Valentine’s Week is a time filled with romance and affection. Couples often exchange meaningful gifts such as roses and teddy bears while expressing their deepest commitments to one another. This charming atmosphere invites the idea of creating delightful sweets to enhance the celebration. Elevate your Valentine’s festivities with unique homemade desserts. Whether you desire a decadent treat or a healthier option, these specially curated dessert recipes cater to all preferences.

While store-bought desserts may lack a personal touch, the addition of effort and love transforms the experience into something truly special. This personal involvement fosters a more intimate celebration.

Chef Amit Sharma, the Head Chef at Love and Cheesecake, has generously shared some recipes along with his expert tips to ensure your celebrations are uniquely personal. Consider preparing these treats at home, either with your loved ones or on your own.

Indulgent desserts

A well-conceived theme can enhance any occasion. Valentine's week invites us to celebrate the vibrant hues of red, symbolizing deep affection. Consider exploring strawberry-inspired desserts, such as a delectable strawberry cheesecake. Alternatively, if you seek a unique experience, reflect on your initial coffee date by enjoying a sumptuous tiramisu. These desserts offer a delightful indulgence. Chef Amit has generously provided these recipes.

Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Glass

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese: 200g
• Whipping cream: 100ml
• Digestive biscuits: 8 (crushed)
• Butter: 50g (melted)
• Fresh strawberries: 150g (chopped)
• Strawberry jam: 2 tbsp

Method:

• Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into the bottom of a serving glass.
• Beat cream cheese and whipping cream until smooth and fluffy.
• Layer the cream cheese mixture on the biscuit base, followed by fresh strawberries.
• Top with a spoonful of strawberry jam. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Fold a little lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing tang.

Strawberry Biscoff Tub

Ingredients:

• Biscoff cookies: 12 (crushed)
• Biscoff spread: 3 tbsp
• Fresh strawberries: 200g (chopped)
• Whipped cream: 150ml

Method:

• Layer crushed Biscoff cookies at the base of a small tub or container.
• Add a layer of whipped cream, then a layer of fresh strawberries.
• Drizzle Biscoff spread over the strawberries. Repeat layers.
• Chill for 2-3 hours before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Warm the Biscoff spread slightly to make it easier to drizzle.

Tiramisu Cup

Ingredients:

• Ladyfinger biscuits: 10
• Mascarpone cheese: 200g
• Heavy cream: 100ml
• Powdered sugar: 50g
• Espresso coffee: 200ml (cooled)
• Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
• Coffee liqueur (optional): 2 tbsp

Method:

• Brew espresso and let it cool. Mix in coffee liqueur if using.
• Beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
• Dip ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture (don’t oversoak).
• Layer dipped ladyfingers and the mascarpone mixture in a glass, starting with the biscuits. Repeat layers.
• Dust cocoa powder on top and chill for 2-3 hours before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the coffee mixture for an aromatic twist.

Millennium Shortbread

Ingredients:

For Shortbread:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 50g powdered sugar
• 150g cold butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Chocolate Ganache:

• 200g dark chocolate
• 100ml heavy cream

Method:

• Mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add vanilla and form into a dough.
• Roll out and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 170°C for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool.
• Heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
• Spread ganache over shortbread and let set.

Chef's Tip: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the ganache for a flavour contrast.

Health-conscious desserts

Who said people with a sweet tooth have a monopoly over desserts? Those who are on a diet and have committed themselves to a fitness journey can enjoy the goodness of sweets too! Natural, refreshing ingredients like berries or Greek yoghurt are the hero ingredients. Replace sugar with other alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Chef Amit shared these recipes:

Granola Parfait

Ingredients:

• Granola: 1 cup
• Greek yogurt: 200g
• Honey: 2 tbsp
• Mixed berries: 150g (blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)

Method:

• Layer granola at the bottom of a glass.
• Add a layer of Greek yoghurt and drizzle honey on top.
• Follow with a layer of mixed berries.
• Repeat layers until the glass is full.

Chef’s Tip: Toast the granola lightly in a pan for an extra crunch and nutty flavour.

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• Frozen bananas: 2
• Peanut butter: 2 tbsp
• Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp
• Almond milk: 100ml
• Granola: 2 tbsp (for topping)
• Dark chocolate shavings: 1 tbsp (for topping)
• Sliced banana: 1 (for topping)

Method:

• Blend frozen bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and almond milk until creamy.
• Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
• Top with granola, sliced banana, and dark chocolate shavings.

Chef’s Tip: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

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