13 Sustainable Chocolate Recipes Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Including Vegan Donuts

Calling all chocolate-lovers! With

Valentine's Day right around the corner, what better time than now to celebrate the tasty treat people can't get enough of it? Whether you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate, these chocolate recipes have truly stolen our hearts.

One simple way you can make your chocolate recipes more eco-friendly is to shop

Fair Trade. But how does that make a difference? Simple: When your chocolate is Fair Trade Certified, it ensures products are produced under strict social, environmental, and economic standards. When you see that label, you know your purchase benefits people and the planet.

"We have a 200-point checklist of social, environmental, and labor criteria," Paul Rice, the president, CEO, and founder of 

Fair Trade USA, tells Brightly. "We audit and certify farms and factories every year against those standards. So when you see that Fair Trade Certified seal, you know those producers got a better price. They produce sustainably, they took care of their workers, and they took care of the environment. All of that is being supported through your purchase as a consumer."

The best thing about chocolate is it's not just

great in desserts. You can use it in every meal, from breakfast smoothie bowls to chili. Yep, seriously. If you're looking to make your Valentine's Day extra sweet, check out some of the decadent and delicious chocolate recipes below. Your taste buds—and the planet—will thank you.

Want that chocolatey taste

with a dash of protein? These vegan chocolate chip protein bars are sure to hit the spot and give you plenty of energy for the day.

They serve as a satisfying on-the-go breakfast or an after-dinner snack. Plus, these vegan bars have fewer carbon emissions than non-vegan options!

Who doesn't love chocolate chip muffins? Add

banana, and you've got a delicious breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. The plant-based muffins only take 20 minutes to bake. You can even save them for later by storing them in an airtight, reusable container or in the freezer.

Smoothie bowls are quick, easy, and healthy. Why not add chocolate shavings as a topping to get a little dessert for breakfast? This recipe is also vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free.

Of course we had to include a chocolate donut on this list of chocolate recipes. Most bakeries and donut shops don't offer plant-based options, but you can make a batch right at home.

These chocolate and hazelnut-glazed donuts are baked and oil-free, which makes them super fluffy. They're also healthier than traditional donuts.

If

you're a fan of pudding, you're going to love this recipe. It features spicy cayenne, cinnamon, and an ingredient that makes it all come together: sweet potatoes. The final product is smooth, creamy, and will fulfill your sweet tooth.

Chocolate isn't only used in desserts. In fact, this mole poblano recipe makes a

plant-based sauce that can be served over potatoes, chayote, or zucchini and rice. To accompany the mole paste, you can also make enmoladas using corn tortillas, mushrooms, and onions.

This wouldn't be a chocolate recipe roundup if we didn't feature a chocolate cake. This cake has a surprising ingredient you'd never think to use: cauliflower.

That's right—you can have your cake, and eat veggies, too! However, if you're not into using cauliflower, you can swap it out for pumpkin instead. Both make a delicious cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Ever heard of

using aquafaba from chickpeas as a substitute for egg whites? That's exactly how you whip up this delicious chocolate mousse. Simply fold it into a mix of melted chocolate and almond milk, and say hello to chocolate goodness.

Chocolate chip cookies are another classic recipe for chocolate lovers. The best part about these gooey treats (aside from how delicious they are) is that they're made with cruelty-free ingredients!

These cookies taste just like the traditional recipe we all know and love—you'll never guess they're totally vegan.

Can you guess what happens when you throw in a handful of dark chocolate into quinoa chili? You get a recipe with a ton of flavor! This dish is creamy and filling, and it's perfect for when you want to eliminate meat without compromising heartiness.

If you like your cookies extra chocolately, look no further than this recipe. It uses vegan butter, sugar, non-dairy milk, and chocolate chips for a perfectly fudgy and gooey finish.

Yep, chocolate pudding cake is a thing—and it's delicious. It gets its texture from agar powder, sugar, chocolate, and plant milk. And the mold? An upcycled milk carton.

These truffles are almost too pretty to eat. They only require six ingredients to make, are allergen-friendly, and there's no baking required. Easy peasy.