Alisa Fleming ~ At times (okay, not a lot of times, but occasionally) I think the economic downturn was a blessing in disguise. For years it seemed the gifts were getting bigger, more expensive, and difficult to select. But now, as people cutback, the creativity and heart is truly emerging. Over the holidays I was overwhelmed to see all of the wonderful gifts that people made for their loved ones and friends, whether a hand-knitted scarf or a delicious gift from the kitchen.
But who says homemade gifts should only be given in the last month of the year? What about that precious holiday known as Valentine’s Day? You know, the one where giving gifts from the heart means even more.
Of course, some of you, like me, may have been skipped when the crafty gene was passed on. So, I thought some simple but delicious dairy-free and vegan valentine recipes might be just the kind of thing you have been looking for. Here are links to some of our favorites:
Vegan Chocolate Cherry “Cheesecake”
You will be amazed by both the decadence and the simplicity of this luxurious dessert.
A heart shaped muffin pan really sends this baked treat over the top.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Hearts
A fun one to make with kids! Of course, you can skip the pretzels and go with the original peanut butter truffle recipe for an equally delicious treat.
Miniature Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites of Love
Another dairy-free cheesecake-inspired indulgence, but this one is soy-free and downright healthy, to boot!
Overnight Vegan Double-the-Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, so it isn’t heart shaped, nor chocolate, but who wouldn’t love to wake up to one (or three) of these?
Four simple ingredients for one scrumptious little treat.
Quadruple Chocolate Vegan Muffin-Cakes
For loved ones who prefer your chocolate in cake form. Yes, there is frosting too.
Red Hot Dark Chocolate Pudding made with Coconut MIlk
Spiked with chipotle pepper, this rich and creamy pudding is sure to spice up your Valentine’s day.
Who says only sweets must be given at Valentine’s Day? Enjoy this savory dish during a romantic candlelight dinner for two!
Red Velvet Cake with Velvet Frosting
Okay, this one requires a little more effort than most of the others on this list, but talk about an impressive “Be My Valentine” recipe.

Chocolate Cashew Vegan Valentine Truffles
Simple, luxurious vegan truffles dressed in red sprinkles for the occasion.
This heart-healthy pudding is easy to make and has a luxurious taste and texture, even though it is surprisingly low in fat.
More Lovely Recipes …
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Drop Scones
Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Dreamy Hearts
Strawberry Chocolate “Heart-Cakes”
Chocolate Mousse Cups (pictured below)
Idea: Heart-Shaped Cheese-Free Pizza
Idea: Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies (Frosted if you wish) – Gluten-Free or Vegan
Do you have any favorite dairy-free and/or vegan valentine recipes? Feel free to share them in the comments – links are welcome!
Tagged gluten free, Valentine's Day, vegan
Chef Amber SheaFebruary 13, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Great round-up, Alisa!
My two favorite nondairy V-Day treat recipes are these Raw Raspberry Cream Filled Chocolate Candies and these no-bake/sugar-free Berry-Pomegranate Cookie Bites!
CaraFebruary 13, 2013 at 3:35 pm
I haven’t yet decided what kind of chocolate treat we’ll be enjoying tomorrow but I’m sure there will be one! These cupcakes were a hit last year: http://www.carascravings.com/2012/02/chocolate-raspberry-cupcakes-for-love-your-heart.html
RickiFebruary 13, 2013 at 6:06 pm
What a great roundup of V-Day treats! Thanks so much for including mine. And since you asked. . . one of my all-time faves are these Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles: http://bit.ly/12MXJv3 Hope you have a very Happy V-Day!
MaggieFebruary 15, 2013 at 5:08 am
All of a sudden I am craving MORE chocolate. This is a great resource. Pinning for future reference!