Strawberry Bread

Did you know you can make bread with ice cream?! It’s true!

I’ve already got a delicious 2-ingredient ice cream bread recipe, but I wanted to make it extra special with plump, juicy strawberries both inside and out.

This strawberries & cream bread is so easy to make, even your kiddos can help!

And it’s perfect for a light dessert, afternoon snack, or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.

Try other simple strawberry desserts like homemade popsicles or this 5-ingredient dump cake. No reason for a single berry to go to waste!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Flour – You need self-rising flour to make strawberry ice cream bread — this recipe will not work with all-purpose flour.
  
  That said, you can easily make your own self-rising flour instead of buying a whole bag!
  
  Combine 1 cup of AP flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of fine salt.
  
  You’ll need to double those amounts, then measure out what you need to make this strawberry bread recipe.
  
• Ice Cream – Choose your favorite brand of strawberry ice cream! It just needs to be full-fat, not low-fat or low-sugar, or the bread won’t come out right.
  
• Strawberries – Fresh berries are best as frozen berries will add too much liquid to the batter.
  
  Chop up a few to toss in the batter (I have a great hack for hulling strawberries!), then slice another few to place on top.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Strawberries & Cream Bread

• Stir the ice cream until it’s completely smooth first.

Once you’ve gotten out all the lumps, then you can add the flour. This prevents you from overworking the batter so your loaf comes out fluffy instead of dense.

I usually toss the chopped berries right into the bowl with the ice cream, but you can wait until the ice cream is smooth if you’d like.

• Toss chopped strawberries in a little extra flour.

Don’t go overboard — a light coating is plenty! This will help them stay scattered throughout the loaf instead of sinking straight to the bottom

• Smooth out the batter after adding it to the pan.

Be sure to push the batter into the corners too, then gently drag your spatula back and forth across the surface so it’s even.

This helps achieve a more even back and creates a smoother surface on top!

Prep Ahead

• Soften ice cream
• Chop fresh strawberries
• Grease loaf pan

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• 9×5 Bread Pan – Keep in mind that glass and dark bread pans bake hotter. So, you may want to lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees if using one of these.
• Mixing Bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• A sturdy Silicone Spatula can be used for scraping, stirring, and smoothing and is easy to clean too!
• Wire Rack – Great for cooling all kinds of baked goods.

Variations and Topping Ideas

Instead of fresh strawberries, try another type of fruit! Sliced peaches or a handful of blueberries or raspberries would be just as delicious.

And, you can always add in a handful of chocolate chips or your favorite chopped nuts too.

You could also use a different flavor of ice cream.

My recipes for cake batter ice cream or triple berry sangria ice cream would be extra yummy and make this strawberry cream bread completely homemade.

This loaf is delicious plain, but I won’t stop you from adding a glaze or some cream cheese frosting either!

Storing and Freezing Strawberry Cream Bread

Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, strawberry bread can be frozen. Cut it into even slices and freeze each slice in a small freezer bag. This way, you can remove one piece at a time when you want a snack.

If you’d prefer to freeze the entire loaf, you will need to slice it and separate each slice with freezer paper so that they don’t stick together.

Strawberry cream bread can be frozen for up to six months.

Strawberry Bread Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Quick Breads to Make

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Strawberry Bread (Ice Cream Bread Recipe) + Video

This Strawberry Bread is a quick and simple treat bursting with fresh berry flavor. Make a whole loaf with 3 ingredients in under an hour!

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 10 1 loaf

Calories 120cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberry full-fat ice cream softened
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour see notes about using all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped strawberries
• 1 strawberry sliced optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray, set aside.
• Combine chopped strawberries and softened ice cream in a large bowl. Stir to combined. Add flour and stir until just combined.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth with a spatula and top with sliced strawberries if desired.
• Place on the center rack in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Place Ice Cream Bread on a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes, then flip it out of the pan and let the bread cool completely on the cooling rack.
• Slice and serve.

Video

Notes

Ice cream bread will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also keep in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.

