Cute ‘n’ easy edible Valentine’s gift ideas

What’s that I can smell? Is that the whiff of love in the air? That can only mean one thing – the most commercialised holiday of the year is on the horizon. Hooray! Wherever you stand on Valentine’s Day though, any excuse to indulge in an extra sweet treat (or three) is a good one, no? My edible Christmas gifts went down a treat with you all so I thought I’d put whisk to mixing bowl again and come up with some cute ‘n’ easy edible Valentine’s present ideas too.

CUPID-STRUCK-ME CUPCAKES

Nothing says ‘be mine’ quite like a box of cupcakes. Especially a box of red velvet cupcakes that have been crowned with thick milk chocolate, raspberry rose petals and a pretty pink pretzel love heart. These babies will make sure you win your way into bae’s heart (and Netflix account).

Plus, you know how much I love me some pretzel cupcake art…

You will need: (makes 24) 

• Betty Crocker Red Velvet cake mix (for this you’ll need 2 medium eggs and 105ml vegetable oil)
• 24 salted pretzels
• 70g white chocolate
• Sprinkles of your choice
• About 1 cup worth of freeze dried raspberries
• 350g milk chocolate

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Melt your white chocolate.
2. Dip 24 pretzels (one for each cake) in the chocolate.
3. Lay on some non-stick foil and finish with a generous shower of sprinkles.
4. Leave to set in the fridge for about an hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°c (gas mark 4).
6. Make your red velvet cake batter as per the box instructions.
7. Bake for around 18-22 minutes and leave to cool fully.
8. Melt your milk chocolate.
9. Use a teaspoon to smooth over the top of each cupcake.
10. Lodge a pretty little pretzel heart into place.
11. Garnish with some freeze dried raspberries.
12. Leave to set in a cool place before tucking in.

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RED VELVET SLUTTY BLONDIES 

Whether you’ve got a slutty blondie of your own to spend Valentine’s Day with or not, this hunk o’ pure sugary sin is bound to seduce you. Oreo biscuits sit nestled in between a layer of chewy cookie dough and a layer of moist red velvet sponge before being drizzled with a web of white chocolate.

You will need: (makes 16) 

• 450g frozen cookie dough (I used these)
• Betty Crocker Red Velvet cake mix (for this you’ll need 2 medium eggs and 105ml vegetable oil)
• Around 160g (or about 16-20) Oreos
• 50g white chocolate

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Leave your frozen cookie mixture to thaw.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°c (gas mark 4).
3. Line your baking tin with greaseproof paper or a coating of butter (I also spray mine with some Frylight coconut oil for extra stick-proof power).
4. Squish the cookie mixture into the baking tray into an even layer.
5. Place a layer of Oreos over the dough pressing lightly each time.
6. Whip up the red velvet cake batter as per the box instructions.
7. Pour the red velvet mixture over the top, making sure it covers the Oreo layer well.
8. Bake for around 25-35 minutes.
9. Leave to cool fully before melting the white chocolate and drizzling over the top.

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BOOZY RASPBERRY LOVE BITES

If you’re looking to secure something quick and easy but super cute for Valentine’s Day this year, look no further than my Baileys-laced, chocolate truffle love bites. Sink your teeth into a rich cocoa ganache, brought to life with a tangy raspberry coating.

You will need: (makes 15-20)

• 200ml double cream
• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
• 100ml Baileys
• About 2-3 cups worth of freeze dried raspberries

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place into a bowl.
2. Bring your double cream to the boil over a medium heat.
3. Pour the double cream over the chocolate and stir together until smooth and combined.
4. Leave the mixture to set in the fridge until sold for 2-3 hours.
5. Use a teaspoon to take out equal amounts of the mixture and roll into truffle-shaped balls using your hands.
6. Roll the boozy love bites around in the raspberries until coated evenly.
7. Store in the fridge until it’s time to indulge.

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If you do give any of these recipes a crack of the whip this Valentine’s, make sure you send me a snap on Twitter or Instagram. No nudes though.