40 Valentine's Day Recipes to Enjoy with Your Love (2024)

Valentine’s Day is a day of love and romance. What better way to express your affection than to cook a delicious meal? These Valentine’s Day recipes are guaranteed to impress your loved one.

It’s funny when my kids were little, each holiday would be a real celebration. I would decorate the house both on the inside and out for every occasion; Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, the first day of Spring, Fall, and of course, Christmas. Now the only time this house gets festive is at Christmas. The kids are a little older, and I’m a lot lazier. It just doesn’t seem to be as much fun. No one really needs my heart-shaped cookie jar to feel loved. No one needs my little Easter egg tree to appreciate Easter.

While I don’t decorate the house as much, each event is celebrated with fun, holiday-themed recipes. This Valentine’s Day is no exception. That is why I love this delicious round-up of Valentine’s Day recipes! I hope you enjoy.

Foods That Are Associated With Valentine’s Day

When you think of Valentine’s day, there are probably some foods that come to mind, especially chocolate. But there are actually several main dishes which are associated with the popular holiday.

These foods are associated with the holiday because of their aphrodisiac qualities, and also because they are a nice treat you don’t get to enjoy every day.

Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Spaghetti
Cupcakes
Fancy co*cktails
Beef Wellington
Strawberry Cheesecake
Sea Bass
Decorated Cookies
Braised Short Rib

Don’t see the dish you were planning to make this Valentine’s Day on the list? Don’t fret, as there are many tasty dishes you can make that aren’t on this list which can still be a great fit for the holiday.

Why Chocolate on Valentine’s Day?

Chocolate is the food most associated with Valentine’s day above any other. It’s easy to see why, chocolate is tasty, exotic, and, of course, a known aphrodisiac. But when did the practice of giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day begin?

Honestly, this tradition began as a marketing strategy by Richard Cadbury back in the 19^th century, although the holiday of Valentine’s Day had been practiced since the Roman era.

Richard needed a way to sell his new chocolate which was much cheaper than the types which had been previously available. So he put his chocolate in beautiful heart-shaped boxes and wrappers and marketed them as gifts for lovers.

As you can imagine, these flew off the shelves as people thought this was perfect for the Valentine’s Day holiday. Chocolate has been a main staple of the holiday ever since.

Foods of Love For Your Valentine’s Day Recipes

The hard part about chocolate being a major Valentine’s Day food is that it can be difficult to cook this into a suitable dinner recipe. For this reason, you’ll probably want to check out some other foods of love that can be more easily added to your Valentine’s Day recipes.

Below are some foods which can help conjure up the feeling of love on your date:

Honey
Bananas
Garlic
Hot Chili Peppers
Mackerel
Salmon
Oats
Lavender

Some of these might seem a bit weird to incorporate into a recipe, but don’t worry as we’ve compiled an entire list to help you put these ingredients into Valentine’s Day dishes.

Best Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Struggling to think of the perfect dish to cook for your honey on Valentine’s Day? You aren’t alone, this is a very difficult task, especially when you are trying to impress someone.

It’s always best to make a dinner you think your love will enjoy, but if you can’t think of anything, try one of these amazing Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas.

Prime Rib
Crab Cakes
Filet Mignon
Lobster Bisque
Baked Chicken
Chicken Parmesan
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Pan-Seared Trout
Lasagna
Chicken Pasta
Beef Bourguignon
Shrimp Scampi
Paella
Beef Ragu
Baked Cod

You’re bound to see something on this list that would make your Valentine’s Day a special event. But of course, the meal alone won’t make your dinner romantic.

How to Make a Romantic Dinner with Valentine’s Day Recipes

For those that don’t have any experience with making a romantic impression, you’ll need to do more than just pick out a meal to make your Valentine’s Day romantic.

Here are the steps to making a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

Step 1: Plan a Menu

Although you may want to just grab a few steaks and call it good, this is not enough to make a romantic evening. You will need to plan an entire menu with multiple Valentine’s Day recipes.

You should select at least one appetizer, a main dish, a side or two, and a dessert. You should also consider drinks to pair with each recipe you choose.

Step 2: Consider Putting Your Appetizers Out First

Depending on how long it will take you to cook the Valentine’s Day recipes included in your main course, you may want to pick an appetizer you can place out in advance for your date to enjoy as he or she watches you cook the main dish.

