Love, sweet love! There’s going to be lots of that come Valentine’s Day—especially with all the chocolates, candies, pastries and cakes used to say “I love you” to sweethearts, parents, family members and friends.
Luckily, these 13 Valentine’s Day goodies we’re featuring are just as delectable while cutting down on refined sugars, using healthier ingredients, and going vegan, keto, dairy and/or gluten free. Just add pretty packaging for the occasion and your expressions of love will be just as sweet!
13 Recipes for Healthier Valentine’s Day Treats
Save the sugar for your Valentine’s hugs and kisses. For Love Day gift giving, you can take your pick from these goodies that promise deliciousness minus the guilt.
1 – These No-bake Chocolate Oatmeal Drops from Betty Crocker make up for having sugar in them by including healthy oatmeal, unsweetened cocoa, peanut butter and coconut.
2 – Decadent as they may seem, these 2-ingredient Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Beaming Baker are actually vegan, paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free. Plus the luscious fresh strawberries are like bright red hearts!
3 – Delicious Inspiration shows how these Chocolate Coconut Almond Cookie Hearts are made by pressing the healthy-ingredient cookie dough into heart-shaped tart pans—perfect for Valentines’ Day!
4 – Made with organic dark chocolate and coated with organic baking cocoa, these Dark Chocolate Truffles from Equal Exchange really do live up to the assurance that “dark chocolate is good for you”! Fab for gifting, too.
5 – This version of the beloved brownie, Gluten-free Double Chocolate Brownies from Krusteaz.com, is the ideal sweet gift for those with dietary restrictions.
6 – This Three-ingredient Keto Fudge (Paleo & Dairy Free) from The Harvest Skillet is another yummy option if your Valentine happens to be health conscious. Just prepare it in red baking cups for the occasion.
7 – Want to try something unusual? S&W has this recipe for a Flourless Chocolate Black Bean Cake that’s safe for those with wheat allergies, but love chocolate.
8 – How about these Sweet Potato Chocolate Cupcakes with Avocado Frosting from Copina Co.? They’re made with whole ingredients, no refined sugar, and are vegan and gluten-free. Just pop a raspberry on top of each cupcake for Valentine’s!
9 – These adorable Gluten-free Coconut Flour Donuts from Smashed Peas and Carrots are baked, not fried, and the coconut flour avoids gluten problems. (Okay, you can cheat a little with some Valentine-y sprinkles!)
10 – For the baking-challenged, you’ll want to check out these no-bake, 3-ingredient Banana Split Bites from Blooming Nolwenn. They’re a frozen dessert combining chocolate, banana and raspberries. Healthy and easy!
11 – Yup, there’s fresh fruit in these Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes from Veggies By Candlelight! Along with chocolate, there’s pureed avocado and almond milk for a healthy take on richness.
12 – Chocolate Covered Banana Bites from Pillsbury. A super easy recipe to make for kids and adults!
13 – For a sweet ending to a Valentine’s party, try this Healthy Chocolate Mousse by Julia Mueller/The Roasted Root, via Kroger.com. It features all-natural, healthy ingredients like avocado (instead of heavy cream and egg yolks) for extra creaminess while still tasting chocolatey.
With healthier choices like these, your Valentine’s Day treats can be just as sweet while being good for your loved ones, too!
