7 Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats

When it comes to dining, we’re the dessert-first type. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Vancouver’s best sweet treats are here for a limited time only. Whether you’re splitting sweets with your sweetie or indulging solo, here are our top picks for Vancouver-based V Day desserts. —Vicki Duong

ladurée. You can never go wrong with macarons, especially when they’re heart-shaped and meant to be shared. Prepared by Ladurée pastry chef Mickaël de Monte, the gourmet macaron cake ($20) features a special “love potion” made up of pineapple, mango and passionfruit compote with cocoa bean-infused whipped cream.

temper chocolate & pastry. For Love Day, Temper’s limited-edition collection features colourful chocolate hearts ($18 for a box of six), chocolate sculptures and customizable gift boxes. Flavoured chocolate hearts feature strawberry ganache, caramel and our personal fave, Champagne!

the pie hole. When it comes to saying how you feel, is there a sweeter way of sharing your affection than an apple pie ($35) with a custom message? Whether your sentiment is cheeky or romantic, The Pie Hole has you covered with customizable pies perfect for the apple (pie) of your eye.

mon paris pâtisserie. Have your cake and eat it, too, with this heart-shaped black forest ladybug cake ($28). It features a kirsch-soaked dark-chocolate biscuit, sour cherry compote and mascarpone mousse that showcase Mon Paris Pâtisserie’s background of classic French training. Can you imagine anything sweeter for your love bug this Valentine’s Day?

beta5. Perfect for plant-based diets, Beta5’s limited Polygon Heart ($95) comes with 15 pieces of plant-based and hand-painted dark-choco hearts. The vegan chocolates are nestled in a bed of dark chocolate-covered cocoa nibs in a dark-chocolate shell, making this heart ideal for veggie choco-holics.

cartems. A date spot fave, Cartems has re-released its annual heart-shaped donut for Valentine’s Day. Aptly named the I Love You Berry Much ($7.50), this baked goodie features whipped cream, meringue, strawberries, raspberries and glitter sugar. There is also a vegan option available for no additional charge!

chez christophe. Want a sweet treat that will make you chuckle while you blush? Check out Chez Christophe’s Let’s Avo-cuddle ($25) chocolate creation. This dark and milk chocolate pun is handcrafted while being adorable and perfect for the ‘gram.