It’s love at first sight with these tempting love-themed cakes and sweet treats from London’s top bakeries
Maitre Choux
Say it with choux with a box of eye-catching ‘I love you’ eclairs. The Lettre d’Amour comes in a variety of suitably decadent flavours including Spanish Raspberry, Very Dark Chocolate and Pure Arabica Coffee. And if you’ve left it to last minute fear not: you can get a selection of Maitre Choux’s offerings delivered to your door within the hour.
Pierre Marcolini
This heart-shaped take on a Black Forest Gateau sees a runny Morello cherry centre surrounded by dark chocolate mousse and vanilla Chantilly cream on a dark chocolate biscuit base, topped with a layer of beech-smoked dark chocolate. The petit gateau, ideally sized for two to share, is available from Pierre Marcolini’s Marylebone boutique and counters in Selfridges and Harrods until 23 February.
Belle Epoque
Stop by Belle Epoque to be wowed by its Valentine’s-themed chocolate showpiece and pick up a petit gateau, available in combinations including white chocolate ganache with strawberry and lemon compote and lemon streusel and white chocolate ganache paired with raspberry, lychee and rose.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Surprise your loved one with Valentine's Day at Alain Ducasse @TheDorchester… https://t.co/P40IpaaIx2 pic.twitter.com/EvTxnlmqBP
— The Dorchester (@TheDorchester) February 10, 2016
Executive Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet has devised the perfect finish to the restaurant’s five-course Valentine’s Day menu – a duo of desserts designed for sharing. Available exclusively on 14 Feb, the ‘Heart for Two’ allows you to choose from either chocolate or raspberry – or treat yourself to a bit of both.
Image by Pierre Monetta; alainducasse-dorchester.com
Dominique Ansel Bakery London
Dominique Ansel Bakery London will be seeing pink in the run up to the big day, as its impressive patisserie counter gets a Valentine’s makeover. Sample “Blushing” Cotton-Soft Cheesecake – a fluffy ricotta cheesecake with pink guava gelee centre – or fall for the Cupid Religieuse, filled with dark chocolate and pink Champagne ganache.
Peggy Porschen
From ‘Kiss Me’ cookies to cupcakes inspired by Lulu Guinness’s iconic lipstick clutch bags, there’s plenty of sweet surprises to be discovered in Peggy Porschen’s special Valentine’s collection.
Butterscotch London
Sweet nothings come in the form of cake at Butterscotch London, which gives you the opportunity to personalise its brownies and cupcakes with a message of your choice. You can even add a personal touch to its Valentine’s Tea, held in the new Butterscotch Tea Rooms.
Konditor & Cook
With Konditor & Cook there’s a plethora of ways to spoil your loved one this year. Splash out on a personalised cake to share, available in popular flavours including the Curly Whirly, pick up a box of heart-shaped pecan cookies or opt for fail-safe chocolates, filled with raspberry and hazelnut.
Cutter & Squidge
For a show-stopping gift, look no further than the Bee Mine Dream Cake, which recreates a strawberry shortcake with handmade strawberry ganache and jam, vanilla custard and digestive biscuit sandwiched between vanilla sponge. The baker’s signature Biskie – a biscuit/cookie/cake hybrid – has also been given a romantic twist for the occasion.