Step 3: Set the Mood

You can’t serve your amazing Valentine’s Day Recipes on the couch or at the same old table as always. You’ll want to spend a little time making the space special.

Consider putting a tablecloth and candles on the table to create a romantic feel. You can also add additional décor to set the mood and turn on some romantic background music.

Step 4: Use Nice Dishes

No way are you going to serve a filet mignon on a paper plate. Pull out your nice dishes for this occasion, and if you don’t have any, buy some.

Step 5: Dress Up and Ask Your Date to Do the Same

Nothing makes a meal more romantic than when you both dress for the part! Before you eat, dress your best, and ask your date to wear something nice as well. Just be careful cooking in your nice clothes.

Step 6: Turn Off Your Phone

Sorry, but your phone or the TV on while you eat is not romantic at all. Shut off your phone for the meal and ask your date to do the same. The room you eat in should be free of all electronics, except for a method of playing some romantic music.

Step 7: Have a Backup Plan

While choosing Valentine’s Day recipes can be easy, they aren’t all a breeze to cook. Ensure you pick recipes that are within your cooking level.

And no matter what, have a backup plan if something goes wrong. The backup plan could be as simple as ordering takeout from a place you’ve picked in advance.

Ready to create a Valentine’s Day meal that will win over your date? Take a look at the best Valentine’s Day recipes below which we have hand-selected for you.

40 Delicious Recipes to Enjoy with Your Love this Valentine’s Day

Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes for Two

Not everyone is a chef, and that’s okay. When you know your cooking skills are less than stellar, you’ll want to take the time to select an easy Valentine’s Day Recipe for two from the following selection.

1. Mini Cheesecake for Two

Cheesecake is amazing, it’s delicious and one of the easiest desserts to make, as it requires minimal preparation. But who wants to eat an entire cheesecake?

When it’s just you and your Hunny, grab this recipe from Simple Joy and make a delectable morsel that can be enjoyed by just the two of you.

2. Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Pizookies for Two

Cookies are another favorite Valentine’s Day dessert which is difficult to make for just two people. For those who aren’t a baker, pull out this recipe for deep-dish chocolate chip cookies, also called ‘pizookies’ by Dinners Dishes and Desserts.

This simple dessert can be easily made for you and your date to enjoy romantically without leaving 48 other cookies on the counter for you to need to consume over the next week.

3. Cherry Crisp for Two

Cookies and cake can often feel very heavy when paired with a filling dinner like steak or beef wellington. Finish the evening off with a little bit of a lighter option when you make this cherry crisp for two by The Love Nerds.

It is red, sweet, and an easy treat to share with a dollop of whip cream.

4. Easy Chocolate Mousse

Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes

While dessert is important, you can’t keep your date satisfied on sweets alone. Choose one of these Valentine’s Day Dinner recipes to get your night started off right. Then you can wow your date with dessert.

5. Wagyu Filet Mignon

The whole purpose of Valentine’s Day is to show the person you love how special they are to you. Check out this recipe from Double 8 Cattle which does that using wagyu filet mignon, which you will pan sear then bake.

You’ll top this recipe with a fresh cherry sauce, keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme.

6. Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is perhaps one of the fanciest and most impressive dishes you can spend your time making. Be aware, it takes almost four hours to make from start to finish, so don’t start this recipe if you are short on time.

Follow the instructions on Whitney Bond so that you can have this beauty baking in the oven when your date walks through the door.

7. Jelly Glazed Salmon

Salmon baked in grape jelly may sound a little strange, but the result is amazing. Better yet, the jam gives the fish a slightly red tinge, making this a Valentine’s Day recipe ideal for you to serve to impress.

It’s additionally quite easy to make, so select this recipe from Nosh With Micah if you’re a little hesitant about selecting too difficult of a recipe.

8. Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken is delicious, but quite boring all on its own. So when you know you want to make a chicken dish for Valentine’s Day, try this recipe by Dinner then Dessert.

Chicken Cacciatore might sound fancy, but it just means you’ll be cooking chicken in a variety of spices, tomatoes, and a little white wine—a dish your date is sure to swoon over.

Valentine’s Day Appetizer Recipes

To create a truly romantic environment, you’ll need more than just a dinner. Select a Valentine’s Day appetizer recipe from the list below to allow you and your date to snack while the main dish is cooking.

9. Steak Crostinis With Horseradish Ricotta

Making steak for the main dish, but realize you bought too much? It’s no problem to incorporate leftover steak into this Valentine’s Day appetizer recipe from The Perks of Being Us.

