If Barbie was right — and how could she not be — pink is the key to a happy heart. With that wisdom in mind, here’s our round-up of some of East Bay’s pinkest (and delicious) Valentine’s treats.
The pretty Rosette Meringue Cookie at Feel Good Bakery shows off this popular bake shop’s flair for lusciously decorated patisserie, cookies, and cupcakes and is one of several Valentine’s Day sweets available on Wednesday. 1650 Park St. in the Alameda Marketplace.
The Red Velvet Mochi Muffin at Third Culture Bakery is a limited edition twist on the bakery’s signature baked good — a delicate, supply gluten-free muffin made with mochiko rice flour and butter. Find Third Culture in the East Bay at 2701 Eighth St. in Berkeley and 1310 S. California Blvd in Walnut Creek. Bonus: Third Culture’s packaging is always pink.
A small bundle of sparkling sugar-coated butter cookie hearts at La Farine comes in pretty cellophane wrapping and ready to gift. 4094 Piedmont Ave., 6323 College Ave., and 3411 Fruitvale Ave., all in Oakland.
Sweet and bold and plant-based to boot, the Valentine’s heart-shaped frosted cookies in pink and red (and black) at Timeless Coffee boast a veritable library of love notes. Chances are you’ll find one that speaks to you — and your sweetheart(s). 4252 Piedmont Ave., Oakland.
A classic Princess Cake is deceptively simple under its domed green marzipan shell: whipped cream, sponge, and raspberry jam. Market Hall Bakery has this traditional Swedish specialty in its regular rotation, but for Valentine’s Day this Prinsesstårta comes dressed in pink. Find them in the bakery case — no special preorder needed. 5655 College Ave., Oakland.
James and the Giant Cupcake has become a mainstay of many a birthday party in the Bay. For Valentine’s Day the bakery’s daily menu includes the “Love Shack,” a chocolate cupcake filled with mini chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting and crowned with hot pink cream cheese frosting and heart sprinkles. It might not be pink from top to toe, but we’re not sure anyone will complain. 6326 San Pablo Ave, Oakland.
Finally, if you lean toward confectionary over cakes, you can find actual pink chocolate bars by Charles Chocolate, plus a delectable selection of fresh berry macarons, and pink-enhanced sweets and chocolate bars among the generous selection of local, small-batch, and ethically sourced chocolates and sweets at The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery, 5427 College Ave., Oakland.