13 Last-Minute Valentine's Day Treat Recipes

Despite the fact that drugstores try to get us to stock up on Valentine's Day essentials all the way back in December, it seems like we're still somehow unprepared once February 14 rolls around. We go from thinking "too soon, too soon" to "crap, it's too late" in the blink of an eye. But the good news is, you don't have to buy pre-made gifts and treats from a store to show the ones you love that you're thinking about them — stick to these last-minute Valentine's Day treat recipes, for instance, and you're good to go!

In fact, making your own Valentine's gifts is a much more personal and thoughtful thing to do — especially if said gifts are edible. Because let's be real, food always wins. So this year, don't freak out over last minute planing and gift-buying. You don't need to bother with impersonal, rushed gifts that you get at the same place where you buy toilet paper.

All you need is an oven, some groceries and the intention of baking something edible. These are a few of my favorite recipes that are perfect for those last minute "I totally forgot it was Valentine's day" crises. Your loved ones will have no idea that you didn't plan to bake and they'll eat it all up, literally.

Fresh Fruit Tart With Pastry Cream

A fresh fruit tart is both easy to make and the perfect gift for any time of day. Check out this straightforward recipe from Brown Eyed Baker.

Pretzel Bark Candy

Bark candy is so easy to make, especially with this recipe from Brown Eyed Baker. It's the perfect treat if you have a lot of mouths to feed. You can wrap up bundles in wax paper and tie off with a ribbon.

Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake

As if red velvet wasn't already a good sell, now add cheesecake and Oreos to the mix and it's really a home run. Check out this recipe from My Baking Addiction, and don't forget to save some for yourself. #Selflove.

Mini Baked Donuts

These easy-bake lemon donuts will win anyone's heart. Decorate them to look as lovey dovey as you please! Check out the recipe on My Baking Addiction.

Marbled Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

This classic sugar cookie recipe from Averie Cooks is a must-have addition to your baking arsenal. The pink marbling is very Valentine's and the recipe is a piece of cookie.

Extra Marshmallow Rice Krispie Bars With Confetti Frosting

Why make basic marshmallow bars when you can make cute, pink, confetti marshmallow bars?! Check out the simple recipe on A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

Cream Wafer Sandwich Cookies With Strawberry Buttercream

Heart-shaped, strawberry filled wafer cookies might be the most Valentine-esque cookie out there. Check out the recipe on A Farmgirl's Dabbles and get your love on.

Lemon Valentine's Day Cookies with Cherry Frosting

If you want to try something a little outside of the box, check out this recipe on Big Girls, Small Kitchen for these thin and chewy lemon cookies with a natural cherry frosting.

Strawberry Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

If you want to bake cakes, but you have a lot of people to bake for, these cake square bars are the answer to your Valentine's Day needs. Check out the recipe on Averie Cooks.

Giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Drooling? Same. If your partner likes the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, they're going to lose their mind over this pie. Check out the recipe on A Cozy Kitchen.

Apple Hand Pies

Instead of making multiple pies, try a batch of these old school apple hand pies. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck. Check out the traditional recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.

Cornflake Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you've ever been to Momofuku Milk Bar and tried their insanely delicious cookies that have cornflakes and marshmallows and chocolate chips, you're going to love these — because they're the same thing. Peep the recipe over at A Cozy Kitchen.

Pink Lady Cupcakes

Because, Valentine's Day! These cute little cupcakes are made with strawberries and coconut flakes and are the perfect mid-winter fruity reprieve. Check out the recipe on A Cozy Kitchen.