These 60 Cakes, Cheesecakes, & More Are The Ultimate Way To Say "I Love You" This Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day might often feel like it only revolves around perfect romantic dinners, desserts, and cocktails for two, what if you’re having a bigger celebration of love this year? You can still make something homemade that’ll show everyone how much you care. After all, isn’t the ultimate declaration of love a willingness to share your dessert? 😍 These 60 cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes will feed a crowd with ease, so whether you're baking for your family, an S.O., your friends, or your roommates, everyone can have a little something sweet this Valentine's Day.
We’ve got a little something for every kitchen skill level and flavor preference here. Looking for a show-stopping cake? Check out our chocolate-covered strawberry Swiss roll cake, our chocolate marshmallow cake, our tiramisu cake, or our red velvet cheesecake cake. Craving light and fluffy cake, but worried about your assembly skills? We’ve got a TON of single layer cakes here that are much easier to decorate, but are just as delicious and impressive. Check out our death by chocolate poke cake, our Jell-O cake, our Biscoff tres leches cake, or our heart-shaped cake (we’ve got the easiest hack making the heart, no special pan required!) to see what we mean.
Almost all of our cake recipes can be easily turned into cupcakes if you like, but we’ve included a number of cupcake-specific recipes here for you too. Our Dole Whip cupcakes, our Frappuccino cupcakes, our white Russian cupcakes, and our cannoli cupcakes are all just that little bit extra special, perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones this V-Day.
And don’t forget about cheesecakes! If you’re the type to avoid them because you’re worried about water baths and the tops cracking, we’ve got you. All you’ve got to do is let your cheesecake do its thing in your oven, then decorate the top like a cake. Check out our strawberry cheesecake, our millionaire's cheesecake, or our espresso martini cheesecake for ideas. Pretty much every cheesecake recipe can benefit from some added frosting, fruit, crushed cookies or nuts, and more, so get creative.
Oreo Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a forever-favorite dessert, and Oreos are our favorite cookie, so you can only imagine how deadly this combination is for us. Oreos are involved in every component here: the crust, the cheesecake, and the topping. This is a must-make for the Oreo lover in your life.
Get the Oreo Cheesecake recipe.
Heart-Shaped Cake
This easy hack utilizes a square and round cake pan, as well as our absolute favorite red velvet cake recipe. If you're in a hurry, boxed cake mix works just as well! Don't sleep on the cream cheese frosting though, it makes everything 1,000x better.
Get the Heart-Shaped Cake recipe.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Swiss Roll Cake
This Swiss roll is filled with a light and fluffy strawberry filling that's perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat. If you're feeling extra, serve some freshly dipped chocolate-covered strawberries alongside the cake for decorations, but the beautiful spiral of this cake also speaks for itself.
Get the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Swiss Roll Cake recipe.
Red Velvet Cupcakes
If you're looking for the most festive Valentine's Day dessert, you can't go wrong with rich and decadent red velvet cupcakes. Light and fluffy with plenty of chocolatey flavor, these mini cakes are the perfect treat to present (or gift!) on any special occasion.
Get the Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe.
Big-Batch Lava Cake
She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s big-batch lava cake! If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of making lava cakes, this is your perfect starter recipe. It only requires 10 ingredients, and because it’s one large batch, there's no need to stress about overcooking the center.
Get the Big-Batch Lava Cake recipe.
Raspberry Cheesecake
This creamy, decadent cheesecake is swirled with a raspberry sauce to create a showstopper of a dessert, perfect for Valentine's. The raspberry sauce recipe will make more than you need for the swirls, so spoon it over top each slice right before serving.
Get the Raspberry Cheesecake recipe.
Strawberry Cake
Making strawberry compote for this cake is easier than you'd think. All you're doing is cooking down the fresh berries with sugar and lemon juice. We used it in the batter and frosting to make sure that this has the BEST strawberry flavor possible (even when they're out of season!).
Get the Homemade Strawberry Cake recipe.
Cookie Cake
Bigger is better, especially when we're talking cookies. If you’re not a chocolate layer cake lover but enjoy a pile of warm gooey cookies, then this is THE Valentine's dessert for you.
Get the Cookie Cake recipe.
Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake
This takes chocolate-covered strawberries to a whole new delicious level. Fair warning, this is an involved recipe you'll want to read through a few times before you get started. Trust us, it's 110% worth it.
Get the Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe.
Chocolate Cake
If we're really being honest, most chocolate cakes are pretty lackluster—either they don’t taste enough like chocolate or are so dry they’re unpleasant to eat. We worked for weeks to avoid that here, making sure that this chocolate cake recipe was one that we (and you!) could rely on again and again.
