Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal.
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Food
  3. Recipe Collections & Favorites
  4. Desserts
  5. 20 Best Romantic Dessert Recipes

20 Best Romantic Dessert Recipes

Samantha Leffler headshot
By Samantha Leffler Updated April 08, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Raspberry and Honey Marshmallows
Credit: CAITLIN BENSEL

Whether you're planning for the ultimate date night or a special Valentine's Day dinner—and need a decadent dessert to finish off the evening—these romantic dessert recipes may be just exactly what you need.

Chocolate desserts tend to be the go-to option for a romantic dinner (after all, chocolate has some impressive health benefits and is considered an aphrodisiac), but you don't have to stick with chocolate. There are plenty of sweet fruit dessert recipes for you to consider as well.

Many of these romantic desserts can be made ahead of time or are easily put together—so you have more time to focus on planning a creative date night instead of baking for hours on end.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Orange Soufflé

Orange Souffle
Credit: Beth Galton
get the recipe

This light, airy dessert incorporates grated orange zest and orange liqueur for a double dose of citrus.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

French Toast Soufflé

French Toast Soufflé
Credit: Grace Elkus
get the recipe

While there's certainly nothing wrong with a rich chocolate soufflé, we'd argue that this French toast-inspired version is just as delicious and ideal for those who don't love chocolate. It's made with familiar ingredients such as maple syrup and vanilla extract, and is surprisingly easy to whip up. And don't worry about your dessert falling. It's really hard for the soufflé to fall prematurely in the oven, and once you take it out, it's supposed to fall. 

2 of 20

3 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Bar Fondue

Chocolate Bar Fondue
Credit: Anna Williams
get the recipe

Use your imagination when choosing ingredients for dipping in the chocolate fondue—try pound cake, flavored marshmallows, graham crackers, or even pretzels. (Strawberries, banana slices, and oranges are all great if you're looking for a healthier treat.) 

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Honey Whole Wheat-Strawberry Clafoutis

Honey Whole Wheat Strawberry Clafoutis
Credit: Kelsey Hansen
get the recipe

This typical French dessert is made with whole-wheat flour, sweetened with honey, and packed with fresh strawberries. While a nice crust forms on the outside, the inside of this picture-perfect confection remains deliciously custardy. Just make sure you serve this treat immediately, as the center will sink as it cools.

4 of 20

5 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

Who doesn't love a fudge ball? This version is inspired by the Brazilian treat brigadeiros and is made with a combination of sweetened condensed milk, warm cinnamon, and semi-sweet chocolate. Plus, each ball is rolled in toasted, crushed pecans, which adds plenty of texture to every bite.

5 of 20

6 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes

Sheet Pan Pavlova
Credit: Greg DuPree
get the recipe

A Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that's typically topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. This version is garnished with a whopping pound of mixed berries as well as a rich combination of heavy cream and egg whites.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Raspberry S'mores

Raspberry S'mores
Credit: James Baigrie
get the recipe

A childhood favorite gets an unexpectedly adult twist with the addition of fresh raspberries. 

7 of 20

8 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

If you like Mexican hot chocolate, you're bound to enjoy this cake, which is basically a fudgy torte version of the popular drink. Here, cinnamon and cayenne complement a dense chocolate batter and help to create a cake that's naturally gluten-free and great for date night. Pro tip: Use a springform pan when baking this beauty for the best results.

8 of 20

9 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake Recipe
Credit: Victor Protasio
get the recipe

If you're looking for something decadent that's still on the healthier side, this cheesecake, which swaps sweet potatoes for some of the sugar, might be the perfect grand finale for your date night. Top it off with fresh fruit for a little extra dose of goodness.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Espresso Truffles

Espresso Truffles
Credit: Hector Sanchez
get the recipe

A little espresso gives these decadent chocolate truffles a richer flavor. Make them for a romantic dessert or as a sweet homemade gift for someone special. 

10 of 20

11 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate "Salami" With Hazelnuts and Figs

Chocolate “Salami” With Hazelnuts, Figs, And Cookies
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

This dessert may look like salami, but there's no cured meat here. Instead, this sweet treat is made with chocolate that's flecked with toasted hazelnuts, jammy dried figs, and spiced Biscoff cookies, and the whole thing gets a realistic dusting of confectioners' sugar. Translation: Each bite is packed with plenty of flavor. Enjoy this dessert with your partner, or wrap it up and gift it to a special someone. 

