Baby Bites from Pastry Art Bake Shoppe A home-cooked meal is often the most romantic Valentine’s dinner, and it’s an easy way to really show off your skills in the kitchen. If you’re better on the stove than the oven, pick up some of these little gems before cooking that special dinner. They’re tiny cubes of cake (covered in frosting, of course), available in many different flavors. And even better, when you’re ready to tie the knot, Pastry Art makes some of the best wedding cakes in town, in the same flavors as their Baby Bites. 1927 29th Ave. S, Homewood, 205-877-3852,

Chango at RojoRojo’s generous portions mean most people don’t order dessert, and the Highland Avenue hipster hotspot might not be the quiet, intimate type of joint you think of for Valentine’s Day. But stop by after dinner for drinks and this cheesecake–fried–in–a–tortilla dish, with two forks of course. It’s rich, decadent and affordable at $3.95. (And you can add ice cream for a buck—go for it!)2921 Highland Ave. S., 205-328-4733,

Chocolate Terrine at Veranda The old–South elegance of this New Orleans–flavored restaurant housed in an old mansion next to the Five Points fire station makes it a great date spot (and chef Tom Robey’s Commander’s Palace training helps, too). Get chocolate overload with this dessert, covered in a white chocolate-pistachio crust and served with raspberry sauce.2220 Highland Ave. S, 205-939-5550

White Chocolate Pudding at Silvertron Cafe This is a real neighborhood restaurant—inexpensive, always reliable, and if you live in Forest Park, you’re bound to run into a neighbor or two any night of the week. But none of that means the food or atmosphere are anything less than stellar. And their white chocolate bread pudding, a generous portion for just $4.95, is just the right combination of warm, rich, and chocolatey. 3813 Clairmont Ave., 205-591-3707,

Rocky Road at Little Savannah Date not making your head spin? There’s always alcohol. Little Savannah has an entire section of the menu devoted to “Potable Patisserie,” cocktails and dessert in one. All are indulgent, but the Rocky Road blend of marshmallow, chocolate syrup, vodka, and Frangelico with a marshmallow–peanut garnish is something totally unique.3811 Clairmont Ave., 205-591-1119,

Creme Brulee at Café Dupont This beautiful white-tablecloth spot downtown is ideal for a special date with its fantastic haute Southern dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and impeccable service. The contrast between warm, crunchy topping and cold, creamy custard makes crème brulée a beloved dessert, and the unadorned vanilla version at Café Dupont is done nearly perfectly.113 20th Street North, 205-322-1282,

Bread Pudding at Chez Lulu Take a quick jaunt to Paris at this quaint English Village bistro. The tables for two are tiny, so you’ll have to snuggle up. Chez Lulu shares a kitchen (and an owner) with Continental Bakery next door, so the breads are always wonderful: Take double advantage at dessert with this warm, sweet classic. No matter which of the rotating flavors is on the menu, you’ll love it.1911 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, 205-870-7011,

Cheesecake at Surin West Even Thai-food lovers and frequent Surin patrons might never have tried the desserts. The assortment of bars and brownies is a pleasant surprise, but the cheesecakes make the best date-night desserts. Any of the several flavors is a good choice, but our money’s on the Black Forest Cheesecake for the best of the bunch: The combination of chocolate and cherries can’t be beat.1918 11th Ave. S, 205-324-1928,

Krispy Kreme Milkshake at Flip Burger Boutique It may have beamed into The Summit from a universe far cooler than our own, but Flip has some surprisingly quiet and intimate booths, great for an adventurous Valentine’s date. After sampling the otherworldly delicious burgers (the chorizo burger is a fave), split one of these insanely rich shakes, full of bits of real Krispy Kreme doughnuts and topped off with liquid nitrogen for an impressive presentation.220 Summit Blvd., Suite 140, 205-968-2000,

Baklava at Dodiyos’ What would you get for dessert at a Greek place other than this honey-soaked, flaky, crunchy, nut-filled magic pastry? The Dodiyos version is a huge portion (the better for sharing), and will get your fingers all sticky. Dodiyos’ relaxed-but-elegant vibe is nice for a low-stress romantic date, and its Mediterranean menu has something for everyone.1831 28th Avenue South (Soho Square) #110, Homewood, 205-453-9300,