Get the Chocolate Cake recipe.
Cannoli Cupcakes
Let's be the real: The filling of the cannoli is the best part, and that's why these cupcakes are so amazing. They're filled to the brim with the good stuff.
Get the Cannoli Cupcakes recipe.
Baklava Cheesecake
Baklava is already one of our not-too-sweet dessert faves, so turning it into a cheesecake felt like an obvious way to take things to the next level. Instead of the traditional pressed graham cracker, the crust is made from layers of butter-brushed phyllo dough, chopped walnuts and pistachios, and a hearty drizzle of honey, just like a traditional baklava.
Get the Baklava Cheesecake recipe.
Mini Chocolate and Raspberry Cakes
Not having a big Valentine's blowout this year? Not to worry, this mini cake is perfect for a mini celebration, and you only need one cake pan to make it!
Get the Mini Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe.
Jell-O Cake
This Jell-O cake is a delicious and easy dessert that was all the rage at potlucks and parties in the '70s and '80s, and we want to bring it back. It's giving nostalgia, kitsch, and strawberry shortcake vibes, and we are here for it.
Get the Jell-O Cake recipe.
Funfetti Cheesecake
Why choose just one dessert for your celebration when you can have two classics in one? If you love festive Funfetti but are more of a cheesecake person, this sprinkle-filled cheesecake is the dessert for you.
Get the Funfetti Cheesecake recipe.
Opera Cake
Opera cake is one of those baking projects that will make you feel like a pastry chef superstar. Coffee- soaked almond cake, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache are layered together to create a French masterpiece that’s equally stunning to look at and enjoy on Valentine's day.
Get the Opera Cake recipe.
Cannoli Icebox Cake
With the not-too-sweet creamy filling inside a crispy shell, cannoli are a nearly perfect dessert. Making your own is a fun little project but a little time consuming, and frying the shells can be intimidating. This easy icebox cake is the perfect alternative.
Get the Cannoli Icebox Cake recipe.
Pink Lemonade Pound Cake
When you need a sweet treat that brings some sass too, this pink lemonade pound cake is just right. Shot-through with a stripe of hot pink, the cake is plenty citrusy, thanks to a whopping 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, plus juice in both the batter and glaze.
Get the Pink Lemonade Pound Cake recipe.
White Russian Cupcakes
These White Russian cupcakes bring a coffee flavor that will have you reminiscing about a decadent White Russian cocktail. Adding Kahlúa to the buttercream frosting will emphasize the espresso in the cake while providing a hint of cream and sweetness, with more chocolate shavings adding to the richness of it all.
Get the White Russian Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecakes
Chocolate covered strawberries + cheesecake = OMG. Plus, since you're covering them in chocolate, you don't have to worry about your cheesecakes cracking. Win!
Get the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecakes recipe.
Biscoff Tres Leches
Tres leches cake is incredible on its own, but when we're talking about the MOST decadent desserts, incredible just won't cut it. Trust us when we say, adding cookie butter and Biscoff biscuits to the classic makes it EXTRAORDINARY.
Get the Biscoff Tres Leches recipe.
Red Velvet Cake
Everyone should have a good red velvet cake recipe in their back pocket—and this is it. It has a decadent chocolate flavor and the creamiest cream cheese frosting, and the striking red color makes it unforgettable (and perfect for Valentine's!).
Get the Red Velvet Cake recipe.
Sponge Cake
Having this cake in your recipe arsenal will have you ready for anything: You can cube it a trifle, crumble it over ice cream, or—our favorite—stack it with whipped cream and berries. The best part? You can have this entire cake ready in just about an hour.
Get the Sponge Cake recipe.
Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cakes are fudgy and naturally gluten-free, so why add flour? Adding just 2 tablespoons of flour gives the cake a bit more structure. Topped with some candied orange peel, this cake is rich and decadent, but still a little lighter than your average chocolate cake.
Get the Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Who doesn't love an ultra-creamy slice of cheesecake? These mini versions are super-easy to make (no water bath!), but are just as delicious as their full-size counterpart.
Get the Cheesecake Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
No need to go out to that fancy restaurant for your favorite dessert anymore—molten chocolate lava cakes are totally doable at home, and surprisingly simple to make! If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress the chocolate lover in your life, these are it.
Get the Chocolate Lava Cakes recipe.
