Gluten Free Desserts For Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a special day to celebrate love and affection. For many people, this holiday is all about delicious desserts, chocolate, flowers, and champagne. But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the choices may be limited.

a slice of sacher torte on a dessertt plate with a red rose

So whether you want to treat your loved one (or yourself), we hope you get inspired by the selection of our most popular gluten-free desserts for Valentine’s Day. And remember the kids – they love chocolate!

History of Valentine’s Day

Since Roman times, Valentine’s Day has been a holiday to celebrate love. The holiday is named after a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. Many Romans were converting to Christianity at the time, and the holiday was created to honor Saint Valentine for his work in helping Christians. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, so did the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with love comes from a poem written by Chaucer in 1375. In it, he refers to February 14 as the Day when birds choose their mates. This may be why we give gifts of birds or bird-related items on Valentine’s Day. Giving red roses on Valentine’s Day also started in the early 1800s.

While the exact origins of giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day are unclear, it is thought that the practice started in Europe in the 19th century. In America, candy hearts with sayings like “Be Mine” and “Kiss Me” or “Hershey’s Valentine’s Day Kisses” became popular around this same time. Today, people worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts with those they love.

Why is a chocolate dessert most popular for Valentine’s Day?

Chocolate is the most popular flavor for Valentine’s Day desserts because it is associated with sweetness, love, and romance. Chocolate also has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Mayans and Aztecs believed chocolate had mystical powers and used it in religious ceremonies.

In the Victorian era, chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac and was given as a gift to express love and desire. Today, chocolate is still considered the ultimate symbol of love and is often given as a gift on Valentine’s Day.

using hands to sieve cocoa powder into a bowl

Why is cocoa so good for us?

Pure cocoa powder, an ingredient used in many good chocolate dessert recipes, is good for us because it contains antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage. It also has flavonoids that can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Cocoa can also help improve cognitive function and decrease stroke risk, as per WebMD. 

What are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about chocolate desserts?

1. What are chocolate desserts?

Chocolate desserts are typically made with cocoa powder, either milk chocolate or dark chocolate and can include a variety of ingredients such as nuts, fruits, marshmallows, and even whipped cream.

2. How do I make a gluten free chocolate dessert?

Firstly, you can’t just replace ingredients with gluten free ingredients in a regular dessert recipe. You must follow a gluten free recipe. And remember, chocolate chips and often dried fruit and nuts may contain gluten. So be sure to check the label..

3. Can I make a vegan chocolate dessert?

Yes! Some vegan chocolate dessert recipes are available that use ingredients such as coconut milk or cream instead of dairy products, plant-based fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and dairy-free butter, and eggs are replaced with flax eggs. These desserts are often just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts.

Which gluten free desserts are most famous for Valentine’s?

Many gluten free dessert options are popular for Valentine’s Day. Here is our pick of best chocolate desserts for Valentine’s.

Flourless chocolate cake

Truffle Brownies

Mousse

Cheesecake

Chocolate cupcakes

 

Valentine’s Day Gluten Free Desserts We Love!

 

a slice of 2 layer grain free chocolate cake topped with violets for Valnetine’s

 2 Layer Grain-Free Chocolate Cake

A chocolate lover’s dream and a perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day.

mini chocolate cake with ganache sauce on a plate

flourless chocolate ganache mini cake!

This gluten free dessert is excellent for when you want something small and impressive. A perfect Valentine’s day dessert for two or more.

overview of gluten free tiramisu cheesecake on a platter for Valentine's

 Gluten-Free Baked Tiramisu Cheesecake

Greece meets Italy. A buttery chocolate shortbread crust, a layer of coffee flavoured cheesecake and for the final layer,  whipping cream with mascarpone cheese and cocoa.

 

gluten free Black Forest cheesecake with Valentine’s heart

 Gluten Free Black Forest Cheesecake

 Three different flavours and three different textures— an absolute perfection! 

 

piece of coffee brownie on a spoon

 Gluten-Free Chocolate Coffee Brownies 

Warm chocolate and coffee, you can’t miss. This is a no fuss gluten free Valentine’s day dessert.

 

fudgy brownie cookies on a plate, gluten-free

Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownie Cookies!

INSANELY DELICIOUS fudgy, chocolaty cookies that taste like a brownie. Kids love these, so why not treat them on Valentine’s?

showing cross section of chocolate lava muffin with chocolate sauce in the middle

Gluten Free Chocolate Lava Muffins 

Just minutes to prepare, and the results are outstanding. Just imagine a muffin with chocolate sauce running throughout. 

 

slice of gluten-free tiramisu cake

Gluten Free Classic Tiramisu

One of the most delicious traditional Italian desserts. A winner dessert for Valentine’s day. Or, check out our Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe.

 

gluten-free cheesecake cup with layers of cheeecake, chocolate and walnut crust

mini cheesecakes

Served in small cups and topped with raspberry chocolate sauce. Super simple gluten free dessert for beginners.

 

sacher torte on a platter with one piece cut out

Viennese Gluten-Free Sacher Torte

Chocolate cake layers with dried apricots marinated in amaretto liqueur, and a fillings of apricot preserves, chocolate sauce and finished with more chocolate. No need to say more!

 

slice of boston cream pie on a plate, gluten free

Boston Cream Pie

An American classic, gluten-free vanilla pudding-like cake, creamy custard and a chocolate ganache glaze. Triple goodness in one dessert.

 

slices of vanilla custard magic cake - winner gluten free recipe for 2023

Gluten Free Vanilla Custard Magic Cake

Simplest gluten free dessert recipe with extraordinary results. All you need is one batter to create three layers. Magical!

 

meringue cookies stacked in two bowls

Almond Meringue Cookies – Gluten Free

They’re like eating sweet, fluffy clouds that melt in your mouth.

 

2023 best chocolate pecan pie

Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Pie

The rich, nutty flavors of pecans with the smooth, velvety dark chocolate nestled in a flaky gluten free pie crust is a dessert hard to forget. So why not serve it on Valentine’s.

 

lemon cranberry cake on a platter

Lemon Cranberry Meringue Cake – Gluten Free

The three layers of zesty lemon pudding cake, cranberry gelee, and vanilla meringue nestled on a buttery almond crust make this dessert unforgettable.

Valentine’s Day Gluten Free Candy List

Hershey’s

Jelly Belly

Smarties

Tootsie Roll

 

With Valentine’s Day right just around the corner, what better time to try one of these gluten free dessert recipes? 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kristina xx