, of course.

Ingredients:

4-6 (6-inch) flour tortillas

Melted butter

Cinnamon Sugar

1-pound strawberries chopped

2 tablespoons sugar

12 ounces milk chocolate chips

1 tablespoon shortening

Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then cut the tortillas into wedges using a pizza cutter. Place the tortilla wedges on an ungreased baking sheet, sugar side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
3. Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Stir and set aside for about 10 minutes so that the sugar dissolves into a light syrup.
4. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stopping to stir each time, until melted.
5. Arrange the cinnamon sugar chips on a plate, top with strawberries, and drizzle with melted chocolate. Garnish with whipped cream then enjoy.

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