12 Creamy Dairy-Free Recipes for Valentine’s Day That Taste Like the Real Deal

You’re looking for dairy-free recipes that won’t compromise on taste or creaminess for Valentine’s Day.

You’ll find 12 options that use ingredients like coconut cream and unsweetened cocoa powder to replicate the real deal.

From butternut squash soup to plant-based ice cream, these recipes offer a delicious alternative.

You’re about to discover how to make Valentine’s Day desserts that are just as rich and decadent as their traditional counterparts, and it starts with a simple chocolate mousse recipe that’s sure to surprise you.

1. Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Rich and creamy dairy-free chocolate mousse for a decadent Valentine’s Day treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil, whisking until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the coconut cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the whipped coconut cream and mix well.
4. Fold the whipped coconut cream into the cocoa mixture until well combined.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

2. Vegan Cheesecake Options

Indulge in a rich, creamy vegan cheesecake perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 16 oz silken tofu
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, maple syrup, and coconut oil to create the crust.
3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
4. In a blender, combine the silken tofu, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the filling into the baked crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours.
9. Release the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake to serve.

3. Creamy Pasta Dishes

Rich and creamy pasta dish made with dairy-free ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 cup dairy-free cream
• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
3. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the dairy-free cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the dried basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
8. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated and serve hot.

4. Dairy Free Desserts

Rich chocolate truffles made with coconut cream for a dairy-free Valentine’s Day treat.

Ingredients

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• Confectioners’ sugar for coating

Instructions

1. Chill the coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight, then scoop out the solid coconut cream.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut cream, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Combine the coconut mixture and melted chocolate, stirring until well combined.
6. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
7. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Roll each truffle in confectioners’ sugar to coat, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
10. Serve the truffles chilled, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

5. Rich Chocolate Truffles

Indulge in rich, creamy chocolate truffles without the dairy.

Ingredients

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts or cocoa powder for coating

Instructions

1. Chill the coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Open the coconut milk and scoop out the solid coconut cream.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut cream, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
5. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
6. Combine the melted chocolate with the coconut mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
8. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into balls.
9. Roll each ball between your hands to shape into smooth truffles.
10. Roll the truffles in chopped nuts or cocoa powder to coat.
11. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and r

6. Vegan Mac Cheese

Creamy vegan mac cheese for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups non-dairy milk
• 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add the non-dairy milk, whisking continuously.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the vegan cheddar cheese and nutritional yeast.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce.
9. Transfer the macaroni to a baking dish and top with additional vegan cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

7. Cashew Cream Recipes

Rich and creamy cashew cream sauce perfect for Valentine’s Day desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cashews
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a blender with 1/2 cup of fresh water.
3. Add the lemon juice, salt, and vanilla extract to the blender.
4. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
5. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides as needed.
6. Continue blending until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Use the cashew cream sauce immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. Coconut Milk Pudding

Creamy coconut milk pudding perfect for Valentine’s Day dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together vanilla extract, water, and cornstarch.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Cover the saucepan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Serve the pudding chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or coconut flakes.

9. Creamy Soup Ideas

Rich and creamy soup perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup roasted butternut squash
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the roasted butternut squash, non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, and dried sage.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

10. Plant Based Ice Cream

Rich and creamy plant-based ice cream perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine the frozen mixed berries, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt in a blender.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and blend until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
6. Scoop and serve the plant-based ice cream as desired.

11. Vegan Queso Dip

Vegan queso dip is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese dip.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a blender with the remaining ingredients.
3. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro and jalapeno slices, if desired.
5. Serve the queso dip warm, reheating it in the microwave or oven if necessary.

12. Decadent Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies perfect for a romantic dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of dairy-free butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt the dairy-free butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let cool slightly, then stir in the eggs one at a time.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
6. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
7. Stir the melted chocolate into the brownie mixture until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Conclusion

You’ll find that dairy-free can be just as decadent, putting the theory that creamy equals dairy to the test. Try these 12 recipes, from rich chocolate truffles to creamy pasta dishes, and you’ll see that plant-based ingredients like coconut cream can create truly indulgent treats, making them perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that’s sure to impress.