If you have no self-rising flour, you can use 1 1/2 cups all-purpose, 1 tablespoon baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 120cal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 16mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published May 2020, updated and republished February 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Strawberry Bread (Ice Cream Bread Recipe) + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Valentine Desserts Collection

When it comes to letting someone special know how much you care, nothing says “I love you” quite as well as a home cooked meal.

Light a few candles and stream soft music to set the mood.

When the meal is over, brew some espresso or tea, or indulge in Valentine cocktails to enjoy with one of these swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day dessert recipes!

Browse this recipe collection and watch our video for inspiration. Then, you’ll be able to make a decadent, romantic dessert to share with your Valentine.

Best Valentines Desserts

To make it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for, we placed these Valentine’s Day dessert ideas into the following categories:

• DECADENT CHOCOLATE DESSERTS
• FRUIT DESSERTS
• SIMPLE VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS 
• DRINKABLE VALENTINES DESSERTS

Click on the link below each image to get the recipe.

Decadent Chocolate Desserts

Here are some of our best Valentine’s Day dessert recipes that include chocolate.

You’ll see some simple treats, but there are also over-the-top, decadent chocolate desserts that you and your Valentine are sure to love!

Rich, chocolatey treats are perfect for this holiday of love. Not only is chocolate delicious, but it also contains a natural stimulant called Tryptophan.

It is part of a natural “feel good” drug in the brain known as serotonin.

Although these chemicals do exist in chocolate, the quantity isn’t enough to cause an actual physiological reaction.

Still, chocolate is so sweet, silky, and smooth that it’s likely to fuel a little inner passion.

Outrageously Fudgy Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream dessert! This treat is chocolatey, fudgy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with a truckload of chocolate and a sprinkling of coffee, the flavor is outrageously amazing!

Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is an incredibly flavorful 5-ingredient cherry chocolate cake recipe. Topped with homemade frosting and plenty of maraschino cherries, it comes together in just 40 minutes. It may be the easiest and tastiest of these Valentines desserts!

These Heart Sugar Cookies are just right for Valentine’s Day, whether as a romantic gift or a classroom treat!

Millionaire Bars have the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a buttery shortbread crust to boot. And every layer is made from scratch! 

This Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake is moist and rich, combining a dense cocoa cake with silky chocolate frosting and chocolate chips — a triple chocolate delight! Create the ultimate Valentines Day dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup!

Make Coca Cola Cake just like Cracker Barrel! This dessert takes the words indulgent and rich to a whole new level! With twice the amount of cocoa powder, it’s the ultimate in decadent chocolate Valentine desserts. A layer of fudgy frosting on top seals the deal!

Red Velvet Poke Cake is one of the most obvious Valentines Day desserts, with a rich, red hue and plenty of heart sprinkles on top. I use a cake mix as a shortcut, then splurge with white chocolate and marshmallow fluff in the filling. Super easy to make… and super romantic!

Indulgent Millionaire Brownies are exactly how you would imagine them to be: totally loaded with 4 different layers of richness.

Valentine’s Day Candy is sweet inside and out, from the melted candy coating to the colorful decorations on top. Roasted peanuts and mini pretzel twists add plenty of crunch too!

Need more chocolatey Valentine’s Day dessert ideas to choose from? Check out our chocolate desserts recipe index.

Fruit Desserts

When you want a romantic dessert for two, look no further than chocolate and fresh fruit. Strawberries are a popular choice, but you could use any fresh fruit you like.

Share a bowl of melted chocolate or hot fudge sauce for dipping, and before you know it, your Valentine may want you away from the table!

Strawberry Icebox Cake is one of our fantastic no bake Valentines Day desserts. It’s a favorite during the summer months, but the colors and flavors are just right for a romantic evening. With layers of juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers, it’s a light and dreamy cake that looks impressive too!

Rich Strawberry Brownie Cupcakes are topped with a luscious swirl of strawberry buttercream frosting and chocolate-dipped strawberries. They have all the fudgy flavor you love from a brownie, but they bake up in about half the time. These sweet cupcakes are one of the best Valentine desserts for sharing!

Death by Chocolate Cupcakes are packed with rich, chocolate flavor at every level — cake filled with ganache and topped with a silky smooth buttercream!

