15 Single-Serve Dessert Recipes for a Solo Valentine's Day: Sweet Ideas to Savor

Like Achilles' weakness, you're vulnerable to sweet treats on Valentine's Day. You're celebrating solo, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge.

You'll find 15 single-serve desserts, from lava cake to cheesecake, that are perfect for one - but can you resist trying them all?

1. Mini Chocolate Lava Cake

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

Ingredients

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

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, salt, and baking powder.
5. Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Add dry ingredients to melted chocolate and whisk until combined.
7. Add milk mixture to chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 minute.
10. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates.

2. Fresh Fruit Tarts

Miniature fresh fruit tarts perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 inches per side.
4. Spoon a small amount of mixed berries onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry square over the berries to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal.
6. Brush the tops of the tarts with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Place the tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow the tarts to cool completely before dusting with confectioners' sugar and serving.

3. Single Serve Cheesecake

Indulge in a rich and creamy single-serve cheesecake perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 12 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl, then stir in the melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 6-inch springform pan.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan over the crust.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before serving.

4. Raspberry Sorbet Recipe

Indulge in a sweet and tangy Raspberry Sorbet this Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Puree the raspberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water, and heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the raspberry puree and lemon juice.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions.
8. Freeze the sorbet for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Miniature Brownies

Rich, fudgy miniature brownies perfect for Valentine's Day.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
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 well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour and salt to the saucepan and stir until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin tin cups.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a brownie comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the brownies cool completely in the tin before serving.

6. Vanilla Panna Cotta

Vanilla Panna Cotta is a creamy Italian dessert perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unflavored gelatin

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the softened gelatin, stirring until it's fully dissolved.
5. Pour the mixture into small individual serving cups or ramekins.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
7. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey if desired.

7. Individual Tiramisu

Rich and creamy individual tiramisu perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the coffee and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. To assemble the tiramisu, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of small individual serving cups.

5.Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.

6. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of mascarpone on top.

7. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream.

8. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

8. Small Batch Cookies

Indulge in sweet, chewy cookies made just for two on Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, salt, and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Solo S'mores Recipe

Indulge in a classic campfire treat with a solo s'mores recipe perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 marshmallow
• 1 chocolate piece
• 1 graham cracker
• 1 roasting stick or kitchen torch

Instructions

1. Roast the marshmallow over a flame or with a kitchen torch until golden brown.
2. Place the chocolate piece on one half of the graham cracker.
3. Place the roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
4. Place the other half of the graham cracker on top of the marshmallow to create a sandwich.
5. Squeeze gently and serve immediately.

10. Bite Sized Truffles

Rich, bite-sized truffles perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
3. In another bowl, mix the butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the butter mixture until well combined.
5. Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly.
6. Use a spoon to drop small balls of the chocolate into the cream mixture, coating them evenly.
7. Place the coated chocolate balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to set.
9. Roll the truffles between your hands to shape into perfect spheres.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy.

11. Personal Peach Cobbler

Indulge in a warm, personal peach cobbler perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe peach, sliced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the sliced peaches to a 6-inch baking dish and sprinkle with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the peaches, then top with the flour mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

12. Mini Ice Cream Sandwich

Mini Ice Cream Sandwich is a sweet Valentine's Day treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• Favorite ice cream flavor

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners' sugar.
4. Add softened butter to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
9. Scoop a small amount of favorite ice cream between two cookies to form a sandwich.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

13. Chocolate Mug Cake

Indulge in a rich, decadent chocolate cake in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 chocolate chip

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug.
4. Add the chocolate chip on top of the batter.
5. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from the microwave and let cool for a minute before serving.

14. Single Serving Mousse

Rich and creamy single serving mousse perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Fold the sugar mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
5. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream mixture until no white streaks remain.
6. Spoon the mousse into a single serving dish or ramekin.
7. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

15. Mini Key Lime Pie

Tangy and sweet mini key lime pies perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated key lime zest
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add melted butter to the bowl and stir until combined.
4. Press mixture into mini tart pans.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool.
6. Whisk together egg yolks, key lime juice, and zest in a separate bowl.
7. Pour filling into cooled tart shells.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set.
9. Top with whipped cream and serve.

Conclusion

You'll savor every bite of these solo desserts, a sweet contrast to the loneliness of Valentine's Day. Rich chocolate and fresh fruit will comfort you, a delightful escape from the crowds of couples. Indulge in Mini Chocolate Lava Cake or Raspberry Sorbet, and let the sweetness overpower your solitude, making this solo celebration surprisingly sweet.