The Best Chocolate Desserts to Make for Valentine's Day

Mar. 15, 2025

01of 17Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Chocolate SauceChristina Tosi’s Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.Fred Hardy II"Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a giant skillet cookie served the moment it comes out of the oven!" says chef-owner of Milk Bar bakeriesChristina Tosiabout her customizable dessert. “Add up to 1 ½ cups of any fun pantry items you have to bring your flavor story to life.” Get the recipeHERE.02of 17Flourless Chocolate CakeAntonis AchilleosJody Williams and Rita Sodi, the chef-owners of New York City hot spotVia Carota, share a 7-ingredient cake that’s “easy on the sweetness with a rich, dense texture,” says Williams. Get the recipeHERE.03of 17Cookies & Cream Cheesecake BarsAntonis Achilleos"With a crunchy chocolate crust and fluffy cream cheese and white chocolate filling, they have all the nostalgia of the bars I loved as a kid—but taste even better," saysfood bloggerEsteban Castillo. Get the recipeHERE.04of 17Espresso Hot ChocolateAntonis Achilleos"I think the height of romance is having something chocolaty—and serving it warm makes it feel extra special," author ofWhat’s for DessertcookbookClaire Saffitzsays. “If you’re not into espresso, swap it with ground cinnamon or a little peppermint extract.” Get the recipeHERE.05of 17Chocolate-Strawberry Icebox CakeJennifer Causey"What makes this recipe shine is the balsamic whipped cream," says Aaron Hutcherson, the popular food blogger behindThe Hungry Hutch.“It complements the fruit beautifully.” Get the recipeHERE.06of 17Hot Chocolate & Espresso AffogatoJennifer CauseyThe best part of this decadent dessert? The toppings are easily customizable to create something that’s totally unique for your sweetie — cacao nibs, sea salt or fruit compote are all great options. Get the recipeHERE.07of 17Grilled Chocolate-Hazelnut & Peanut Butter PaniniJennifer CauseyMarc Murphy’s quick dessert pairs rich chocolate-hazelnut spread with slightly salty peanut butter and fresh bananas to create a treat the whole family will love. Get the recipeHERE.08of 17Chocolate Chip Bundt CakeJennifer CauseyChip and Joanna Gainesgussy up a boxed cake mix with yogurt, pudding mix and chocolate chips to make a showstopping sweet topped off with a homemade chocolate glaze. Get the recipeHERE.09of 17Chocolate Almond BaklavaJennifer CauseyThe only thing better than homemade baklava ischocolatebaklava.Duff Goldmanalso adds chopped almonds and three different ganaches to his version. Get the recipeHERE.10of 17Dark Chocolate Raspberry TartJennifer CauseyA thin spread of raspberry jam gives this cheesecake-like treat an added layer of fruity flavor. Get the recipeHERE.11of 17Salted Chocolate TrufflesJennifer CauseyDawn Jackson Blatner uses dates, walnuts and cocoa powder to make a decadent dessert that not only tastes good but is good for you. Get the recipeHERE.12of 17Chocolate Hazelnut BrowniesIain BagwellYou probably already have all four ingredients for these brownies on hand. To make them extra special, Nigella Lawson suggests serving them with espresso with a drop of hazelnut liqueur and topped with a little whipped cream. Get the recipeHERE.13of 17Chocolate Pudding CakeIain BagwellBefore dusting this rich cake with cocoa powder, Francois Payard recommends adding a little decoration: Simply run a hot, dull butter knife across the surface in a wave pattern. Get the recipeHERE.14of 17Chocolate & Walnut ParfaitsJennifer CauseyThis five-ingredent recipe from Lidia Bastianich is perfect for two — or you can make it family-style. Stack the panettone, chocolate, whipped cream and walnut layers in a large bowl or trifle dish, and let guests serve themselves. Get the recipeHERE.15of 17Chocolate & Almond Dipped StrawberriesIain BagwellRocco DiSpirito adds a lovely crunch and a “protein-rich” spin to the romantic treat with toasted and crushed almonds. Get the recipeHERE.16of 17’Wicked' Hot ChocolateIain BagwellJacques Torres' creamy cocoa gets its name from a pinch of chipotle powder, ancho chili powder and allspice. Get the recipeHERE.17of 17Devil’s Food Chocolate Oasis PieGreg DupreeEven if you’re not a pie lover, the addition of a moist Oreo crust and fresh strawberries is enough to convert any hater. Get the recipeHERE.