Who can resist a slice of creamy No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake with fresh berry topping? A combination of cream cheese and whipped cream makes the silkiest base, and a crunchy graham cracker crust ties it all together. It’s one of our lightest and most refreshing Valentines Day desserts!

How to Choose Fresh Berries for Your Desserts

• Check for color and texture. When you’re shopping for fresh strawberries (or any other type of berries), avoid any with dark leaves or mushy spots.
  
• Inspect all the berries. If the fruit is in a plastic container, check the underside for signs of mildew or mold.
  
• Clean them right away. To extend their life, place your fresh berries in a vinegar water bath as soon as possible after you get home. Make the solution with 1 cup of white vinegar and 8 cups of cool water.
  
• Dry before storing. Either pat them dry with paper towels or simply allow them to air dry before storing them in the refrigerator. Use them within 4-5 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Simple Valentine’s Day Treats

Not everyone can whip up a complicated dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still present your true love with something impressive and delicious!

These Valentine’s Day dessert ideas are just as chocolatey as other recipes but perfect for novice bakers and experts alike.

My No Bake Chocolate Icebox Pie is the best dessert if you don’t consider yourself a very good baker. It all starts with a chocolate cookie crust, topped with a silky smooth filling and a homemade chocolate ganache. Assemble the base in 20 minutes or less, then freeze overnight and add your toppings just before serving.

This Chocolate Lovers Brownie Biscotti is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a lighter dessert. Made with 4 types of chocolate, plus coffee to enhance each one, they’re perfectly dunkable and sweet. Not only that, biscotti is super easy to make and is a beautiful food gift wrapped in cellophane and curly ribbons!

Make Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake in the crockpot with this easy recipe! Whip up the batter with box cake mix, then add a few store-bought ingredients and plenty of toppings for a luscious oven-free dessert. 

These Cherry Brownies taste just like Black Forest cake, with fudgy chocolate flavor, a boozy cherry swirl, and tangy cream cheese whipped topping.

Drinkable Valentines Day Desserts

Some of the best dessert recipes for this holiday of love involve a straw and a beautiful cocktail glass!

Here are a few sip-worthy cocktail desserts and dessert drinks that will fill you with plenty of warm and fuzzy feelings.

This Classic Frozen Mudslide Cocktail Recipe makes enough for two, making it one of the best boozy Valentine desserts! Even better, it tastes just like the famous drink from at TGI Fridays — but you can make it any time you want at home. Stock up on gallons of vanilla ice cream and bottles of Kahlua liqueur, and don’t forget the whipped cream!

Make an Applebee’s Oreo Milkshake Copycat for a rich and creamy treat that’s ready in minutes — just combine, blend, and serve! Top with plenty of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and extra Oreo Cookies. You could even add a few drops of red food coloring or themed sprinkles to make it more festive!

A Dreamy Strawberries and Creme Shake features swirls of sweet berry shake and whipped cream, made with just 3 ingredients! It’s perfectly sweet with real fruit flavor — nothing fake here. With extra whipped cream and fresh berries on top, it’s an impressive dessert that you can whip up in batches.

Kitchen Tools for Making Valentine’s Day Desserts

• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Wire Whisk
• Paper Cupcake Liners or Silicone Cupcake Liners
• Cooling Racks

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
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Originally published February 2016, updated and republished January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Amazing Valentine Desserts appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Valentine’s Day Candy

Holidays are so much more fun with themed treats, but it’s easy to focus on the more notable occasions. 

Since Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the ones you love, it makes sense to put in some extra effort to make the day even sweeter.

I combined the best parts of my St. Patrick’s and pretzel crockpot candy recipes to create the sweetest Valentine’s Day candy around!

Creamy and crunchy textures can be found in every bite, and they’re extra cute with themed decorations on top.

Pair this recipe for Valentine candy with more swoon-worthy favorites like raspberry white chocolate chip cookies and old fashioned cream puffs.

Enjoying a romantic, date night in? Mix up some chocolate cherry heart cocktails! They’re great for Galentine’s Day too.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• White Baking Chips – Different from white chocolate chips, these do not contain cocoa butter.
  
  This means they won’t melt quite as quickly, but they do set up faster and harder when cooled.
  
