February is sweeter when it’s dipped and drizzled in chocolate. Celebrate the month of love with these indulgent chocolate desserts – because nothing says ‘I adore you’ quite like a spoonful of decadence. 

Layered chocolate tiramisu 

Serves 8-10 
 

Ingredients 

For the chocolate layer   

200g milk chocolate, finely chopped 
3 Tbsp (45ml) cream  

For the mascarpone layer 

½ cup (250ml) cream  
230g mascarpone
2 tsp (10ml) vanilla essence
100g white chocolate, melted
3 Tbsp (45ml) coffee liqueur 
½ cup (125ml) strong espresso coffee, cooled 
½ packet (100g) Lady Finger biscuits 
Cocoa powder, for dusting   

Method 

1. Line a 20x25x7cm tin with clingfilm.  
2. For the chocolate layer, place the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in bursts of 15 seconds until melted, stirring in between bursts. Set aside until needed.  
3. For the mascarpone layer, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently whisk through the mascarpone and vanilla, then fold through the white chocolate. 
4. Combine the coffee liqueur and espresso in a shallow bowl. Swiftly dip the Lady Fingers into the coffee mixture as needed and start layering.
5. Start with a layer of Lady Fingers, followed bya chocolate layer, then Lady Fingers and a mascarpone layer. Continue until all the ingredients are used.  
6. Fold over the overlapping clingfilm and refrigerate for about 2-3 hours.  
7. Unmould and dust with cocoa powder and enjoy 

Recipe & styling: Lichelle May
Photographs: Zhann Solomons 

Gooey peanut butter & chocolate cups  

Serves 4  

Ingredients 

1 cup (150g) cake flour
3 Tbsp (24g) cocoa powder + extra for dusting
2 tsp (10ml) baking powder
Pinch salt
⅓ cup (66g) sugar
1 cup (250ml) milk
3 Tbsp (45ml) melted butter or canola oil
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla essence
3 Tbsp (45ml) smooth or crunchy peanut butter
1 slab (80g) dark chocolate, chopped
Vanilla ice-cream, for serving  

Method 

1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and sugar. 
2. Mix together milk, butter or oil and vanilla.Add to dry ingredients and mix to create a smooth batter. 
3. Spoon ¼ of the mixture into a greased 8-10cm wide cup. 
4. Place 2 tsp peanut butter and ¼ of the chocolate in the centre of the batter and press down slightly with the back of a spoon. 
5. Microwavefor 45 seconds to 1 minute. 
6. Repeat with remaining batter, peanut butter and chocolate. 
7. Dust with extra cocoa powder and serve with a scoop of ice cream. 

Compiled by: Lichelle May 
Photographs: Fresh Living magazine 

Also read: 3 Delicious meals with canned goods