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    Home » Valentine's Day

    40+ Easy Valentine Desserts that Won’t Break the Bank

    Published: Feb 13, 2023 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.

    Valentine Desserts don’t need to come from a fancy bakery or candy shop. In fact, they’ll taste great and cost soooo much less when you make your Valentine Day treats yourself!

    Whether you bake Fresh Strawberry Scones or go for the gusto with Slow Cooker Chocolate Cheesecake, you’re set to woo your sweetheart with these sweet desserts.

    slice of chocolate cheesecake on a flowered plate. this …
    Jump to:
    • Why Make Your Own
    • Money-Saving Tips
    • Recommended Recipes

    Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? It can be a pretty sweet day. Whether you have a sweetheart or not, I think it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a little dessert.

    Seriously. Dessert makes everything better. It’s true. It’s a law of nature. Don’t you think?

    I’ll confess that we’ve never done anything really big for Valentine’s Day… except for the time when I was 6 months pregnant, a blizzard was coming, and we actually had a babysitter lined up.

    We still went out to Cheesecake Factory. No one else was there! And you better believe it. We had some Chocolate Cheesecake.

    But, now, rather than going out to celebrate. I bake my own.

    Why Make Your Own

    While it’s nice to pick up a bakery or catering dessert when you’re pressed for time, when you make your own Valentine desserts, it’s more special. 

    Cheaper, too!

    I’ve got a huge delicious list of Valentine desserts to share with you, but first I want to offer these three tips for saving on Valentine’s food and goodies.

    valentine chocolate dipped oreos on a white plate with a pink napkin and a teacup.

    Money-Saving Tips

    1. Consider celebrating on the 15th.

    Yes, really. What difference does a day make? About 50%! You can easily cut your celebratory costs in half if you buy your flowers and candies a day after the holiday.

    2. Shop your pantry and freezer.

    I love a fancy celebratory meal just as much as the next person, and I’m really good at justifying the costs in my mind. But even so….

    Check the cupboard and fridge before you head to the store for ingredients. There’s no use buying duplicates. And you just may find that you already have everything you need for a fantastic dinner or dessert!

    3. Enough is as good as a feast.

    On holidays—and yes, Valentine’s Day is technically a holiday, sorta—it’s all too easy to justify big spending. But, seriously? You don’t need a lot to make an occasion special.

    Light some candles, prepare a simple but special dinner, and choose one of these Good Cheap Sweets for a very nice Valentine celebration.

    With those money-saving tips in mind, choose a Valentine dessert to prepare this year. It can be to share with anyone you love: spouse, partner, soul mate, best friend, child, or even co-workers. 

    Dessert can make a friend out of anyone.

    Recommended Recipes

    Here are some of our favorite Good Cheap Eats that double as easy Valentine Desserts. All are quick and easy to make with regular grocery staples.

    We can’t wait to hear which you choose!

    glasses with jello 123 dessert in raspberry flavor on white table.

    Parfaits and Desserts in Jars

    It’s so elegant to dive into a ramekin of Chocolate Mousse, pudding, or other special dessert in jar. Something about the single-serve dish really takes it up a notch.

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    Jello 123 Layered Dessert Cups
    This copycat of Jello 123 is easy to make with just three ingredients. It comes together easily and tastes delicious. Customize it to suit whatever color and flavor gelatin you prefer.
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    overhead shot of four chocolate parfaits in an array on white napkin.
    Chocolate Parfaits
    Chocolate Cream Pie gets morphed into a dessert in a jar, a Chocolate Parfait, to be exact. Perfect for your next game day dessert or holiday get-together.
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    Robert Redford Dessert in a Jar
    This vintage dessert, originally called Better than Robert Redford gets a face lift. Make it in jars or small ramekins for an elegant presentation.
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    Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
    Homemade chocolate pudding comes together in just a few minutes. Rich in chocolatey flavor, it makes a deliciously elegant dessert to serve to friends and family.
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    Berry Salad Recipe
    Enjoy in-season berries in this deliciously simple Berry Salad topped with nuts and coconut flakes. Made in just minutes, it's the perfect no-bake dessert to serve all spring and summer.
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    overhead shot of chocolate cake with orange frosting in silver baking pan.

    Cake

    Cake is always cause for celebration! It’s great for serving a crowd, but can easily be scaled down for just a couple — or frozen so you can enjoy these Valentine dessert recipes a few weeks later.

    Red Velvet Cake is classic, but don’t hesitate to try our rich Chocolate Cake recipe with orange marmalade.