  You can use white chocolate chips in a pinch, but white or vanilla melting candy/wafers are the closest substitute.
  
• Almond Bark – Use the white or vanilla variety in this recipe for Valentine candy. It comes in a solid bar divided into smaller squares so you can break it apart easily.
  
  Find it near the chocolate chips or in the specialty baking aisle. Vanilla candy melts are the best substitute.
  
• Dry Roasted Peanuts – These give your candies shape and add a nice crunch too. Other nuts like cashews, macadamia nuts, or almonds would taste great.
  
• Pretzel Twists – Look for the mini variety so they mix into the candies better. Or, break apart larger twists if you can’t find those.
  
  And if you can find X’s and O’s for this Valentine’s Day candy, that’s even better!
  
• M&M’s & Sprinkles – They make special versions of both of these for every holiday!
  
  The M&M’s will be pink, red, and white, and sprinkles may be shaped like hearts, X’s and O’s, or tiny cupids.
  
  If you don’t want to buy the fancy shapes, you can always use colorful jimmies or nonpareils.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Valentine’s Candy

• Layer the ingredients just right.

Start with some of the white baking chips, then the peanuts. Add the almond bark next, followed by the remaining baking chips. 

This keeps the peanuts from burning on the bottom of the pot, and the cocoa butter in the bark will distribute more evenly as it melts.

Don’t cook the pretzels — stir those in just before scooping. Otherwise, they’ll become too hard and have a stale texture.

• Keep the temperature on Low.

Your homemade Valentine candy will likely burn if you try to use the High setting, and it won’t melt the chocolate much faster anyway.

• Use cookie scoops to portion out your Valentine’s candy.

It’s a lot easier to transfer the sticky mixture with a scoop than with a regular spoon — and a lot less messy too!

Use a 3 Tablespoon scoop to make larger candies as shown here, or use a smaller scoop if you care more about quantity.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Slow Cooker – A larger, oval-shaped crockpot will provide more surface area for the mixture to melt, which will also prevent lumps.
• Baking Sheets lined with Parchment Paper – For cooling your homemade Valentine candy.
• A sturdy silicone spatula can be used for scraping, stirring, and smoothing and is easy to clean too! 
• Cookie Scoops – Makes it easier to scoop out the candies and ensures they’re all the same size.

Decorating Tips

Add M&M candies and sprinkles quickly, before the chocolate hardens, to ensure they stick to the surface.

I usually decorate in batches, scooping out a dozen candies at a time and then pausing to decorate before I continue.

But if you have a kitchen helper — a great job for the kids — they can sprinkle while you scoop!

For an even prettier finish, add some colorful drizzle to your Valentine’s candy. Melt some extra almond bark in the microwave and stir in some pink food coloring until smooth.

You don’t even need a piping bag! Dip a fork into the bowl, then wave it back and forth or in a circular motion over each candy.

Storing Homemade Valentine Candy

This crock pot candy is fine to keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but it may soften if you’ve got the heater running or if it’s in direct sunlight. 

In that case, keep it in the refrigerator and let it soften on the counter before serving.

Store in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers if needed. You can also freeze Valentine’s candy for up to 3 months.

Recipe for Valentine Candy FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Crockpot Candy Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy +Video

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy (VIDEO)

Crockpot Turtle Candy + Video

Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video

Print

Homemade Valentine’s Day Candy

Valentine’s Day Candy is easy to make with a handful of ingredients. Make this no bake recipe in your slow cooker, then scoop and decorate!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 40 -50 candy pieces

Calories 341cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 3 cups white baking chips divided
• 24 ounces white almond bark 4 ounces for drizzle
• 32 ounces dry roasted peanuts
• 4 cups tiny pretzel twists break some if you like
• 4 additional ounces white almond bark for drizzle, optional
• pink food coloring
• 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day M&Ms
• 1/2 cup assorted Valentine’s Day sprinkles

