Valentine’s Day Recipes 

Red Velvet Brownies

Perfect for Galentine’s, these bars boast all the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of a brownie. Topped with a delicious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, these are the perfect addition to any Valentine’s spread. 

Ingredients

For the brownies:

1 ¼ cups sugar

3 eggs

1 cup butter 

1 ounce dark chocolate (such as Trader Joe’s 72% Cocoa Bar)

½ cup cocoa powder (such as Hershey’s)

1 ¼ cups all- purpose flour 

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

3 teaspoons red food coloring 

For the frosting:

8 ounces softened cream cheese 

⅓ cup sour cream 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 ¼ cups powdered sugar

1 ounce melted white chocolate 

Method:

Step one: preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×11 pan (9×9 or 9×13 would also work)

Step two: combine the sugar and eggs in a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale yellow in color

Step three: melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave for one to two minutes 

Step four: stir the butter and chocolate together until combined, then slowly stream into the egg mixture 

Step five: fold in the cocoa powder, flour, and cornstarch with a spatula until just combined 

Step six: add the vanilla and food coloring 

Step seven: pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes 

Step eight: make the frosting by creaming together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth 

Step nine: add the powdered sugar and mix in the vanilla and white chocolate 

Step ten: spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and cut into squares to enjoy!

Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake 

Bursting with strawberry flavor, this cake is perfect for feeding a crowd on Valentine’s Day. The cake itself features fresh strawberry purée and jam in the batter as well as sour cream, which give it a tender texture. The frosting is arguably the best part, and its  pretty pink hue combined with the conversation hearts makes for a very festive centerpiece for any Valentine’s event.

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 ¾ cups cake flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

½ teaspoon baking soda 

½ teaspoon salt 

1 ½ cups sugar 

½ cup butter 

½ cup oil

½ cups sour cream 

4 eggs

1 ¼ cups strawberry puree

½ cup strawberry jam

For the frosting:

½ cup melted butter 

2 ½ cups powdered sugar 

3 tablespoons sour cream 

¼ cup strawberry purée 

¼ cup strawberry jam 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Conversation Hearts, for decoration 

Step one: preheat the oven to 350 and line a 9×13 with parchment 

Step two: stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder

Step three: in a separate bowl cream together the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy 

Step four: add in the sour cream and then beat in the eggs one at a time

Step five: alternate adding the flour mixture and strawberry puree in three stages, beginning and ending with the flour

Step six: lastly, fold in the strawberry jam and pour the batter into the baking dish 

Step seven: bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean 

Step eight: for the frosting whisk together the butter and sugar, then add the other ingredients 

Step nine: spread the frosting over the cooled cake and decorate with conversation hearts 

Step ten: slice and enjoy!

Tiramisu for Two

For an elevated dessert everyone always loves: the classic flavors of tiramisu. This double- serving recipe is ideal for a romantic Valentine’s dinner and is sure to impress your date. 

Ingredients:

2 egg yolks

⅓ cup sugar

⅔ cup cold mascarpone cheese 

⅓ cup cold heavy cream 

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 

10 lady fingers 

2 shots brewed espresso 

3 tablespoons Marsala wine, Amaretto, or coffee liquor

1 tablespoon cocoa powder 

Step one: in a small bowl whisk together the egg and sugar until pale yellow in color

Step two: add the mascarpone and whisk to combine 

Step three: pour in the cream and vanilla and whisk for two minutes until thickened 

Step four: combine the coffee and alcohol in a small bowl

Step five: begin dipping the lady fingers in the coffee mixture and layer them in the bottom of two wine glasses or any small serving dishes of your choice 

Step six: spread a layer of the cream mixture over the top of the lady fingers and repeat with a second layer of ladyfingers and cream 

Step seven: dust the tops with cocoa powder and refrigerate until ready to serve