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    Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
    With a Biscoff crust, a creamy almond filling, and a fresh cherry topping, this Cherry Cheesecake is sure to please! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make.
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    Lemon Loaf Cake
    This lemon cake recipe is better and cheaper than good old Starbies. Moist lemon cake topped with a sweet lemon glaze, this is a recipe that you'll want on repeat.
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    Chocolate Orange Cake
    Cocoa powder brings the chocolate and orange marmalade brings that amazing orange flavor for this Chocolate Orange Cake recipe that you'll want to make over and over again.
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    Slow Cooker Chocolate Cheesecake
    This Slow Cooker Chocolate Cheesecake will score big points with everyone at your table. A chocolate cookie crust and a filling of cream cheese, sugar, egg, chocolate, cream, and vanilla extract bakes in the slow cooker for the creamiest cheesecake ever!
    Learn More
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    Cranberry Chocolate Chip Snack Cake
    With its sweet crumb top, tart cranberries, and rich chocolate, this snack cake is perfect with coffee or milk. Warning: no leftovers.
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    Banana Pecan Coffeecake Recipe
    Dark brown sugar and pecans add flavor, sweetness, and crunch to this Banana Pecan Coffeecake. It’s like all that’s delicious about banana and toffee rolled into one.
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    Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
    This Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake will be a hit with your guests this season just as much as it will please the regulars around your coffee table. With flavors of raspberries, orange, and luscious cream cheese, it's a delicious way to start the day!
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    Cookies, Bars, and Scones

    There are so many great cookies and single-serve baked items to choose from. Whether you bake up a batch of peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip, or red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting, you’re bound to find something yummy.

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    Chocolate Mint Cookies with Kisses
    Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with these Chocolate Mint Cookies, a peppermint-infused chocolate crinkle cookie topped with a chocolate kiss.
    Learn More
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    Coffee Cookies
    Enjoy a classic cookie infused with espresso in these Coffee Cookies. They are an absolute treat, packed with great coffee flavor.
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    Chocolate Mint Brownies
    Homemade treats to rival the bakery or candy store, these Chocolate Mint Brownies are delicious and easy to make.
    Learn More
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    Chocolate Dipped Oreos Recipe
    Chocolate sandwich cookies dipped in chocolate and sprinkled in extra deliciousness? Yes, please! Chocolate-Dipped Oreos are a fun, festive treat for any holiday or special event.
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    Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    No brown sugar? No problem! You can still make Chocolate Chip Cookies without brown sugar. It's easy and just as delicious.
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    Strawberry Scones with Chocolate
    Enjoy the delicious combination of strawberries and chocolate in these flaky Chocolate Strawberry Scones. Bits of rich chocolate and sweet-tart strawberries add flavor and texture to these classic cream scones.
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    Peppermint Brownie Bites
    Enjoy a super easy dessert with these Peppermint Brownie Bites. Lots of crunchy edges and a gooey center with just the right amount of mint, these brownie bites will be the hit of the party!
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    Jumbo Strawberry Cookies Recipe
    Brighten someone's day with a batch of these buttery, oat-filled Strawberry Cookies. With their oaty, cake-like texture, they're a perfect sweet treat.
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    These Sweet Almond Toasts are like the French Bostock, but with less expensive ingredients and a simpler preparation — and with all the great almond flavor and texture.
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    Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
    Traditional thumbprint cookies feature nuts, these don't. Oats take their place and offer a nutty texture without the allergen.
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    Lemon Meringue Cookies
    These gluten and dairy free lemon cookies are like little clouds of heaven!
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    Cranberry Cookies
    Cranberry Cookies are some of the best. With fresh cranberries and chopped nuts, they're the perfect combination of sweet and tart, crunchy, and juicy.
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    Cranberry Chocolate Scones
    Tart cranberries and sweet chocolate make a perfect match in these Cranberry Chocolate Scones. They mix up quickly, thanks to self-rising flour. Be sure to stash some in the freezer since they freeze beautifully and allow you to bake scones on demand so easily.
    Learn More
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    Double Chocolate Toffee Cookies
    Enjoy salted toffee, chocolate-y goodies with these Double Chocolate Toffee Cookies. They are perfect for gift giving — or hoarding them all to yourself.
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    Ice Cream and No-Bake Desserts

    Don’t want to bake? No problem. There are so many delicious Valentine day treats you can make that don’t require an oven. Check out these tasty ice cream dishes and icebox desserts.

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    Lemon Icebox Cake
    No need to bake with this easy lemon icebox cake. Instead layer pizelle cookies, whipped cream, and lemon curd for a deliciously cool, five-ingredient, no-bake dessert.
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    Triple Chocolate Sundaes
    Three forms of chocolate: brownie, ice cream, and syrup, come together for a delicious Valentine’s treat: Triple Chocolate Sundaes.
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    Cool off with a sundae party. Check out these recipes for homemade ice cream and toppings as well as this easy, two-minute Homemade Chocolate Magic Shell Recipe.
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    Lemon Sauce
    Lemon sauce can easily elevate your favorite desserts or even store-bought treats with its sweet tart flavors. Similar to a lemon curd, this dessert sauce requires no eggs.
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    Sweet Cream Cheese
    Sweet Cream Cheese is an easy topping that will take brownies, cakes, and other desserts to the next level.
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    Lemon Meringue Sundae
    An easy lemon meringue sundae you can easily whip up for your family!
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    Strawberry and Chocolate Icebox Cakes
    Want a most delicious summer dessert without heating the oven? Make these Strawberry and Chocolate Icebox Cakes for one of the easiest treats under the sun.
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    Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    Enjoy the ice cream shop experience with this homemade Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream made with just a few whole ingredients.
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    Sherbet, juice, and club soda combine for a refreshing sherbet punch, perfect for showers and other special occasions. Mix and match the elements for your favorite colors and flavor combinations.
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    Pies and Tarts