Instructions

• Layer the ingredients in the crockpot: In a large crockpot, add 1 cup of white baking chips first. Then, add peanuts (salted and unsalted), followed by the 20 ounces of white almond bark (reserve about 4 ounces for the drizzle), and finally the remaining 2 cups of white baking chips on top.
• Cook the mixture: Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 1 to 1.5 hours.
• While it’s cooking, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will be where you place the candy.
• Stir and add pretzels: After cooking, remove the lid and stir the melted chocolate and peanuts together. Add the broken pretzel twists to the crockpot and stir until everything is well-coated in the chocolate mixture.
• Scoop the candy: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), scoop out candy balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
• Garnish the candy: You can either garnish immediately with M&Ms and sprinkles before the chocolate hardens, or proceed to add a pink drizzle before garnishing. Let the candy cool completely after decorating.
• Optional pink drizzle: If you’d like a pink drizzle, melt 4 ounces of almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Add 1-2 drops of pink food coloring and stir until the desired color is achieved. Use a fork to drizzle the pink almond bark over the candy, then immediately add M&Ms and sprinkles. Let the candy cool completely.

Notes

If you don’t want to buy two packages of almond bark, you can use 20 ounces in the crockpot and save 4 ounces for the drizzle.

You can also substitute chocolate almond bark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for the white almond bark and white chocolate chips.

No need to stir the candy while it cooks, but if you want to speed up the melting process, feel free to give it a quick stir halfway through.

Store your Valentine’s Day Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 341cal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 165mg | Sugar: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Homemade Valentine’s Day Candy appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Heart Sugar Cookies

Everyone makes cookies for Christmas, but what about the other holidays?

I’ve already got the cutest bunnies for Easter, but it’s time for an even sweeter treat — hearts for Valentine’s Day!! 

Now, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t make this recipe for another romantic occasion… maybe an anniversary or a special date. 

With so many sugar cookie heart decorating ideas to choose from, you can customize this dessert to suit any occasion.

Pair with sweet strawberry ice cream, a creamy milkshake, or a warm mug of hot chocolate!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Flour – All-purpose flour is all you need to make these adorable treats! You should be able to use a gluten-free blend for this recipe, but the texture may be a bit different.
  
• Baking Powder – Double acting so your cookies come out thick and chewy. Make sure yours is fresh — it should bubble and fizz when mixed with warm water.
  
• Sugar – You’ll need granulated sugar for the dough and powdered sugar for the icing.
  
• Unsalted Butter – A staple for any baking recipe. If salted butter is all you have, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
  
• Vanilla & Almond Extract – This mixture creates the absolute best flavor for sugar cookies! Feel free to substitute imitation almond extract if allergies are a concern.
  
  Or, try a different flavor like strawberry or lemon!
  
• Meringue Powder – Our secret weapon for stable, quick-drying icing.
  
  While similar to egg white powder, this contains extra stabilizers that are much needed — so check the label carefully before you buy.
  
• Gel Food Coloring – Thicker and more concentrated than regular food coloring. It’s perfect for baked goods and coloring frosting without affecting the consistency.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies

• Use room temperature ingredients to make the dough.

Place the butter and egg on the counter for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour, before starting this recipe. 

Softened butter will whip up much easier and a warm egg will incorporate into the other ingredients much faster. You’ll also get a smoother dough overall.

• Keep the dough chilled as much as possible.

You’ll note that the dough is divided into two pieces, so you can keep one in the refrigerator while cutting out the other.

The more you handle dough scraps, the softer they will become. Pop those back in the fridge if needed before continuing to cut out your shapes!

• Avoid overbaking, which can also happen as they cool!

As soon as the edges are just starting to brown, remove your heart sugar cookies from the oven. But don’t leave them on the pan or they’ll continue to bake.

Instead, carefully slide the parchment or silpat mat off of the pan and onto the counter. Cool there for 5 minutes, then transfer each cookie to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Prep Ahead

• Soften butter
• Bring egg to room temp
• Line baking sheets with parchment

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Electric Hand Mixer – I’ve had this one in my kitchen forever, and it still works beautifully.
• Rolling Pin – In a pinch, an empty wine bottle works wonders!
• Baking Sheets lined with Parchment Paper – Used for anything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
• Cooling Racks – Cool a large batch of treats without taking up a lot of counter space.
• Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter – Use a single size or cut out different sizes for variety!
• Decorating Squeeze Bottles are perfect for icing cookies and there’s less mess too!

