The season of love is upon us with Valentine's Day coming up, and you know what that means: chocolate desserts everywhere. Chocolate became associated with Valentine's Day when a man named Richard Cadbury (yes, that Cadbury!) designed a heart-shaped box in 1861 for the February holiday so that his chocolates could be given as gifts. Now, chocolates themselves have become symbol of romance!
Videos by Wide Open Country
But maybe you're tired of eating chocolate cakes, chocolate cupcakes, lava cakes, and other chocolate variations of just... cake. So we have created a delicious, chocolatey list for you of incredible chocolate desserts that you can make and eat with your loved ones (or all by yourself!) and NONE of them are cake.
10 Incredible Chocolate Desserts That Aren't Cake
If you're a chocolate lover, you've got to check out these recipes, good for Valentine's Day or any other day -- whether you're in a relationship or single. Here are our favorites!
1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
There is nothing on this planet that is better than chocolate chip cookie dough -- except, maybe, chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. This version tastes just like raw cookie dough, except it's egg-free, made with cooked flour, and totally safe to eat. After you make the chocolate chip cookie dough base, you dip each truffle into delicious melted chocolate for even more chocolate flavor. These are drool-worthy.
Get the recipe here from Baked by an Introvert.
2. Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Buttercream
If you prefer a bolder, more bittersweet chocolate flavor in your desserts, then this rich chocolate brownie recipe was made for you. A grownup brownie that is fudgy, chewy, and made with dark chocolate is then topped with a silky peanut butter buttercream for an even richer flavor profile. And then you top it all off with pretzels and chocolate drizzle. Everyone loves chocolate peanut butter!
Get the recipe here from The Powdered Apron.
3. Mint Chocolate Covered Oreos
Maybe you want an easy chocolate dessert that still packs a delicious punch, and also looks fancy enough for a Valentine's Day treat. We've got you covered. Just take mint Oreos, dip them in melted semisweet chocolate mixed with a bit of peppermint extract, and top with green sprinkles for some extra oomph. Psst: you can make these again in a month for St. Patrick's Day, too.
Get the recipe here from Dinner Then Dessert.
4. White Chocolate Reese's Fudge
Are you more of a white chocolate fan? If so, you will love this incredible white chocolate fudge recipe. This is an easy fudge recipe, made with marshmallow creme, white chocolate chips, butter, sugar, and heavy cream. Then you top the fudge off with chopped up white chocolate Reese's peanut butter cups for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Get the recipe here from Lil Luna.
5. Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters
If you're a big fan of caramel and chocolate mixed together, then these chocolate pecan turtle clusters were made just for you. Cover a few toasted pecans with some quick homemade caramel, then drizzle milk chocolate sauce on top of it. This chewy chocolate treat will satisfy your sweet tooth. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool.
Get the recipe here from Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons.
6. Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Everyone loves a good old-fashioned shortbread cookie recipe, but what if we can spice it up by making it CHOCOLATE for Valentine's Day? Then it's even better. This recipe comes together quickly, which is great if you're planning a last-minute date night at home. Then you can half-dip the cookies in dark chocolate and top them off with chopped walnuts and cranberries like the recipe suggests, or any other tantalizing combos you can think of.
Get the recipe here from Girl Heart Food.
7. Mexican Chocolate Avocado Mousse
If you're looking for a vegan, creamy chocolate dessert recipe, then we would like to introduce you to this delicious Mexican chocolate avocado mousse. Yup, you heard us right: chocolate mousse made with avocado. It's also free from refined sugar and gluten, which makes it good for a number of diets. The whole thing comes together in 20 minutes and has the warm, toasty spices of Mexican chocolate to boot.
Get the recipe here from Cotter Crunch.
8. Dark Chocolate Frozen Hot Chocolate
If you want to change things up, a frozen hot chocolate made with dark chocolate will really hit the spot. Made with just four ingredients in an ice cream maker, you'll be surprised how tasty this chocolate ice cream recipe is. Even if it's cold outside, you'll find yourself craving this yummy treat. Marshmallows and chocolate chips are optional add-ins!
Get the recipe here from Love from the Oven.
9. The Ultimate Nutella Cheesecake
Maybe you're not here to mess around when it comes to an impressive Valentine's Day chocolate-hazelnut dessert. Okay, then this ultimate Nutella chocolate cheesecake will be a real showstopper. This cheesecake is made with an Oreo crust, a Nutella cream cheese filling, and then topped with a Nutella hazelnut chocolate ganache and chocolate whipped cream. If that's not enough, you can further top it with Ferrero Rocher chocolates and melted Nutella. This one takes some effort, but it's worth it.
Get the recipe here from Queenslee Appetit.
10. Double Chocolate Muffins
Dessert for breakfast? That's basically what you'll get when you make these double chocolate muffins. Made with both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it's the perfect way to start Valentine's Day... or any other day. You can even upgrade the chocolate chips to chocolate chunks if you crave more of that gooey chocolate in each bite.
Get the recipe here from Sugar Spun Run.
READ MORE: DIY Olive Garden's Brownie Lasagna With This 7-Ingredient Recipe