15 Baked Goods Recipe to Gift Your Valentine: Sweet Ideas to Try

You're looking for a way to make Valentine's Day special, and what's more thoughtful than a sweet, homemade treat? You can bake chocolate lava cake, red velvet cupcakes, or heart-shaped brownies to show you care.

But that's not all - you'll find even more ideas to make your gift truly unforgettable, and it's about to get a whole lot sweeter.

1. Chocolate Lava Cake

Rich, gooey chocolate lava cake perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
4. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
5. Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
6. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture and whisk until just combined.
7. Pour in melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute.
10. Run a knife around edges and invert onto plates.

2. Sweet Valentine Cookies

Delicate sugar cookies perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles once the cookies are cool.

3. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Moist red velvet cupcakes perfect for gifting on Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Beat just until combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the pan before frosting and decorating.

4. Heart Shaped Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies cut into heart shapes for a romantic treat.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until it is well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time.
5. Add the flour and salt to the saucepan and stir until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
10. Dust the brownies with confectioners' sugar and serve.

5. Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Classic vanilla sugar cookies perfect for Valentine's Day gifts.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles as desired.

6. Strawberry Shortcake

Sweet strawberry shortcake perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• Confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch thickness and cut into rounds.
8. Place the rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.
9. Split the shortcakes in half and fill with sliced strawberries.
10. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.

7. Raspberry Tiramisu

Raspberry Tiramisu is a creative twist on the classic Italian dessert.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam

Instructions

1. Dip ladyfingers in coffee and layer in a dish.
2. Mix mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold in heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Top with raspberries and raspberry jam.
6. Repeat the layers, starting with the ladyfingers.
7. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for 3 hours.
8. Slice and serve chilled.

8. Lemon Poppy Seed

Brighten up your Valentine's day with an invigorating Lemon Poppy Seed cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
7. Stir in the poppy seeds.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Chocolate Chip Muffins

Delicious homemade chocolate chip muffins perfect for Valentine's Day gifting.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Sweet and fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Using a piping bag, pipe the batter into donut shapes.
6. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
9. Toss the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
10. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

11. Peach Cream Pie

Indulge your loved one with a sweet and tangy peach cream pie.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peaches, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, flour, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Arrange the sliced peaches in the pie crust.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the peaches.
6. Dot the top of the pie with the melted butter.
7. Roll out the remaining pie crust and use it to cover the pie.
8. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
9. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
10. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
11. Allow the pie to cool before serving.

12. Double Chocolate Cake

Rich, velvety double chocolate cake perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Fold the melted chocolate into the cake batter until well combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Fruit Topped Muffins

Delicious fruit topped muffins perfect for Valentine's Day gifting.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed fruit

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the mixed fruit.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Caramel Pecan Bars

Rich, gooey caramel and crunchy pecans come together in these sweet bars.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans.
7. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
10. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and let cool completely before cutting into bars.

15. Berry Bliss Cake

Moist vanilla cake filled with mixed berry compote and topped with creamy frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berry compote
• 1 cup creamy frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Once cakes are completely cool, spread mixed berry compote on top of one cake layer.
9. Place second cake layer on top and frost with creamy frosting.
10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

You'll create a thoughtful gift, even if you're short on time. Don't think you can't bake, with these easy recipes, you'll impress your Valentine. Whip up a batch, and package in decorative tins for a romantic gesture that shows you care, proving it's the thought that counts, not the time it takes.