21 Valentine's Day Desserts Where Chocolate Isn't the Star
This year, skip the usual box of chocolates and grocery store flowers in favor of a Valentine's Day dessert without chocolate. Instead of a mad dash to the store after work, plan ahead with these delicious confections that even Aphrodite and Cupid are sure to approve of. You'll quickly find that there are plenty of ways to say, "I love you" that instead feature jewel-toned red fruits (like strawberry and raspberry), crisp and custom-decorated cookies, rich pound cakes, decadent layer cakes, and other confections. Whether you want a simple recipe or want to try your hand at something elaborate, you won't miss the chocolate one bit. Replace the bouquet of red roses with our Raspberry-White Chocolate Meringue Sandwich Cookies or White Cupcakes with Rose Petals for that romantic touch. Still on the fence? Remember the wise words of Forrest Gump. Boxes of chocolates can be wild cards—but these recipes are sure winners.
Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Recipe: Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Serve slices to friends after a galentine's day dinner. The strawberry swirls add just the right touch of red. Don't forget whipped cream and fresh strawberries on the side.
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Raspberry-White Chocolate Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Recipe: Raspberry-White Chocolate Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Who needs a bouquet of roses when you have these edible beauties?
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Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Gathering a group for Valentine's Day? A sheet cake makes it easy and we promise this one is delicious.
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Marbled Sugar Heart Cookies
Recipe: Marbled Sugar Heart Cookies
Whether you're giving them to friends, family, or a special someone, our marbled cookies promise to dazzle.
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Valentine's Pavlovas with Strawberry Sweet Cream
Recipe: Valentine's Pavlovas with Strawberry Sweet Cream
If you really want to impress, whip up a pavlova. It's a fancy word for meringue shells and toppings, and the end result is delicate, sweet, and unforgettable.
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White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf Cake
Recipe: White Chocolate Raspberry Loaf Cake
Dense, soft cake gets studded with jewel-toned raspberries and coated in an elegant layer of ganache.
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Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies
Recipe: Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies
These nutty, tart-sweet cookies are just the way to say, "I love you."
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Lemon Raspberry Cake
Recipe: Lemon Raspberry Cake
Tart lemon and sweet raspberry are a refreshing way to finish off a decadent Valentine's Day meal.
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Strawberry-Lemon Crêpe Cake
Recipe: Strawberry-Lemon Crêpe Cake
Cutting into this cake is like sipping a cold strawberry lemonade on a hot summer evening.
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Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Creme Fraiche
Recipe: Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Creme Fraiche
This fluffy, nutty, three-layer cake is a beauty—top with fresh red berries for a simple Valentine's Day presentation.
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Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake
Recipe: Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake
You can't go wrong with a bright pink cake and strawberry-flecked frosting. You just can't.
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Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting
Recipe: Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting
The North Carolina cherry soda gets the cupcake treatment. We guarantee there will be no protests.
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Strawberry Cream Pie
Recipe: Strawberry Cream Pie
Strawberries sit suspended in a silky custard, glazed with a red currant jelly that makes everything glossy.
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Pink Lemonade Cake
Recipe: Pink Lemonade Cake
Thanks to a punch of pink lemonade powder, this cake makes you feel like you're drinking a sweet glass of the beverage. Add a little to the frosting and it'll have a nice pink hue.
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Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream
Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream
Sweet, pink swirls of buttercream complement the gently tart cupcakes for a fun, personal Valentine's Day treat.
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Mini Strawberry Chiffon Pies
Recipe: Mini Strawberry Chiffon Pies
Mini desserts are always fun, and this one is also easy, thanks to some strawberry gelatin and pre-made pie crust.
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White Cupcakes with Rose Petals
Recipe: White Cupcakes with Rose Petals
Skip the grocery-store bouquet and opt for rose-petal laden cupcakes instead. The result is guaranteed to be sweeter.
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Homemade Strawberry Gelato
Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Gelato
Serve with extra buttery Almond Shortbread and guests will be swooning all around.
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Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
Recipe: Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
Decadent. To die for. Need we say more? Don't be surprised if there's not a crumb left.
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Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies
Recipe: Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies
Personalize the message or grab a box of candy hearts for inspiration.
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Strawberry Upside-Down Cake
Recipe: Strawberry Upside-Down Cake
Forget pineapple. This ruby-red cake sets the mood for Valentine's Day.