6 Healthy Chocolate Recipes for Valentine’s Day

Because a date is optional, but dessert is a must.

Photo by: Stephen Murello

Stephen Murello

As Valentine’s Day swiftly approaches, you’ve got the perfect excuse to eat all the chocolate your heart desires. After all, how can you resist when there’s a new heart-shaped box around every corner? Unfortunately, those sweet treats tend to bring about a nasty sugar hangover — so not romantic. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite healthy chocolate desserts to fall in love with this year. Whether you’re kickin’ it solo or ramping up the romance, these feel-good treats will end your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note.

We’ve got your date night covered with this one. In addition to being berry romantic, strawberries are jam-packed with vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. And really, what doesn’t get better with chocolate?

Ellie Krieger's Chocolate Fondue as seen on Food Network

Ellie Krieger's Chocolate Fondue as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

We’ll pop open the champagne for Ellie’s feel-good fondue. She uses orange juice, vanilla and just a bit of sugar to sweeten up her dark chocolate dip, which she serves with banana, apple and strawberries.

Malted Chocolate Pudding Cake

Malted Chocolate Pudding Cake

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

Rich, gooey and oh-so-delicious, this is the perfect dessert to share with your best single gals (and guys). And with whole-wheat flour, low-fat milk and just one egg white, it’s a treat you can feel good about.

This silky, luxurious cheesecake is just what you’re looking for in a Valentine’s dessert. Cottage cheese replaces most of the cream cheese in a traditional cheesecake, while cocoa powder and just a touch of melted chocolate add a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies is such a cozy date idea — and eating them is just as fun! With whole wheat flour, ground oats and agave nectar, this recipe will hit the spot without being too indulgent.

No Bake Chew Truffle Cookies

No Bake Chew Truffle Cookies

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Looking for a last-minute gift? In just one hour, you can whip up a batch of these no-bake truffle cookies. The cookies get their natural sweetness from dried dates, which combine with cocoa, natural peanut butter and whole wheat graham crackers to form these snackable treats. Much better than a box of chocolates, right?

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