Sugar Cookie Heart Decorating Ideas

Instead of mixing up different colors to start, adjust the color of the icing as you go! Start with natural white and create outlines or flood the background. 

Then, add a little bit of pink or red gel coloring for the next layer. Continue adding more gel as you need deeper and darker colors.

Before you know it, you’ll have a whole batch of frosted heart sugar cookies finished — and only one icing bottle to clean!

As far as designs go, there are so many creative ways to decorate your heart sugar cookies. Here are a few to get you started:

• Simple & Sweet: Pipe a thin border around the outer edge of the cookie (set in just a bit), then fill in the center. This is called flooding and is an easy way to ensure the icing doesn’t run off the sides.
  
• Create Layers: Flood the cookie for a base color and let it dry. Then, add a different design on top — dots, lines, squiggles, etc. You can keep going, letting each layer dry, until you’re happy with the look!
  
• Get Intricate: Pipe a tiny heart in the very center of your heart shaped sugar cookies. Once set, pipe a border around the outside in a different color. Repeat until you’ve reached the outer border.
  
• Add A Little Texture: Include sprinkles in your design, whether they are classic shapes like jimmies or nonpareils, or Valentines-themed shapes like hearts or x’s and o’s. Sanding sugar is an easy way to add a little crunch without taking away from your icing design.

Storing and Freezing Frosted Cookies

Once dry, store your frosted heart sugar cookies in an airtight container for a few weeks. Note that they will continue to soften over time.

Be sure to add a piece of parchment paper between layers so you don’t crush the icing designs!

You can also freeze heart shaped sugar cookies for 2-3 months — frosted or plain.

Flash freeze for at least 1 hour, until firm, then stack in an airtight container. Thaw on the counter before serving.

Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook| X | Pinterest| Instagram

Other Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes

Brownie Cupcakes Recipe with Strawberry Frosting + Video

Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe w/Chocolate Pudding Frosting

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe + Video (No Jello)

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe (3-Ingredient) + Video

Print

Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies

These Heart Sugar Cookies just scream Valentine’s Day with colorful icing and sprinkles. Tender and soft on the inside and oh so sweet!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

chill time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 32 minutes minutes

Servings 22 cookies

Calories 175cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
• 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder not plain egg white powder
• 4 –5 tablespoons water room temperature
• Red or pink food coloring gel
• Sprinkles optional

Instructions

Cookies

• Sift the Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt together into a medium size bowl. Set aside.
• In a large bowl using an electric mixer (paddles), beat the Butter and Sugar together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Add Egg, Vanilla, and Almond Extract and beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl and beat as needed to combine.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix on low until combined. Dough will be a bit soft, but if it seems too soft and sticky for rolling, add a tablespoon of flour.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and place each onto a sheet of lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover the dough with a separate sheet of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness with a rolling pin. Use more flour if the dough seems too sticky.
• Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour and cover with parchment paper. Place the 2nd flattened dough on top of it, and cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
• When chilled, preheat oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator.
• Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into hearts. Do the same with the second piece of dough. Reuse the remaining dough by rolling it out again, and continue cutting until all of it is used.
• Arrange cookies on baking sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until barely lightly browned around the edges (do NOT overbake). Slide parchment paper baking mats from sheets onto counter and cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Frosting

• Combine sifted Confectioners’ Sugar, Meringue Powder, and Water in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients together on medium high speed for 2 minutes.
• Check readiness by lifting the whisk or beaters off the icing. It should drizzle down and smooth out within 5 to 10 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water and beat longer. If too thin, beat it more, because it will thicken the more it is mixed. If it doesn’t thicken enough, add a little Confectioners’ Sugar and beat.
• Begin to decorate the cookies by placing a small amount of white frosting in an icing bottle or a small piping bag with a small round tip (#4), and drawing the outline of a heart a small distance from the edge of the cookie. After it sets a little, fill in the middle of the heart design. After a few cookies, add a little pink or red Food Coloring to the bottle or bag, and mix it well. Repeat making your favorite designs on the cookies. Add more Food Coloring and add more designs. Your decorations will go from white, to pink, to dark pink, and to red if you like. It’s up to you. Layer your decorations for fun designs.
• Enjoy with milk or ice cream!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 175cal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 41mg | Sugar: 18g | Fiber: 0.3g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

This red velvet dessert is my go-to easy poke cake recipe. It’s also a fun spin on a classic dessert that all red velvet fans will love!

