3 Valentine’s Day Recipes for a Romantic Breakfast in Bed

When you spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, one of the most romantic gestures you can do for them is to make breakfast in bed. Eggs and toast are great, but here are three recipes to make your Valentine’s Day breakfast sweeter. The following recipes are also plant-based, healthier and more fun than traditional breakfast staples!
 

Raspberry Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfait

 
The fastest of all three recipes, this pudding parfait is not only full of chocolate, but it is made with a superfood: chia. Chia pudding can be made the night before, meaning you won’t be in the kitchen for too long in the morning! Just assemble and serve. The pudding tastes great alone or topped with berries!

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut)
• 2 tbsp sweetener (agave, honey, or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Suggested toppings: choice of yogurt, raspberries and chocolate shavings

Whisk together the above ingredients (without the toppings) and let them sit overnight in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to prepare and serve, top the pudding with your choice of dairy-free or traditional yogurt. Next, layer frozen raspberries, granola, chocolate shavings, or your choice of toppings.
 

Chocolate Dark Cherry Pancakes

 
This recipe takes pancakes to a new level! As your valentine snoozes, put together the best plate of pancakes they’ll ever devour. Combining dark cherries and chocolate makes this holiday breakfast feel extra special.

• 1 cup all purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp of brown or coconut sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp flax egg (stir 1 tbsp of flax with 3 tbsp of water)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup dairy-free milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk is suggested)

First prepare the flax egg and set aside. Then, combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add milk to the dry mixture and whisk until a batter is formed. On low heat, grease the pan using coconut oil cooking spray or dairy-free butter. Once the pan is heated, pour a quarter-cup of batter into the pan to form each pancake. Cook the pancakes about 1-2 minutes on each side.
 
Then, for an extra sweet treat, top your pancakes with a homemade cherry syrup. Yummm.
 
Cherry syrup:

• 1/2 cup dark cherries (frozen)
• 1/2 cup of agave nectar or maple syrup

Over medium heat, cook the cherries and sweetener, stirring often. The mixture will become a sweet cherry compote to top the chocolate pancakes.
 

Strawberry Almond Baked Oatmeal

 
This strawberry almond baked oatmeal is last, but certainly not least. Oatmeal is the perfect balance of healthy and hearty, yet the red berries and melted dark chocolate make this the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. It can also be enjoyed the day after, since the recipe serves 6! Simply reheat and serve.

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate dairy-free chips (optional)
• 2 cups plant-based milk
• 2 tbsp dairy-free butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
• 1 ripe banana, sliced

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 2-qt pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half the almonds, half the chocolate chips and half the strawberries. In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, butter and vanilla extract. Add the oat mixture to the baking dish. Add the remaining almonds, chocolate chips, and strawberries. Add the banana slices in a single layer on top. Pour the milk mixture over the oats, making sure the oats are soaked evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
 
Here are three plant-based breakfasts and three yummy breakfast ideas to share on Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Remember that great food is best when it’s eaten in the company of someone you care about. Take Valentine’s Day morning as a chance to be mindful, present, and grateful for those you have in your life.
 
Also, share these recipes with your little valentines! The natural sweetener options and vegan swaps will go unnoticed by young children. Happy Valentine’s Day sweet, sweet yogis!