Date night ideas: romantic desserts

Spend some quality time with your loved one and enjoy some irresistible romantic desserts

Whether you’re looking for a cosy way to spend Valentine’s Day, celebrate an anniversary, or just want to add a little spark to your mid-week evening, there’s nothing more sensual than a lovingly prepared dessert. Set aside some time to reconnect with your partner over some sweet treats. Read on for a few of our favourite romantic desserts that are sure to round a meal out in the most delightful way.

Do some foods really have aphrodisiac properties?

You may have heard that certain foods can leave you feeling loved up. Oysters, figs, strawberries and chocolate are just a few ingredients said to have aphrodisiac properties. But how true is this? Can a nibble of your favourite chocolate ignite a sense of passion?

Well, some foods, such as chillies, can improve blood flow, while chocolate can help boost serotonin levels (the ‘happy chemical’). As such, these ingredients may help you feel more energised or relaxed, but there is little evidence to confirm aphrodisiac effects.

However, other aspects of certain foods can add to a romantic mood. The smooth, creamy texture of melted chocolate, for instance. Or the sweet, aromatic nature of fresh strawberries. Engaging all the senses is a great way to give a meal a more passionate twist. Context is key, too. By taking time to concentrate on one another along with the delicious desserts in front of you, you and your loved one can bring a sense of romance to any evening.

Romantic chocolate desserts

Not only does chocolate have the potential to improve your mood, but it can also be a delicious and sensual ingredient. No wonder it’s one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts! Here are some gorgeous ways to incorporate dark, white or milk chocolate into your romantic desserts.

Keep it simple with melted chocolate

With its nuanced flavours, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and heavenly fragrance, melted chocolate makes a simple yet effective romantic dessert. If you want something rich but not too heavy, a velvety hot chocolate made with real chocolate flakes is the perfect post-dinner beverage. Every sip will warm the cockles of your heart.

If you want a more hands-on dessert, melt your favourite chocolate until it’s thick, glossy, and perfectly dippable. Use a dipping fork to coat fresh strawberries or marshmallows in the chocolate and enjoy the gooey, slightly messy experience.

Our Mini Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two is the ideal date night kit. It has everything you need for a snug evening in. You’ll find two premium chocolate melting pots — one white, one milk — and an assortment of sweet and savoury nibbles. Dip, dunk, and smother to your heart’s content.

And if you prefer your chocolate on the darker side, our slabs and batons melt beautifully. We recommend a pack of 85% Dark Chocolate Batons for true cacao depth. Pair with fresh raspberries, orange slices or crystalised ginger for a striking flavour combination. 

Dessert royalty: Queen of Puddings

Our Queen of Puddings recipe is light and fluffy, topped with a decadent layer of rich chocolate ganache and crisp meringue. The addition of jam gives it a sweet tartness that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Serve straight from the oven for hot, gooey spoonfuls of cacao deliciousness. Your partner is sure to be impressed by the effort that goes into whipping up these romantic desserts.

You can find the full recipe and method in our recipe collection.

Fruity desserts for two

Alongside chocolate, lots of fruits can make excellent romantic desserts. Flavoursome, colourful, and vibrant in every way, they can surprise and delight your taste buds. Here are a few recipes to try. 

Champagne and raspberry possets

Bring a sense of celebration to your date with some bubbles! A good quality dry champagne (or prosecco if you prefer) contrasts spectacularly with the sweet sharpness of frozen and freeze-dried raspberries in this pud from BBC Good Food.

It’s smooth, refreshing, and will add a bit of fizz to your evening. Enjoy with enrobed Chocolat Shortbreads of the Gods for an extra layer of luxury.

Passion fruit and vanilla cheesecake

Passion by name, passion by nature. With its bright colour and tart flavour, passion fruit is an ideal dessert ingredient. Combine it with sweet vanilla and indulgent cream and mascarpone, and you get a decadent cheesecake that looks impressive and tastes even better. This recipe from Great British Chefs will certainly please your significant other.

Date night tips

Now you have your romantic desserts sorted, it’s time to set the scene…

• Add some mood lighting – is there anything more romantic than candlelight? Why not switch off the main light and appreciate the gentle flicker of a candle flame. For an extra sensual element, choose candles with an invigorating aroma.

• Find a soundtrack – as Shakespeare said, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Line up some romantic music to play in the background as you enjoy your desserts.

• Get cosy – whether you serve your dessert at the dining table or get comfortable on the sofa, make sure you have plenty of cushions and that the room is warm enough. Blankets are a great way to keep snug in the winter.

• Pair with a beverage – fancy a little tipple to go with your pud? Crack open a bottle of Vintage Red Wine or get creative with some cocktail making.

• Remove distractions – if you really want to make the most of this quality time together, switch off your phones and other devices so you can focus on one another.

No time to prepare a full pudding? We have an array of truffles, caramels, pralines and more that are perfect for serving as an easy dessert. Why not explore the full Hotel Chocolat range of selectors and chocolate boxes?

And whether you keep it light and simple or go all out, enjoy the special time set aside to reconnect with your partner or loved one.