You can whip this up for the holiday season or keep this decadent dessert for special occasions.

When I have an easy dessert that tastes this good, I’m all about making and sharing! Adding a bunch of holes in the baked cake creates the perfect moist red velvet cake.

And yes, you can easily add homemade cream cheese frosting to the top or buy your favorite cream cheese frosting from the grocery store. 

Red velvet recipes like this are perfect for family gatherings – it’s sure to be the best dessert on the table!

Check out the printable recipe card below for all the easy steps to make this moist red velvet poke cake recipe! 

Red Velvet Poke Cake

Red velvet cake is notorious for being indulgent — and I’m here for it! Listen, I’ve never met a chocolate cake I didn’t like, so it should come as no surprise that I love red velvet cake too. 

Did you know that red velvet is a version of chocolate cake? Well, now you do! 

The chocolaty flavor is a lot more subtle than, say, my Triple Chocolate Cake, but it’s definitely still there!

This recipe for red velvet poke cake combines chocolate with my other love: poke cakes. 

I’ve already shared my classic chocolate poke cake, this mint chocolate version, another that’s bursting with peanut butter, and fruity caramel apple. I told you I love these things!

The concept is simple. Once the cake is done baking, you “poke” holes in it. Here’s where the magic happens — you can fill the holes with a variety of different fillings. 

For this easy red velvet cake recipe, I’m using a delicious combination of white chocolate and marshmallows. There’s also an easy frosting on top. YUM. 

I decorated mine with some fun red, pink, and white sprinkles in honor of Valentine’s Day, but you can make this red velvet poke cake recipe any time of year!

Try my indulgent chocolate caramel Better Than Sex Poke Cake next!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Red Velvet Cake Mix – There’s no need to reinvent the wheel for this red velvet poke cake recipe — I’m using cake mix as a shortcut, and it’s super delicious! 
  
  If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use this recipe to make it yourself. 
  
  Otherwise, any brand of red velvet cake works. If you can’t find it, use a white cake mix and add red food coloring to the batter.
  
• Eggs & Oil – Most boxed cake mixes call for eggs and oil, and sometimes water. Follow the instructions on the box to determine what you’ll need. 
  
  You may also be able to use applesauce or yogurt instead — check out the alternative instructions on the cake mix box to determine what’s possible.
  
• Marshmallow Fluff – For the creamy and sweet marshmallow filling! 
  
  If you can’t find it, make a super simple marshmallow cream by melting regular marshmallows with a bit of cream.
  
• White Chocolate Chips – You guessed it, needed for the white chocolate filling. 
  
  I like white chocolate chips, but you could also use milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
  
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Another key ingredient in the white chocolate filling. Opt for sweetened — you want the extra sweet flavor.
  
• Heavy Whipping Cream – To make the white chocolate filling and the homemade whipped topping. 
  
  For a lighter version, use half & half or milk, though keep in mind the consistency will be less creamy.
  
• Confectioner’s Sugar – Also for the whipped topping! I like using confectioner’s sugar instead of granulated as it lends a smoother texture.
  
• Vanilla – A touch of warm vanilla in the whipped topping pulls everything together.

Tips and Tricks to Make a Perfect Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

• Enhance that red velvet flavor.

I’m using boxed cake mix for convenience, but there are a few ways you can elevate the red velvet flavor!

Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a small amount of cocoa powder (both present in homemade recipes!). 

It will deepen the overall flavor profile of your red velvet poke cake and make the chocolate really come through.

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon for even “pokes.”

The easiest way to get evenly sized poke holes is to use a wooden spoon. 

You may not think it’s important, but hear me out: it will help the fillings distribute evenly throughout the cake. 

That ensures that every bite will be full of all of the wonderful flavors in this easy red velvet cake recipe!

• Chill between layers.

You’ll likely be tempted to add all of the various layers one after the other without pausing to chill the cake. 