You’ll just need a baguette, some parsley, ricotta, horseradish, vinegar, and honey to transform something unwanted into a snack to indulge in before the main dish.

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Chunk Scones

Scones are typically a breakfast food, but putting out these themed scones by Ashlee Marie for your date to snack on while you cook the main dish is the perfect way to start out date night.

Although the recipe does have a small amount of sugar, you’ll be using red food dye to color the scones, making this a surprisingly savory Valentine’s Day appetizer.

11. White Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispy Treats

Looking for a treat to bring to a party rather than to serve a date? These white chocolate-dipped Krispy treats are easy to make, especially for a crowd.

You can find the recipe on High Heels and Grills, but all you need to do is mix Rice Krispies with butter and marshmallows, bake them, then dip them in white chocolate before dipping in colored sprinkles.

12. Crème Brulee French Toast

Crème Brulee is a dish of French origin typically eaten as a dessert, however, this Valentine’s Day recipe, found on Carlsbad Cravings, needs to be cooked the day before and left in your fridge overnight.

Therefore, we see no reason not to serve this as a unique and tasty appetizer. Don’t overdo it though, because then your date will have no room for the dinner you prepared.

Cake Recipes for Valentine’s Day

There are many different types of desserts out there, so better ask your date what they prefer. If the answer is cake, then you can’t go wrong when you bake one of the following cakes.

13. Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Poke Cake

Red velvet cake is red in color, but did you know this is because it contains chocolate? Thus red velvet cake is an ideal Valentine’s Day recipe as it is both in the proper color schema and filled with everyone’s favorite aphrodisiac.

Try this recipe for a red velvet poke cake by Dash of Sanity, your date will absolutely adore the cream cheese frosting, especially when you use the poke method so it fills the center of each piece.

14. Chocolate Lava Cake

Time to put your slow cooker to work to make this delicious slow cooker lava cake from Domestic Superhero. It’s delicious and has a molten layer of fudge that you can pour on top that will be every chocolate lover’s dream. What more can you ask for?

15. Pink Velvet Raspberry Mini Valentine’s Day Cupcakes

Cupcakes, the bite-size counterpart of cakes, can sometimes be more romantic to eat than a whole cake.

Check out this recipe by Sweet CS Designs in which you’ll be combining a cake mix with eggs, milk, butter, and raspberries to create a whole new baked morsel your date will adore.

16. Conversation Heart Cakelette

Next to chocolate, the most famous Valentine’s day candy is perhaps conversation hearts, little chalky candies with cute sayings on them.

Combine this crowd favorite with cake when you use this recipe by Cravings of Lunatic. The results are an adorable cake you will feel proud to serve someone you care about.

Best Valentine’s Day Brownie Recipes

Cakes can be a big project, namely for those who are inexperienced bakers. Start off with something a bit easier, like these recipes for some delicious brownies.

17. Black Forrest Brownies

The basic brownie can seem a bit plain when you are trying to impress someone. If you feel the same way, bake this recipe from Mandy’s Recipe Box.

18. Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Brownies

Combine the amazing flavor of a red velvet cake with your favorite brownies in this Valentine’s Day recipe from Taste of the Frontier for red velvet brownies.

You’ll be mixing butter, chocolate chips, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, red food coloring, flour, and baking powder together to make the brownies, as well as whipping up your very own m&m frosting to make a dessert guaranteed to impress.

19. Gluten Free Red Velvet Brownies

Like the idea of red velvet brownies but on a gluten-free diet? You can make this gluten-free version from Cupcakes and Kale Chips which is made using almond flour and cooked in two small dishes to make a dessert that is perfect for two.

They take about 20 minutes to make, and then you can top them with ice cream, or a cream cheese topping and serve.

20. M&M Valentine Blondies

A blondie, for those who aren’t familiar, is a brownie but made without chocolate. The result is a delicious compact cake that is just as easy to eat as a brownie.

Consider making this recipe for blondies by 365 Days of Baking which will have you adding some pink, white, and red M&Ms into the batter to keep with the Valentine’s Day theme.

Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats Recipes

Brownies and cakes are the only other sweets out there. Sometimes you may want something with is a little more bread-based, or perhaps a treat you can pull out of the freezer. Here are some ideas for sweet treats that didn’t fit in any other category.

