When it comes to holidays, of any kind, my mind always jumps to, “what can I bake for this occasion?” For me, celebrations always call for desserts and with Valentine’s Day upon us, I have compiled a list of vegan and non-vegan recipes for the best Valentine’s Day desserts that suit any kind of celebration.
- Strawberry Shortcake
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This cake is sweet, classy, and full of love — just like you! Bake this classic cake for that special someone in your life. They say, the way to your lover’s heart is through their stomach, and this dessert will not disappoint! Try this Vegan Strawberry Shortcake recipe by Caitlin of Plant Well. Alternatively, check out Food Network Canada chef Ricardo Larrivée’s non-vegan recipe (The Best) Strawberry Shortcake.
- Chocolate Mousse
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Chocolate is always a good choice for Valentine’s Day, right? Right! Treat yourself to this heavenly chocolate dessert or share it with a partner. The best part is that both of these recipes are made of only three ingredients, an easy recipe to follow for all the beginner bakers out there. Check out Vegan Chocolate Mousse, a recipe by Lisa of Okomoni Kitchen. For a non-vegan recipe, here’s 3-Ingredient Mason Jar Chocolate Mousse by Ashley Fehr of The Recipe Rebel.
- Mini Berry Cheesecakes
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Hosting a Leslie Knope-style Galentine’s Day party? Then these mini cheesecakes are the perfect way to show your gals you love them. Each mini cake is sweet and a little sassy with that punch of berry in ‘em. Try Ashley’s Mini Ricotta Cheesecakes recipe from her blog, Baker by Nature, or the non-vegan Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes recipe by Danielle of Live Well, Bake Often.
- Rainbow Cake
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This one’s for the lovers that know no limits! Get creative by decorating the cake with multi-colored frosting and sprinkles or ice the cake entirely white so your partner can cut open to a surprise! Here’s Katarina of Dolled Up Desserts’ recipe for a vegan (and gluten free) Naked Rainbow Pride Cake. And for a non-vegan option, here’s the Rainbow Layer Cake recipe by Betty Crocker.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes
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Bake these love-colored cupcakes with and for the friends you love. You’ll have a blast decorating them together with a cheesy classic Valentine’s movie playing in the background. For that yummy vegan goodness, try Alison Andrews’ Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe from Loving It Vegan. For a non-vegan alternative, try Kelsie’s Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes from her blog, The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day alone, with friends, a significant other, or not celebrating at all, I guarantee these desserts will turn out perfectly if you remember to include the one most important ingredient of all: LOVE.