Like most holidays, Valentine's Day is typically celebrated by the best thing in life: food. So, it only makes sense that Feb. 14 is full of heart-shaped food ideas and desserts. I'm talking about everything from traditional candy hearts to delicious chocolate recipes. It's enough to make any foodie's sweet tooth fall head over heels in love.
Fortunately, V-Day recipes aren't limited to sugary candies and desserts. Thanks to the wizards of the blogging world, you can make heart-shaped breakfasts, lunches, appetizers, and dinners. Heck, you can even make Jell-O shots and marshmallows in the shape of hearts. Yeah, you read that correctly. I can't make this up.
Don't get me wrong; your sweet tooth should still be ready for a little lovin.' Cult favorites like Rice Krispies treats, cookies, and cinnamon rolls are all must-haves around the V-Day season. Can't choose just one? Simply divvy up your creations and share the goodness with your best ladies. BFF Valentine's Day gift: done and done.
To get those foodie gears turning, I've rounded up 21 of my favorite heart-shaped recipes on the web. And if you are anything like me, your heart is about to skip so many beats. Happy Valentine’s Day!
1. Strawberry Margarita Shot Bites
Joy the Baker is a genius for dreaming of this mini Jell-O shot concept. Adulting just got so much cooler.
2. Heart-Shaped Rice Krispies Treat Pops
Everything seems to be better in lollipop form; Rice Krispies treats are no exception. And thanks to Pint Sized Treasures, you can create a colorful version of this childhood favorite.
3. Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
Want to take your Rice Krispies game to the next level? Swap out the plain marshmallows for the holiday-exclusive strawberry kind. Bet you didn't even know that was a thing! Visit My Baking Addiction for the low-down.
4.Homemade Heart Marshmallows
For most people, V-Day goes down in the middle of a chilly winter. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and heart-shaped marshmallows by Belly Full for the ultimate cozy Feb. 14.
5. Heart Pepperoni
Turn any pizza into a romantic dinner with this excellent idea by One Charming Party. Zero cooking skills required.
6. Valentine's Day Heart Pepperoni Pizza
If you're feeling especially lovey-dovey, make a heart-shaped pizza for your heart-shaped pepperoni. It doesn't get any more real than that. Learn how to make it with How Sweet It Is.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Hearts
Sometimes, even the traditional desserts need to go for an unconventional spin. Instead of settling for average chocolate-dipped strawberries, make them look like hearts thanks to this exclusive Bustle recipe.
8. Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies
Made with store-bought pastry dough and pie filling, these mini pies by Well Plated are too easy to not make. There's even a little lemon zest thrown in there, too. Yum.
9. Homemade Valentine's Day Mints
Before puckering up, don't forget to snag a mint or four. This adorable version by Busy Mommy is the best way to get ready for those V-Day kisses.
10. Nutella and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Every day is a good day when it starts with French toast stuffed with Nutella and strawberries. Extra points if it looks like a heart. Head to Mel's Kitchen Cafe to learn how to make it.
11. Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies
Because Valentine's Day isn't Valentine's Day without conversation hearts. This cookie version by Brown Eyed Baker is an excellent way to show off your love for the popular V-Day candy.
12. Lemon Raspberry Pie Crust Hearts
Did you just make a pie? Did you not just make a pie? Either way, looks like you'll have to make these heart treats by Joy the Baker. Because pie crust.
13. Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Forget diamonds... cinnamon rolls are a girl's best friend. Especially when they're shaped like hearts. Visit Pastry Affair for the full tutorial.
14. Green Salad with Goat Cheese Hearts
Thanks to Joy the Baker, you can dress up your salad just in time for Valentine's Day. That pink color, derived from shredded beets, is to dye for (pun intended).
15. Heart-Shaped Raspberry Rolls
If you love cinnamon rolls, this raspberry version by Handle the Heat is so worth a try. The natural red hue of the raspberries is nothing short of festive.
16. Chocolate-Covered Heart-Shaped Brownies
Because a holiday isn't a holiday without brownies. Visit Good Life Eats to learn how to make this V-Day version, complete with chocolatey goodness.
17. Heart-Shaped Carrots
Contrary to what you may think, Valentine's Day food can be healthy, too. I'm loving this carrot-carving tutorial by Sophistimom, shared at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. These babies can also be used in salads or pasta.
18. Glass-Topper Valentine's Day Cookies
This idea by Cookies and Cups is just too clever. It's one of those concepts that can be used all year around; you'll never look at cookies and milk the same way again.
19. Strawberry Glazed Valentine Doughnuts
While I accept doughnuts in all shapes and forms, there's just something about these heart-shaped strawberry glazed doughnuts by Baked by Rachel. I think I've finally found The One.
20. Apple Hand Pies
Sweeten up your traditional apple pie recipe with this adorable version by Baked by Rachel. This would be an amazing addition to a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
21. Heart-Shaped Cream Puffs
Let's file this under "Ways to Make Me Fall In Love with You." Thanks for your brilliance, Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
For more DIY inspiration, check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: Joy the Baker; Pint Sized Treasures; My Baking Addiction; Belly Full; One Charming Party; How Sweet It Is; Kirsten Nunez/Bustle; Well Plated; Busy Mommy; Mel's Kitchen Cafe; Brown Eyed Baker; Joy the Baker; Pastry Affair; Joy the Baker; Handle the Heat; Good Life Eats; A Pretty Life in the Suburbs; Cookies and Cups; Baked by Rachel; Baked by Rachel; Mel's Kitchen Cafe