Chocolate Cheesecake
Have you ever wondered what a gooey chocolate brownie paired with cheesecake would taste like? Look no further! This is rich, silky smooth, moist, and almost fudge-like—everything you want in a chocolate dessert.
Get the Chocolate Cheesecake recipe.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake
Nothing screams Valentine's dessert like red velvet cake, and we made it even crazier by layering two cakes between a thick layer of plain cheesecake. You're welcome!
Get the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake recipe.
Strawberry Crunch Cake
This shortcake-inspired layer cake looks crazy impressive, but here's a secret—we used box cake mix so it's actually super-easy! The Nilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries on the outside will hide any buttercream imperfections too.
Get the Strawberry Crunch Cake recipe.
Hostess Sheet Cake
If you can't get enough of the fudgy, cream-filled cupcakes, then this sheet cake will be your new favorite dessert. Taking inspiration from the classic Hostess dessert, this sheet cake delivers on all the same flavors in an easy, shareable form.
Get the Hostess Sheet Cake recipe.
Steamed Blooming Cupcakes
Steaming might not be your first thought when it comes to making cupcakes, but trust us. While these cupcakes may look complex, they come together surprisingly fast. A dump-and-stir batter + 15 minutes in a steamer basket = blooming sweet easy treats ready to be topped with maraschino cherries.
Get the Steamed Blooming Cupcakes recipe.
White Chocolate Cake
A classic chocolate cake is always a good idea for Valentine's, but if you want to switch things up a bit, give this white chocolate cake a try. It's soft and layered with a white chocolate mousse, then frosted with a simple cream cheese frosting.
Get the White Chocolate Cake recipe.
Millionaire Shortbread Cheesecake
To make classic millionaire shortbread even more luxurious and indulgent, we added a fourth layer in the form of cheesecake. It may seem like a daunting recipe to tackle, but don’t fret! There’s a lot of hands-off time, and you can make some components ahead of time to make it easier.
Get the Millionaire Shortbread Cheesecake recipe.
Cheesecake-Stuffed Cupcakes
These are your two favorite desserts—cheesecake and chocolate cake—all wrapped up in one adorable, portable cupcake. The sprinkles are optional, but we think they're extra cute!
Get the Cheesecake-Stuffed Cupcakes recipe.
Battenberg Cake
This cake will make you feel like you’re on The Great British Bake Off. White- and pink-tinted slices of rich almond cake are brushed with apricot jam, artfully stacked, and covered with sweet almond marzipan for a cake that’s stunning and delicious enough to win the approval of Paul Hollywood.
Get the Battenberg Cake recipe.
Espresso Martini Icebox Cake
Our espresso martini-inspired icebox cake has layers of chocolate graham crackers, coffee chocolate ganache, and espresso whipped cream stacked in a loaf pan and chilled until set and sliceable. The top is decorated with cocoa powder and chocolate-covered espresso beans for an added crunch and a hint about the flavors hiding inside.
Get the Espresso Martini Icebox Cake recipe.
Honey Cake
What else would you make for your honey?! (Sorry, we had to!) This is the perfect light dessert after a special romantic dinner or companion to an afternoon coffee date.
Get the Honey Cake recipe.
Frappuccino Cupcakes
If you're as in love with to Frappuccinos like we are, then you're going to absolutely flip over these cupcakes. Coffee goes into both the cupcake and the frosting.
Get the Frappuccino Cupcakes recipe.
Copycat The Cheesecake Factory Oreo Cheesecake
When it comes to a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, we don't expect anything less than extreme decadence. With five indulgent layers of chocolate and Oreos, this Oreo dream cheesecake certainly delivers that and more.
Get the Copycat Cheesecake Factory Oreo Cheesecake recipe.
Rice Krispies Treats Cheesecake
This incredible mashup has a crust made from Rice Krispies, which holds together perfectly and is filled with an easy no-bake cheesecake filling that features extra Marshmallow Fluff. No longer do you have to decide between a Rice Krispies treat or a slice of cheesecake!
Get the Rice Krispies Treats Cheesecake recipe.
Naked Cake
A naked cake is THE best way to decorate a cake if you're worried about getting it just right. The imperfections in the frosting are what makes a naked cake so beautiful!
Get the Naked Cake recipe.
Neapolitan Cupcakes
If you can't decide what kind of cupcake to make, then this is the one for you! It has all of the classic flavors with the most scrumptious frosting, and it's one of the cutest Valentine's desserts ever.
Get the Neapolitan Cupcakes recipe.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake
Toasty, buttery pecans turn a classic cheesecake into an even more decadent and rich dessert. It’s perfect as is, but topped off with whipped cream and even more pecans makes it the best slice of cheesecake you'll ever try.