01of 17Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Chocolate SauceChristina Tosi’s Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.Fred Hardy II"Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a giant skillet cookie served the moment it comes out of the oven!" says chef-owner of Milk Bar bakeriesChristina Tosiabout her customizable dessert. “Add up to 1 ½ cups of any fun pantry items you have to bring your flavor story to life.” Get the recipeHERE.

01of 17

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie with Chocolate Sauce

Christina Tosi’s Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.Fred Hardy II

Fred Hardy II

“Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a giant skillet cookie served the moment it comes out of the oven!” says chef-owner of Milk Bar bakeriesChristina Tosiabout her customizable dessert. “Add up to 1 ½ cups of any fun pantry items you have to bring your flavor story to life.” Get the recipeHERE.

02of 17Flourless Chocolate CakeAntonis AchilleosJody Williams and Rita Sodi, the chef-owners of New York City hot spotVia Carota, share a 7-ingredient cake that’s “easy on the sweetness with a rich, dense texture,” says Williams. Get the recipeHERE.

02of 17

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Antonis Achilleos

Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, the chef-owners of New York City hot spotVia Carota, share a 7-ingredient cake that’s “easy on the sweetness with a rich, dense texture,” says Williams. Get the recipeHERE.

03of 17Cookies & Cream Cheesecake BarsAntonis Achilleos"With a crunchy chocolate crust and fluffy cream cheese and white chocolate filling, they have all the nostalgia of the bars I loved as a kid—but taste even better," saysfood bloggerEsteban Castillo. Get the recipeHERE.

03of 17

Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Bars

“With a crunchy chocolate crust and fluffy cream cheese and white chocolate filling, they have all the nostalgia of the bars I loved as a kid—but taste even better,” saysfood bloggerEsteban Castillo. Get the recipeHERE.

04of 17Espresso Hot ChocolateAntonis Achilleos"I think the height of romance is having something chocolaty—and serving it warm makes it feel extra special," author ofWhat’s for DessertcookbookClaire Saffitzsays. “If you’re not into espresso, swap it with ground cinnamon or a little peppermint extract.” Get the recipeHERE.

04of 17

Espresso Hot Chocolate

“I think the height of romance is having something chocolaty—and serving it warm makes it feel extra special,” author ofWhat’s for DessertcookbookClaire Saffitzsays. “If you’re not into espresso, swap it with ground cinnamon or a little peppermint extract.” Get the recipeHERE.

05of 17Chocolate-Strawberry Icebox CakeJennifer Causey"What makes this recipe shine is the balsamic whipped cream," says Aaron Hutcherson, the popular food blogger behindThe Hungry Hutch.“It complements the fruit beautifully.” Get the recipeHERE.

05of 17

Chocolate-Strawberry Icebox Cake

Jennifer Causey

“What makes this recipe shine is the balsamic whipped cream,” says Aaron Hutcherson, the popular food blogger behindThe Hungry Hutch.“It complements the fruit beautifully.” Get the recipeHERE.

06of 17Hot Chocolate & Espresso AffogatoJennifer CauseyThe best part of this decadent dessert? The toppings are easily customizable to create something that’s totally unique for your sweetie — cacao nibs, sea salt or fruit compote are all great options. Get the recipeHERE.

06of 17

Hot Chocolate & Espresso Affogato

The best part of this decadent dessert? The toppings are easily customizable to create something that’s totally unique for your sweetie — cacao nibs, sea salt or fruit compote are all great options. Get the recipeHERE.

07of 17Grilled Chocolate-Hazelnut & Peanut Butter PaniniJennifer CauseyMarc Murphy’s quick dessert pairs rich chocolate-hazelnut spread with slightly salty peanut butter and fresh bananas to create a treat the whole family will love. Get the recipeHERE.

07of 17

Grilled Chocolate-Hazelnut & Peanut Butter Panini

Marc Murphy’s quick dessert pairs rich chocolate-hazelnut spread with slightly salty peanut butter and fresh bananas to create a treat the whole family will love. Get the recipeHERE.

08of 17Chocolate Chip Bundt CakeJennifer CauseyChip and Joanna Gainesgussy up a boxed cake mix with yogurt, pudding mix and chocolate chips to make a showstopping sweet topped off with a homemade chocolate glaze. Get the recipeHERE.

