My Berry Favorite Valentine's Day Desserts

Looking for some no sugar added, protein-packed, Valentine's Day sweet treats for you and your loved ones that are delicious but won't massacre your health goals. Here's some of my very (or should I say berry) favorite Valentine recipes that are guaranteed to win anyone's heart.

This is my favorite of the zillion versions of microwave protein cakes I make. It tastes like Crunch Berries cereal.

Shelly's Pretty in Pink Microwave Protein Cake

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Strawberry Jello Powder, dry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, Jello powder, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes (start with 2 minutes and add 15 seconds or so at a time.... you want a dry top) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.

I served it with sliced Strawberries tossed with a little Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup (Smuckers) and No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream sort of self serve, build your own dessert style.

Berry-topped Chocolate Mini Protein Muffins:  All of my Microwave Protein Cake recipes can be turned into 12 mini muffins when baked at 350 for 10 minutes in the oven. I glazed some of them with a little melted sugar free chocolate, topped some non-pareils or a strawberry with a little heart food pick stuck through them to keep them together (like cupid's arrow.)

Shelly's Chocolate Protein Mini Muffins 

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1 scoop (50 cc-ish) Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
Measuring Cup

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Strawberry Cannoli: My favorite quick and easy dessert. A take on one of my childhood favorite Sicilian desserts: the cannoli. This version is waaaay better for you. Sweet farmer's market strawberries + creamy protein packed ricotta filling = Heaven.

Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli

12 Large Red Ripe Strawberries, washed & cored
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
dash of Cinnamon

Optional toppings:
Unsweetened Coconut
Grated Sugar Free Chocolate
Chopped Nuts

Wash and core strawberries. Leaving a hollow in the berry. Set aside. Mix ricotta, SF syrup (or whatever sweetener you choose) and cinnamon together till well combined. Spoon mixture into a snack size Ziploc bag. Seal. Cut end off and pipe mixture into hollowed strawberries. Dip into optional toppings.