Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely adore these Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares! They blend the rich taste of dark chocolate with the tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries, creating a match made in dessert heaven. The way the chocolate melts in your mouth while the raspberry filling gives a delightful burst of flavor is simply irresistible. Whether you're making them for someone special or just treating yourself, these squares are a delicious way to celebrate love, all year round.
When I first made these Chocolate Raspberry Squares, I knew I had something special. The combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is a classic that never fails to impress. I experimented with different raspberry fillings and found that using fresh raspberries really elevates the flavor. It creates a beautiful contrast that leaves everyone wanting more.
To ensure the chocolate sets perfectly, I recommend chilling the squares overnight. This step makes a huge difference in texture and flavor, resulting in a treat that’s not only beautiful but also deliciously satisfying.
Why You'll Love These Chocolate Raspberry Squares
- Decadent and rich chocolate paired with refreshing raspberry
- Perfectly balanced sweetness that satisfies cravings
- An impressive dessert that’s easy to make for any occasion
Understanding the Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the end result of these Chocolate Raspberry Squares. For the chocolate base, I recommend using a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This ensures a rich, deep flavor that complements the tanginess of the raspberries. Unsalted butter is preferable as it allows better control over the salt content, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the sweet and tart elements.
Fresh raspberries are key to creating the vibrant raspberry filling. When selecting raspberries, look for plump, firm berries that are deep in color. If fresh raspberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling. Incorporating lemon juice not only enhances the raspberry flavor but also brightens the overall profile of the squares.
Baking Technique Insights
Baking the squares at the right temperature is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) ensures even cooking throughout. When you pour half of the chocolate batter into the pan, spread it gently to create a uniform base, which helps the raspberry filling stay intact when baked. Watch for visual cues, like slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan and a tops that is firm yet slightly soft in the center; this indicates it's done.
Cooling the baked squares in the pan allows them to set properly and makes cutting easier. If you find your squares crumble when being cut, they're likely still too warm. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares, ideally refrigerating them briefly afterwards for clean cuts. A sharp knife dipped in warm water can also help achieve neat edges.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your delicious treat:
For the Chocolate Base
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Raspberry Filling
- 200g fresh raspberries
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish
- Additional raspberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own Chocolate Raspberry Squares:
Prepare the Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the raspberries break down. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Make the Chocolate Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and grease a square baking pan. Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, combine with sugar, then mix in the eggs, vanilla, and salt.
Combine and Bake
Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the chocolate layer. Top with the remaining chocolate batter.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the squares to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares, and optionally dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries before serving.
Enjoy these squares chilled or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate and fresh raspberries. Feel free to customize the sweetness of the raspberry filling based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Raspberry Squares are best served fresh, but they can also be stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. The addition of powdered sugar creates a lovely presentation, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the rich chocolate and tart raspberries beautifully.
For a bit of a twist, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the top before serving. This not only adds an elegant touch but also introduces a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the dark chocolate and raspberry filling.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
You can make these squares up to three days in advance, making them a great option for busy schedules or special occasions. Store cut squares in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, lay the squares on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Thawing is simple; just leave the squares at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you're in a hurry, you can also place them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat, as this can affect their texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used but remember to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
→ How do I store the squares?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What chocolate should I use?
Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor.
Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares
I absolutely adore these Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares! They blend the rich taste of dark chocolate with the tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries, creating a match made in dessert heaven. The way the chocolate melts in your mouth while the raspberry filling gives a delightful burst of flavor is simply irresistible. Whether you're making them for someone special or just treating yourself, these squares are a delicious way to celebrate love, all year round.
Created by: Chelsea Payne
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Chocolate Base
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Raspberry Filling
- 200g fresh raspberries
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish
- Additional raspberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the raspberries break down. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and grease a square baking pan. Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, combine with sugar, then mix in the eggs, vanilla, and salt. Finally, fold in the flour and cocoa powder.
Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the chocolate layer. Top with the remaining chocolate batter. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the squares to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares, and optionally dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries before serving.
Extra Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate and fresh raspberries. Feel free to customize the sweetness of the raspberry filling based on your taste preference.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g