08of 17

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Chip and Joanna Gainesgussy up a boxed cake mix with yogurt, pudding mix and chocolate chips to make a showstopping sweet topped off with a homemade chocolate glaze. Get the recipeHERE.

09of 17Chocolate Almond BaklavaJennifer CauseyThe only thing better than homemade baklava ischocolatebaklava.Duff Goldmanalso adds chopped almonds and three different ganaches to his version. Get the recipeHERE.

09of 17

Chocolate Almond Baklava

The only thing better than homemade baklava ischocolatebaklava.Duff Goldmanalso adds chopped almonds and three different ganaches to his version. Get the recipeHERE.

10of 17Dark Chocolate Raspberry TartJennifer CauseyA thin spread of raspberry jam gives this cheesecake-like treat an added layer of fruity flavor. Get the recipeHERE.

10of 17

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart

A thin spread of raspberry jam gives this cheesecake-like treat an added layer of fruity flavor. Get the recipeHERE.

11of 17Salted Chocolate TrufflesJennifer CauseyDawn Jackson Blatner uses dates, walnuts and cocoa powder to make a decadent dessert that not only tastes good but is good for you. Get the recipeHERE.

11of 17

Salted Chocolate Truffles

Dawn Jackson Blatner uses dates, walnuts and cocoa powder to make a decadent dessert that not only tastes good but is good for you. Get the recipeHERE.

12of 17Chocolate Hazelnut BrowniesIain BagwellYou probably already have all four ingredients for these brownies on hand. To make them extra special, Nigella Lawson suggests serving them with espresso with a drop of hazelnut liqueur and topped with a little whipped cream. Get the recipeHERE.

12of 17

Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Iain Bagwell

You probably already have all four ingredients for these brownies on hand. To make them extra special, Nigella Lawson suggests serving them with espresso with a drop of hazelnut liqueur and topped with a little whipped cream. Get the recipeHERE.

13of 17Chocolate Pudding CakeIain BagwellBefore dusting this rich cake with cocoa powder, Francois Payard recommends adding a little decoration: Simply run a hot, dull butter knife across the surface in a wave pattern. Get the recipeHERE.

13of 17

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Before dusting this rich cake with cocoa powder, Francois Payard recommends adding a little decoration: Simply run a hot, dull butter knife across the surface in a wave pattern. Get the recipeHERE.

14of 17Chocolate & Walnut ParfaitsJennifer CauseyThis five-ingredent recipe from Lidia Bastianich is perfect for two — or you can make it family-style. Stack the panettone, chocolate, whipped cream and walnut layers in a large bowl or trifle dish, and let guests serve themselves. Get the recipeHERE.

14of 17

Chocolate & Walnut Parfaits

This five-ingredent recipe from Lidia Bastianich is perfect for two — or you can make it family-style. Stack the panettone, chocolate, whipped cream and walnut layers in a large bowl or trifle dish, and let guests serve themselves. Get the recipeHERE.

15of 17Chocolate & Almond Dipped StrawberriesIain BagwellRocco DiSpirito adds a lovely crunch and a “protein-rich” spin to the romantic treat with toasted and crushed almonds. Get the recipeHERE.

15of 17

Chocolate & Almond Dipped Strawberries

Rocco DiSpirito adds a lovely crunch and a “protein-rich” spin to the romantic treat with toasted and crushed almonds. Get the recipeHERE.

16of 17’Wicked' Hot ChocolateIain BagwellJacques Torres' creamy cocoa gets its name from a pinch of chipotle powder, ancho chili powder and allspice. Get the recipeHERE.

16of 17

‘Wicked’ Hot Chocolate

Jacques Torres' creamy cocoa gets its name from a pinch of chipotle powder, ancho chili powder and allspice. Get the recipeHERE.

17of 17Devil’s Food Chocolate Oasis PieGreg DupreeEven if you’re not a pie lover, the addition of a moist Oreo crust and fresh strawberries is enough to convert any hater. Get the recipeHERE.

17of 17

Devil’s Food Chocolate Oasis Pie

Greg Dupree

Even if you’re not a pie lover, the addition of a moist Oreo crust and fresh strawberries is enough to convert any hater. Get the recipeHERE.

source: people.com