5 Simple, Yet Elegant Valentine’s Day Desserts You Can Make in Your Apartment

Valentine’s Day can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen making complicated desserts to impress your loved one – or anyone else, for that matter! If you have the desire and a few simple ingredients, you can make these elegant Valentine’s Day desserts in no time at all – and they will be sure to wow whoever you choose to share them with!

1) Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a simple dessert that is made with cream and chocolate (think of it as a cross between fudge and frosting). It’s delicious, versatile and easy to make – simply melt chocolate with heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Since it can be served cold or at room temperature, it makes for an ideal no-bake dessert that can be served on its own or dolloped over cakes.

2) Strawberry Panna Cotta

Whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 3 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 cup strawberry puree in a large bowl until peaks form. In a separate bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons gelatin and 2 tablespoons cold water until dissolved; then add to cream mixture along with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated. Pour into 6-8 small ramekins or dessert dishes and chill for at least 3 hours before serving. Top each panna cotta with a thin slice of strawberries and chocolate curls if desired. If you want something more decadent: top your panna cotta with whipped cream, chocolate chips and cinnamon. Refrigerate an additional hour before serving—or even better make ahead of time and save it for later!

3) Chocolate Strawberries

1 Cup of Chocolate Chips + 1 Package of Strawberries = The Perfect Date Night Treat. Here’s a great dessert for couples that takes less than 10 minutes to make and is sure to be devoured! Melt your chocolate chips (I prefer dark chocolate), dip your strawberries in it, and let them set in a plate or serving dish at room temperature for about 3 hours (or you can put them in the fridge and eat them quicker). Enjoy!

4) Peanut Butter Hearts

All you need is a box of red velvet cake mix and some unsalted peanuts to whip up these simple peanut butter hearts. Break apart a package of red velvet cake mix and stir it with two cups of creamy peanut butter until completely combined (you can make as many or as few as you like at once). Roll into little balls, sprinkle with sea salt and then place on a tray. Place in fridge for 10 minutes before transferring to serving dish or individual plates/ bowls. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2-3 days in room temperature (to retain color) or for 1 week in refrigerator. Not only are they delicious, but also healthy because you know exactly what ingredients were used!

5) Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips 3/4 cup raspberry preserves candy molds (optional) Directions: Melt chocolate and preserves together over a double boiler (or microwave). Mix well until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly until well combined. Use a piping bag to carefully fill your molds with chocolate mixture or use your hands to form them into balls if you don’t have any molds on hand for more rustic truffles. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy!

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