9 Date-Night Desserts That Make the Sweetest Ending for Any Meal
Whether you want mousse, pudding, fruit crisp, or cupcakes, these small-batch treats will satisfy.
Bryan Gardner
Sometimes dinner needs dessert; that’s often the case for us, at least. But when you’re cooking for two, you don’t need a dessert that serves four or six or eight—a small-batch dessert is just the ticket. Our selection of sweet endings that serve two includes several indulgent chocolate desserts just because, well, a lot of us love chocolate. There are also fruity options for when that’s what you fancy. Some are make-ahead, some are elaborate, and some are easy. A couple of the recipes might make more than two servings because we aren’t entirely sure how many chocolate-covered strawberries you can eat. Whether your dessert is for date night or you just don’t want leftovers, these recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth in delicious style.
Related: Our Favorite Dinner Ideas for Two, Including Quick Weeknight Recipes and Some Special Romantic Meals
Chocolate-Mousse Parfaits
Take chocolate mousse to the next level with this indulgent dessert for two. Make it a day ahead, then just take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy the creamy mousse layered with spice cookie crumbs and topped with whipped cream.
Coffee Crème Caramel
Smooth and spoonable, crème caramel is a sensuous dessert. Even more so when you share it (make it in two ramekins so you each have your own, if you prefer). The espresso-caramel sauce takes it over the top.
Black Forest Upside-Down Cakes
Cherry lovers, this dessert is for you! It's not the usual Black Forest gateau; we think it's even better. Less cream, more cake, and more cherries make these mini cakes a winner. The rum-spiked whipped cream is not to be missed.
Cinnamon Poached Apples With Toasted Walnuts
Need a healthy dessert for two? These poached apples fit the bill deliciously. They're cooked in apple juice and flavored with cinnamon and ginger. Toasted walnuts provide contrast and crunch. Another bonus, they're quick and easy, and you can make them ahead and serve them chilled if you like or serve them warm. Either way, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
This recipe makes 20 chocolate-covered strawberries. If that's more than you can eat at one meal, halve the recipe, but these delicious treats do go down easily.
Mini Pear-and-Cranberry Amaretti Crisps
This dessert recipe serves two generously. You can share one of the two mini fruit crisps or have one each. And it's not your average, everyday fruit crisp; the topping is sliced almonds and store-bought amaretti cookies.
Chocolate-Pistachio Tartufo
Two spoons, one plate, nothing could be sweeter than sharing this chocolate-covered ice cream treat. It's our take on the Italian frozen dessert tartufo, made with chocolate and pistachio ice creams.
Small-Batch Celebration Cupcakes
When you just need a cupcake, but you don't need 12 or 24. This recipe makes six vanilla cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting. Maybe that's dessert covered for two or three days?
Chocolate Pots de Crème For Two
These old-fashioned French baked custards are rich, smooth, and hard to resist. Served in tea cups or individual pots, they're rich and elegant.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