21. White Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Sauce

Making mousse for Valentine’s Day is perfect. You can make it in advance (allowing you multiple tries if the first doesn’t go well), stick it in the fridge, and pull it out come dessert time allowing you to spend the maximum amount of time with your date.

Try this recipe by Fake Ginger which only has a few ingredients and takes a couple of minutes to make.

22. Raspberry Fool

Raspberry Fool is another no-cook Valentine’s Day recipe for those who aren’t so sure about the kitchen. Follow these directions on Love Bakes Good Cakes, which will have you making a raspberry syrup with chunks of fruit that you will be folding into whip cream.

Thus, you are left with a Valentine’s Day dessert that both looks and tastes the part.

23. Homemade Valentine’s Day Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a bite-size dessert that can easily be shared as you and your date lounge on the couch after dinner.

Follow this recipe by BellyFull which will direct you to mix gelatin, water, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar in the method needed to create homemade marshmallows.

The best part is, since they are homemade, you can cut them into heart shapes, or any other romantic shape you desire.

24. Monster Sweetheart Cookies

Nothing compares to the fun of making a batch of cookies for Valentine’s Day. Make this recipe by Bread Booze and Bacon in advance for an easy-to-put-out dessert on the day of your date, or consider making these cookies together as a date activity.

Either way, you end up with some tasty Valentine’s Day cookies to eat at the end.

25. Red Velvet Cheesecake Gelato

For ice cream lovers, this red velvet cheesecake gelato recipe is an absolute must for a dessert option this Valentine’s Day. Simply mix all of the ingredients in a saucepan, whisking frequently for a few minutes.

Strain the mixture, blend it, then stick in tin the freezer overnight. The next morning you will wake up to a delicious homemade gelato you won’t be able to resist.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Dessert Recipes

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a little chocolate. Making your own chocolates can be a large project, so stick with making one of the following chocolate-flavored recipes instead.

26. Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Crepes

Do you love crepes? Then you have to make this chocolate alternative by Cooking and Beer.

After you have flavored the crepes using cocoa powder, you’ll be stuffing these with a mixture of strawberries, cream cheese, and whip cream to make a unique dessert with both a chocolate and cheesecake kick.

27. Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Trifles

Trifle is a fancy dessert made by layering pudding with other ingredients first made popular by the Italians.

Follow this Valentine’s Day version of the popular recipe by The Recipe Rebel to create a layered trifle using brownie, cheesecake mousse, and chocolate pudding. You’ll end up with a brown and pink dessert fit to impress any date you may have over.

28. Dark Chocolate Espresso Mousse

Don’t want to worry about trying to layer multiple desserts? Check out this recipe by Culinary Ginger to whip up a dark chocolate espresso mousse which requires no cooking, or layering, you just need a mixer and a few ingredients you can probably find in your fridge.

Therefore, this is the perfect last-minute Valentine’s Day recipe for those who let the holiday sneak up on them this year.

29. Chocolate Carmel Tart

For a truly decadent dessert, make this chocolate caramel tart from That Skinny Chick. You’ll be making your own caramel, so this dessert isn’t recommended for beginners.

But if you are up for the challenge, this Valentine’s Day recipe takes an hour and 15 minutes to make from start to finish and will leave you with a final product that is the chocolate lover’s dream.

30. Chocolate Molded Valentine’s Day Rice Crispy Treats

Chocolate is an amazing ingredient, you can eat it plain, dip foods into it, or, like in this recipe by Eazy Peazy Meals you can mold it to make themed Valentine’s Day desserts.

You’ll need some molds on hand to make this chocolate dessert, preferably ones shaped as hearts or the word love, otherwise, it is a breeze to make and you might even have the ingredients already sitting in your cupboard.

Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes

Is your date on a diet? Don’t ruin their progress with a calorie-laden meal and dessert. Take a look at some of the following Valentine’s Day recipes which will allow the two of you to enjoy the holiday while also eating healthy.

31. Flourless Chocolate Cake

It can be hard to believe that a cake can be considered healthy, but this Valentine’s Day recipe for flourless chocolate cake from Yummy Healthy Easy proves otherwise.

Made with garbanzo beans and sweetened with applesauce, this is a healthy and gluten-free Valentine’s Day dessert you can feel good about serving.

32. Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a dessert that is made by combining the natural jellifying properties of chia seeds with a healthy yet creamy beverage to make a pudding.

