10 Mini Valentine's Day Desserts That Are Sweeter Than a Card
Opt for one of these bite-sized ways to show how much you care.
There's no better way to say "I love you" than with a sweet homemade Valentine's Day card and an even sweeter, homemade Valentine's Day dessert. This Valentine's Day, try baking an array of bite-sized sweet treats.
After a romantic homemade dinner for two or a sophisticated night out on the town, settle in with your loved one to share a bite-sized sweet. You'll never want to buy store-bought candies for Valentine's Day again after discovering how fun making your favorite desserts as small treats can be.
:28 Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Boyfriend or Husband
Cookie Butter Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor of these blondies, studded with chocolate chunks and baked until barely done. Use a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter to create cute shapes, then enjoy the leftover scraps. Prefer peanut butter to cookie butter? Feel free to swap it in.
Mini Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes
Victor Protasio
Just because a dessert is vegan doesn't mean it can't be delicious. These cakes use Earl Grey tea and olive oil as two unique ingredients that elevate soft cakes to a new level. Use good-quality olive oil to keep the cake moist and rich. Top with candied orange peel or ginger for the perfect presentation.
Mini Chocolate Stout Brownie Sundae Floats
If you're baking for a beer-lover (or a chocoholic), these decadent brownie sundaes won't disappoint. The sweet begins with a layer of crumbled boozy brownies, followed by a drizzle of burnt caramel and a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Finish with Guinness, coconut whipped cream, and a swirl of Irish cream hot fudge sauce.
Mini Raspberry Rhubarb Pavlovas
Light and airy pavlovas are a simple, tasty base for homemade whipped cream and a sweet-tart compote. Fresh raspberries and rhubarb give the compote its gorgeous red hue, filling every bite. Their miniature size makes them the ideal after-dinner treat.
Strawberry and Nutella Hand Pies
Nothing says "I love you" more than Nutella. These hand-held treats, filled with all the deliciousness of a full-scale pie, are much easier to prepare. Every bite bursts with strawberry jam and Nutella, and an egg wash gives the exterior its golden-brown finish. For a perfectly flaky crust, refrigerate the dough before baking.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Sweet and adorable—these classic strawberry treats will be hard to put down. Arrange the strawberries on a platter as a romantic yet simple dessert that can be ready in five easy steps. Try using different types of chocolates.
Brownie and Raspberry Trifle
Baking something entirely from scratch doesn't need to take a lot of time. This gorgeous trifle comes together in just 20 minutes, and store-bought brownies speed up the process. If you prefer, swap dark sweet cherries for the raspberries, and sprinkle with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Add homemade whipped cream to take full credit for the treat.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Pops
Kids will go crazy for these breakfast-inspired treats, which they can bring to class for a fun, bite-sized dessert. Making them is kid-friendly, too: Store-bought cinnamon rolls are split in half, popped onto a stick, and spread with vanilla icing. Remember to top it with heart-shaped sprinkles!
Buttermilk Red Velvet Donuts
You'll want to devour the entire pan of these donuts—which makes it all the better that they're baked instead of fried. If you're not a fan of icing, dip them in cinnamon and sugar, and then serve warm while they're still soft and fluffy. Enjoy leftovers as a Sunday morning breakfast.
Almond Cakelets With Pomegranate Glaze
These airy almond cakelets pair perfectly with a glass of champagne. The use of cake flour ensures they're light and fluffy, and the addition of yogurt keeps them moist. Pomegranate seeds give the glaze a natural pop of pink. Add a fun topper to the golden-brown cakes.
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
