We love Valentine’s Day. Let’s be honest, it’s an entire day devoted to love and gratitude, what’s not to love?

We also love that it falls smack in the middle of winter, when the craving for comfort foods is at an all-time high. It gives us a great excuse to share with you our absolute favorite sweet recipes that are plant-based and mouth-watering, a combination that will leave you warm and fuzzy on the inside and out.

This Valentine’s Day, ditch the toxic cinnamon hearts and chalky treats and reach for something that is actually good for your heart! These vegetarian friendly recipes are all crammed full of cacao, which is not only heart healthy (thanks to wicked antioxidants that destroy free radicals in your cells and tissue), but also has the ability to boost your mood and makes just about everything taste divine.

SWEET, SWEET LOVE: DIY PERFECTION THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE POPCORN CLUSTERS

This is possibly the cutest DIY Valentine’s treat on the market. Stuck in a V-Day rut? Fill a mason jar and hand these out to colleagues and friends, or cook up a batch for two and create a movie night you’re sure to remember. Aside from the popcorn, this recipe is entirely raw.

Here’s what you’ll need:
3 cups freshly popped popcorn (unbuttered, lightly salted)
½ cup cacao butter
¼ cup raw cacao powder
1-2 TB raw agave syrup 
2-3 drops peppermint extract or essential oil
2 candy canes, crushed (Pure Fun makes an organic, naturally sweetened variety) 

Find the full recipe here.

COCONUT DUSTED VANILLA DATE TRUFFLES

Creating the perfect meal for your favorite vegan? This one’s for you. Dusted with exotic coconut, these delicious truffles are all things good rolled up in a mouth-watering dessert that is a sure hit. 

Whether you’re entertaining guests who love a healthy lifestyle, or setting the table for two, these truffles will help set the mood and avoid the sugar crash that normally follows dessert (you’re welcome).

Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups pitted dates
1 1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Full recipe available here!

ENERGY BURST! ORANGE CHOCOLATE SUNDAE

Oh, my deliciousness. When it comes to creating a seductive Valentine’s treat, you’re going to want to whip up an Orange Chocolate Sundae (or two) a.s.a.p.

Packed with rich vitamins and minerals, this healthy alternative to your traditional sundae is topped with fresh figs, pecans, cacao nibs and coconut chips. It’s sort of like a much-needed mini-break, in a bowl.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ice Cream
1 frozen banana, broken into pieces
1 orange, peeled
½ cup frozen raspberries
1 cup almond milk, more or less as needed
2 TB raw cacao powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla powder
1 tsp greens powder (spirulina, chlorella, barley grass: any concentrated greens powder to pack in extra nutrients)

Garnish 
Fresh figs
Pecans
Cacao nibs
Coconut chips

Add ice cream ingredients in blender and blend until smooth! Garnish with handfuls of the good stuff and dig right in.

PEPPERMINT PATTIES RE-DONE

These delicious peppermint patties are a healthy take on a traditional favorite and are a perfect excuse to snuggle up to the one you love. A healthy twist on a sinful classic, you can pop these raw mint patties at your own speed, without the guilt.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Mint Filling
1/3 cup dried shredded coconut
1/3 cup cashews or skinless almonds 
2 tablespoons cacao butter, melted (use a warm water bath)
2-3 TB raw agave
1-2 tsp peppermint oil
Pinch of salt 

Chocolate
2 tablespoons cacao butter, melted (use a warm water bath)
1/3 cup raw cacao powder
4 TB raw agave
Touch of salt

Full recipe available here!

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE SHAKE

Pause! Time out. This one is for you. Yes, YOU. Beautiful, vibrant, healthy you. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about working to please the palate of someone you love, after all. It’s about celebrating love in all shapes and beautiful forms. That includes the love you have for yourself, a concept we fully support and encourage among all our members here at o2living.

Whether you’re spending time exercising your outsides at a yoga classes here at Yellow Monkey Village, or strengthening your insides by practicing mindfulness techniques that will help you find your quiet, take time for YOU this Valentine’s Day. 

For that reason (and because it’s ridiculous tasty), enjoy this healthy chocolate shake any time of the day, all day, especially today.

What you’ll need:
Half bottle of o2living Red Radiance cold-pressed juice
1 frozen banana
¼ cup frozen raspberries
1 inch chunk ginger root
2 tbs raw cacao powder
1 tsp cinnamon

Blend, enjoy and garnish with fresh fruit, nuts and seeds as desired.

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Gift to accompany your homemade dessert?

Grab an o2living gift card and treat your partner, friend, teacher or family member to an invigorating massage. Let them know you care with the gift of wellness. Plus, any gift card order worth $50 or more comes with a complimentary yoga class!