By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Despite his reputation as one of Australia’s most prestigious pastry makers, Adriano Zumbo believes you don’t need to craft a complex croquembouche to create a Valentine’s Day dessert that your partner will love.
Instead, here are his four favourite hacks to melt their heart…but not the icing on their cake!
Cater to Your Loved One’s Favourites
When it comes to impressing your Valentine, Adriano’s secret is simple: "Consider your partner’s or date’s favourite indulgences and play close to this card. It’s a guaranteed way to impress.”
Whether it’s a specific flavour they can’t resist or a dessert they’ve always adored, tailoring your treat to their personal preferences shows you’re thoughtful and attentive. After all, when you bake with a little knowledge of their sweet tooth and a lot of love, it’s hard not to win their heart!
Keep It Simple
Although the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, you don’t need to go overboard to create a dessert that’ll steal the show. Instead, Adriano advises: "Stick to recipes within your skill set. Don’t be afraid to take a small, calculated risk to elevate the dish.”
The key is knowing what you're comfortable with and finding ways to make it special. Whether that’s adding a creative garnish or pairing a simple chocolate mousse with a surprising twist, small changes that make a huge impact are a match made in heaven.
Embrace Nostalgia
Love is in the air…and so are the scents of their favourite baked treats. So, if you’re ever stuck for ideas, Adriano encourages embracing timeless flavours.
"Stick with classic and nostalgic flavour combinations like chocolate, raspberry, white chocolate, cookies and cream, salted caramel hazelnut, or passionfruit, coconut and mango. These are always a hit.”
Nostalgic flavours are not only comforting, but they often carry emotional weight - like the ones you shared on a memorable date or a childhood treat that’s tied to happy memories. That emotional connection will make your dessert all the more meaningful.
Thoughtfulness and Effort Are the Secret Ingredients
Finally, Adriano emphasises that the most important part of any dessert is the care you put into it:
"The key is showing that you’ve put thought and effort into it - that’s the ingredient that truly matters.”
If you’re pressed for time, don’t worry - there are shortcuts you can take without sacrificing the personal touch. "Use pre-made elements from the supermarket, such as pastry puff sheets and Wicked Sister protein puddings, to help assemble a unique and delicious creation.”
If you’re really in a pinch, something as simple as "a bowl of strawberries, raspberries and ice cream, drizzled with melted chocolate can win hearts.”
If you’re ready to whip up something extra special, here’s Adriano’s recipe for a stunning yet simple Mille-feuille that will wow your Valentine and might just make their heart skip a beat!