Once made, you can top this dessert with the fruit of your choice, for Valentine’s day, stick to red fruits to give this dessert a romantic feel. You can find the full recipe for this easy, no-bake dessert on Happily Cooking 4 U.

33. Healthier Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are a fun date dessert as they are typically easier to eat than a bowl of ice cream. Plus, they are easier to portion out when on a diet.

Try out this recipe from Nutrition in the Kitch to make a healthier version of ice cream sandwiches that you can enjoy this Valentine’s Day without guilt.

Valentine’s Day Drink Recipes

Your date will be awfully thirsty if you don’t have a drink to serve with dinner and dessert. Make one of these drink recipes (or two) to pair with the romantic main dish you are creating.

34. Red Velvet Mocha Milkshake

While you might prefer to start your night off with an alcoholic aperitif, this Valentine’s Day drink recipe by Lemon Tree Dwelling is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative that can also be served after dinner as dessert.

Mix all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth, then top with whipped cream and sprinkles—it’s that easy.

35. Warm Red Valentine’s Day Sangria

In most locations, Valentine’s Day falls during the cold season. Therefore you may want to skip the chilled drinks and instead serve your date something warm like this warm sangria from Lemons for Lulu.

Reminiscent of mulled wine served in Europe, this wine co*cktail mixed with fruit will help set the tone for a truly romantic evening.

36. Cupid’s Valentine’s Day Boozy Punch

Who doesn’t love a little prosecco? Especially when it is mixed with strawberry juice and strawberries to give it that pink tinge. Add some ice cream and ginger ale for a nice float quality.

Even if your date doesn’t drink, you can still make a delicious non-alcoholic version of this drink. Find the full recipe directions on The Soccer Mom Blog.

Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipes

Finding fun and special vegan Valentine’s Day recipes can be difficult, but we have you covered. Check out these recipes to create a special day for your vegan date.

37. Healthy Vegan Banana Cream Pudding with Turmeric

Granted, banana cream pudding isn’t the most Valentine’s Day-themed recipe on this list, but your vegan date is sure to appreciate you making this delicious dessert for them.

Plus, banana is a type of food that induces feelings of love. The recipe can be found on Beet of the Wild and is made using cashew cream, bananas, vanilla, and turmeric.

38. Healthy Cookie Dough Valentine’s Day Hearts

You read that right. These cookie dough hearts from Purely Kaylie are actually a healthy Valentine’s Day recipe. Not to mention they are also vegan and gluten-free.

They’re made with almond flour and sweetened with maple syrup. There’s no baking involved, so there is no reason not to make this delicious dessert.

39. Vegan Apple Rose Tart

Combine vegan puff pastry with apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and powdered sugar to make this delicious vegan apple rose tart from Lemons for Lulu.

They’re delicious, vegan, and small, meaning you can serve them as an appetizer or dessert depending on your meal plan for the evening.

40. Vegan Chocolate Pie

Just because someone is vegan doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the official food of Valentine’s Day—chocolate. Cook this recipe found on Pinch of Yum to make a chocolate pie so delicious you won’t even notice it’s vegan to begin with.

Mix all of the ingredients together in a blender, pour in a vegan pie crust, then chill in your fridge, that’s all there is to this decadent dessert.

Valentine’s Day Recipes FAQ

Why is Food Important to Valentine’s Day?

Food is important to Valentine’s Day because the act of eating together is a form of bonding that is like no other. Eating together promotes feelings of love, even in long-term relationships like marriage. It can also strengthen familial bonds.

Are Chocolates Romantic?

It has long been known that eating chocolate releases endorphins that make you feel happy and relaxed, a feeling very similar to love. Thus, eating chocolates is romantic as it gives you feelings that are similar to love.

Why is Chocolate a Symbol of Love?

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for your heart, so giving it to someone shows you are thinking of them and wanting them to be healthy. Caring about someone is the same as love, making chocolate the symbol of love.

Ready to Impress Your Love with These Valentine’s Day Recipes?

Whether you decide to make a delicious filet mignon, or perhaps something vegan for your love, they will be impressed by your effort and enjoy anything you make. Just be sure, that no matter what Valentine’s Day recipes you pick, you have a backup plan in mind in case something goes wrong.

If all else fails, having a giant heart-shaped box of chocolates on hand to gift to your date is the perfect way to ensure your date will leave your Valentine’s Day dinner happy regardless of how the cooking goes.