Don’t make that mistake! It’s important to be patient and let each component of your red velvet poke cake set before adding the next layer.

Yes, it means that this recipe will take longer to make, but it’s so worth it!

• Feel free to get creative!

There are plenty of opportunities to make this easy red velvet cake recipe your own. 

Add a layer of crushed nuts or shredded coconut between the white chocolate filling and the whipped topping for added texture and flavor!

Prep Ahead

• Spray the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or add a layer of parchment paper
• Preheat your oven

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles as well as baking.
• A Sturdy Wooden Spoon – Preferably one with a rounded handle. It creates properly sized holes for grabbing that gooey filling!
• Microwave-Safe Bowl – Not only does it make melting marshmallows and chocolate easier, but you can use it to quickly steam vegetables too!
• Electric Hand Mixer – I’ve had this one in my kitchen forever, and it still works beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch of elegance, I sometimes serve this easy red velvet poke cake recipe with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or a few fresh berries on top!

You can also decorate the cake with some pretty edible flowers, sliced fruit, or chocolate shavings. 

There are so many ways to make the presentation even more beautiful! Have fun with this delicious dessert – it’s a great way to gain confidence baking in the kitchen, and easy recipes like this make it a breeze! 

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for about 5 days. The fillings will meld together beautifully as the cake sits! 

This is one of those rare recipes that tastes even better after a few days.

You can make this easy red velvet cake recipe up to a day in advance if you want to save time before a party. 

Just add the whipped topping before serving to keep it as fresh and fluffy as possible!

Red Velvet Poke Cake FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Poke Cake Recipes

Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe w/Chocolate Pudding Frosting

Best Ultimate S’mores Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Poke Cake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake

Print

Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Frosting

Red Velvet Poke Cake is sure to impress! Chocolate cake is paired with marshmallow and white chocolate filling to create an indulgent treat!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

chill time 3 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours 45 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 740cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake

• 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix
• 1 cup water or amount on box directions
• 3 large eggs or amount on box directions
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or amount on box directions
• red food coloring optional

Marshmallow Filling

• 2 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
• 2 tablespoons water
• White Chocolate Filling
• 1 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping Cream

Whipped Topping

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• sprinkles as desired

Instructions

• PREPARE THE CAKE: Mix the Devil’s Food Cake Mix, Water, Eggs and Oil together, and pour into a sprayed 9×13 baking pan (or lined with parchment paper for ease in removing it from pan). Bake according to the directions on the box. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.
• POKE THE CAKE: Using the round handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes the cake, making the holes about an inch apart. Poke about 2/3 deep, not all the way to the bottom
• MARSHMALLOW FILLING: Place Marshmallow Fluff and Water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and blended (about 1 minute).
• FILL WITH MARSHMALLOW: Pour fluff mixture into a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the holes. Spread remaining fluff across top. Place in the fridge to chill.
• WHITE CHOCOLATE FILLING: Place White Chocolate Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, (about 2-3 minutes) until melted.
• COVER THE CAKE: Spread the filling over the cake, and chill until the filling is cooled completely.
• WHIPPED TOPPING: Beat Cream, Confectioners’ Sugar and Vanilla with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled cake. Garnish with Sprinkles. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. The flavors meld beautifully as the cake sits!

Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Substitutions:
– Cake Mix: Any brand of red velvet cake mix works. If unavailable, use a chocolate cake mix with additional red food coloring.

– Eggs/Oil/Water: Follow the alternative instructions on the cake mix box if you prefer a different variation (like using applesauce or yogurt).

– Marshmallow Fluff: If unavailable, make a simple marshmallow cream by melting regular marshmallows with a bit of cream.

– White Chocolate Chips: Can be substituted with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

– Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk, though the consistency will be less creamy.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just add the whipped topping before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or a few fresh berries.

Variations: Feel free to add a layer of crushed nuts or shredded coconut between the cake and the whipped topping for added texture and flavor.

Decoration Ideas: Apart from sprinkles, try edible flowers, fruit slices, or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 740cal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 393mg | Sugar: 67g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 2mg

Originally published January 2024, updated and republished December 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Frosting appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.