11 of 20

12 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry Dust Meringues

Strawberry Dusted Meringues
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

For a light and airy treat that still has a touch of romance, give these colorful meringues a whirl. Each one has a crispy outside and slightly chewy middle, but the real star here is freeze-dried strawberries, which are used to create a bold, edible "dust" that decorates each dessert.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Ganache Tart

Chocolate Ganache Tart
Credit: Victor Protasio
get the recipe

This easy homemade ganache tart is the comfort-food classic that leaves packaged cake mixes in the dust.

13 of 20

14 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Raspberry and Honey Marshmallows

Raspberry and Honey Marshmallows
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

Though not necessarily a typical dessert, these homemade marshmallows boast a natural red hue that screams romance and is difficult to resist. Each one is fluffy, fruity, and free of unhealthy corn syrup. Plus, the honey gives these treats a rich, caramelized quality that will remind you of a fire-toasted marshmallow. Serve them as part of a larger romantic dessert spread, or dip them in a cup of hot chocolate.

14 of 20

15 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Easy Chocolate Mousse with Croissant Crumbs

Easy Chocolate Mousse with Croissant Crumbs
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

You'll be hard pressed to find a dessert more romantic than homemade chocolate mousse. This version utilizes a breakfast staple—croissants—and uses them to create a buttery topping that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate base. And if you're worried about making your own mousse, don't let this recipe intimidate you. Instead of relying on eggs for the structure, whipped cream does all the work, creating creamy clouds of luscious chocolate.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dark Chocolate Truffles

chocolate-truffles-recipe
Credit: Samantha Seneviratne
get the recipe

Instead of wasting your money on a fancy box of truffles, try making them yourself. This recipe calls for high-quality chocolate (a must!) which is mixed with butter, heavy cream, and a dash of salt. Once you get the standard recipe down, which requires just 40 minutes of hands-on work, feel free to fill your truffles with Earl Grey tea, peanut butter and jelly, and more.

16 of 20

17 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Jubilee
Credit: Joseph De Leo
get the recipe

This dessert, which was crafted especially for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, is a perfect way to celebrate a romantic night in. Sweet cherries join forces with Kirsch and tart lemon juice to create a dish that's best served warm over a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. The best part about this dessert is that it takes just 20 minutes to make.

17 of 20

18 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding

Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding
Credit: Con Poulos
get the recipe

This rich, decadent dessert couldn't be easier—just combine all the ingredients and bake for 30 minutes.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Marshmallow and Chocolate Shortbread Slices

Marshmallow and Chocolate Shortbread Slices
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

These marshmallow and chocolate shortbread slices are basically like a homemade candy bar, which is a great treat to make for a loved one who has an unstoppable sweet tooth. Each slice boasts a crunchy cookie base that gets an upgrade thanks to almond meal and cocoa powder, marshmallow filling, and a chocolate coating. For an added crunch, top the slices with slivered almonds.

19 of 20

20 of 20

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hazelnut Bushwacker Cake

Hazelnut Bushwacker Cake Recipe
Credit: Greg DuPree
get the recipe

This impressive-looking cake is so easy to pull together—stack layers of chocolate wafers with chocolate-hazelnut spread and whipped cream, then let it sit in the fridge to soften. Use a touch of Kahlua to give it a boozy kick for grownups or decaf coffee if you're serving it to kids. 

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Samantha Leffler

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Orange Soufflé
    2 of 20 French Toast Soufflé
    3 of 20 Chocolate Bar Fondue
    4 of 20 Honey Whole Wheat-Strawberry Clafoutis
    5 of 20 Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls
    6 of 20 Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes
    7 of 20 Raspberry S'mores
    8 of 20 Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake
    9 of 20 Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake
    10 of 20 Espresso Truffles
    11 of 20 Chocolate "Salami" With Hazelnuts and Figs
    12 of 20 Strawberry Dust Meringues
    13 of 20 Chocolate Ganache Tart
    14 of 20 Raspberry and Honey Marshmallows
    15 of 20 Easy Chocolate Mousse with Croissant Crumbs
    16 of 20 Dark Chocolate Truffles
    17 of 20 Cherries Jubilee
    18 of 20 Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding
    19 of 20 Marshmallow and Chocolate Shortbread Slices
    20 of 20 Hazelnut Bushwacker Cake

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Best Romantic Dessert Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.