Get the Butter Pecan Cheesecake recipe.
Oreo Cookie Cake
This version of our OG cookie cake takes things to the next level by putting cookies INSIDE the "cake". It’s packed with chopped Oreos (in place of chocolate chips), decorated with a rich Oreo buttercream (in place of plain chocolate or vanilla), and crowned with even more Oreos. 😍
Get the Oreo Cookie Cake recipe.
Pistachio Cake
Ground pistachios are added in with the flour to create a subtly green-hued cake with a nutty flavor and texture. There's a hint of cardamom in there to add intrigue, as well. The cake then gets a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for a tangy addition that perfectly ties it all together.
Get the Pistachio Cake recipe.
Coconut Cream Cupcakes
Inspired by the beloved coconut cream pie, these stuffed cupcakes have all the classic components of the original dessert, sans pie crust. You won't miss it though, because in its place are our soft and fluffy vanilla cupcakes. 😍
Get the Coconut Cream Cupcakes recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Want to give classic cheesecake an elegant (and easy!) upgrade? This strawberry topping is your answer.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Death By Chocolate Poke Cake
Chocolate says "I love you," and this poke cake says it about a dozen times over. Chocolate cake, chocolate fudge filling, and chocolate buttermilk... this recipe is for serious chocoholics only.
Get the Death By Chocolate Poke Cake recipe.
Dole Whip Cupcakes
Dole Whip is the most refreshing thing after waiting in obscenely long lines at Disney all day. Now you can treat the Disney fan in your life to the cupcake of their dreams this V-Day.
Get the Dole Whip Cupcakes recipe.
German Chocolate Cake
Admittedly, this dessert doesn't have the strongest chocolate flavor and is meant for those who prefer things on the sweet side. Even still, we couldn't resist adding chocolate ganache to go alongside the sticky coconut-pecan mixture between the layers. It add decadence, AND helps keep the layers from falling apart!
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake
We made ours in an oven-safe skillet, but if you don't have one, just use a 12" cake pan. Don't forget the vanilla ice cream for serving!
Get the Strawberry Upside Down Cake recipe.
Espresso Martini Cheesecake
Espresso martini connoisseurs, this cheesecake is for you. The cheesecake filling is spiked with coffee liqueur and espresso to make it super-rich and creamy, and the top gets the iconic dusting of cocoa powder over an espresso-infused whipped cream. 😍
Get the Espresso Martini Cheesecake recipe.
Chocolate Bundt
Calling all chocolate dessert lovers—this fudgy bundt cake is really something special. It’s simple yet refined, decadent without being overly complicated, and is great for enjoying any time of day this Valentine's.
Get the Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe.
Tiramisu Cake
Whether you’re looking for a slightly more approachable take on the Italian classic, or are just a tiramisu fanatic looking for a clever twist, this recipe will make for the perfect end to your Valentine's meal.
Get the Tiramisu Cake recipe.
Rum Crumb Cake
This pound cake takes all of the best parts of OG rum cake and makes it just a little more decadent. Don't be surprised when family members sneak bites throughout the day, long before it's time for dessert.
Get the Rum Pound Cake recipe.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
This cake is incredible for 4 main reasons: It can be made ahead of time, takes minimal effort, any gluten-free lovers can still enjoy, and most importantly, it will elicit oohs and aahs when you pour the ganache on just before serving.
Get the Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
Crêpe Cake
If you love sky-high, show-stopping desserts, prepare to meet your new obsession. Crêpe cake is a cool, lofty masterpiece composed of layers of crêpes and lightened vanilla pastry cream, all topped with billowy whipped cream and a crown of fresh berries. It’s light, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Get the Crêpe Cake recipe.
Marshmallow Cake
Classic buttercream is great and all, but have you ever had Italian meringue? The not too sweet frosting pairs well with the rich chocolate cake and looks great swirled or toasted on the outside. Pipe it on to make pretty swirls and rosettes, or use a kitchen torch for a s'mores vibe.
Get the Marshmallow Cake recipe.
Basque Cheesecake
Unlike American-style cheesecake, this eye-catching "burnt" cheesecake gets baked without a crust and at a high temperature. Serve it at room temperature for a fluffier texture or chilled if you prefer it a bit denser.
Get the Basque Cheesecake recipe.
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
We gave the classic flourless chocolate cake an upgrade in the form of LOTS of peanut butter. THIS is the cake Reese's lovers have been dreaming of.
Get the Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake recipe.
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