    Pies and tarts are my personal love language. Delicate and requiring a little effort, they are some of the best Valentine Desserts around. Consider a chocolate peanut butter pie or an easy cream cheese tart.

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    Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
    Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie is not complicated to make, but it feels like a million dollars. It’s tart and sweet, buttery and creamy, a perfect pie to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy any day.
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    Fresh Nectarine Pie Recipe
    This Fresh Nectarine Pie comes together quickly with an easy graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and fresh sliced nectarines.
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    Slab Apple Pie with Easy Crumb Top
    This easy to prepare slab apple pie takes just minutes. It’s delicious and simple, and a huge hit for fall.
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    Sorbet & Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache
    Blood orange sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ganache come together so nicely in this easy and delicious ice cream pie.
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    Marshmallow Pie
    This Easy Marshmallow Pie is a no-bake dream with a crunchy nut crust and a marshmallow creme, whipped cream, and toffee candy filling. This dessert is a delicious freezer pie, perfect for the holidays!
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    Mixed Berry Pie
    A trio of berries in the filling and cinnamon and lemon zest in the crust make for a practically perfect Mixed Berry Pie.
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    Candy & Chocolate

    Sure, you can go buy a box of chocolates, but homemade is so delicious. Make a simple peanut butter fudge or chocolate covered strawberries or one of these easy homemade chocolate recipes.

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    Dessert Charcuterie Board
    One of the easiest desserts you can serve is a dessert charcuterie board. Set out an array of chocolates, fruits, nuts, and popcorn for an elegant and simple sweet touch to your evening.
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    Crockpot Chocolate Fondue with Fruit and Poundcake
    Crockpot Chocolate Fondue couldn't be easier when it's made in the slow cooker with just two ingredients! Evaporated milk and chocolate chips make a great sauce for fruit and poundcake.
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    Fantasy Fudge with Marshmallow Cream
    Nanna’s Fantasy Fudge is foolproof. You don’t need any special equipment. It’s creamy, chocolatey, delicious homemade candy.
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    Fudge comes together hassle-free with this Two Ingredient Fudge Recipe. There are endless variations, making it easy to shop your pantry and use what you have on hand.
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    This post was originally published on February 13, 2014. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « Jello 123 Layered Jello Cups
    Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe »
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    Comments

    1. Stephanie M.

      February 13, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Jessica:

      All of your desserts look wonderful. The one that struck me the most and I printed out the recipe was the Robert Redford layered dessert in a jar. But as suggested, I am going to make this in a baking dish. I don’t recall seeing the size jars you mentioned in my local craft store; only the larger ones. I only wish Robert Redford was years younger and could eat some with me. He He He 🙂

      A nice dessert that comes to mind for Valentine’s Day is a parfait that I make sometimes.

      Make 1 box of raspberry jello and pour equally into 4 wine glasses. Refrigerate till cold.
      When cold, mix up 1 box (4 serving size) of chocolate mousse. I use Dr. Oetker’s. Divide that between each of the four glasses and top over jello. Refrigerate.

      When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

      On Christmas, I substitute pistachio pudding for the mousse so it’s red and green.

      Another Valentine’s snack I like to make are Linzer Tarts.

      2 cups flour
      2/3 cups cornstarch
      2 sticks of butter, softened
      1 cup confectioner’s sugar
      1 egg
      1/2 tsp. Vanilla

      Mix together in a small bowl, flour and cornstarch. Cream together in another bowl butter and confectioner’s sugar. Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture. Then, gradually add the flour mixture. Roll flat 1-inch to 2-inch thick. Refrigerate overnight. Next day, the dough will be a little hard so work it till it softens up a little and roll to desired thickness. Press with a tart press, or a glass or for Valentine’s Day a heart shaped cookie cutter. With a small round hole maker, (I use an orange juicer), put a hole in the center of half of the cookies. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Do not overbrown. When removing from oven, put cookies on a cotton dishtowel or something that won’t leave fibers on the cookies. Let cool. Dust tops of cookies (the ones with the holes) with confectioner’s sugar and spread bottom halves with whatever jam you like; I usually make half raspberry and the other half I use Nutella. Then put cookies together and enjoy.

      Reply

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