Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares

Name: Valentines Treats Chocolate Raspberry Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1/4 cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Raspberry Squares for Valentine's Day. The combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries creates a dessert that's both indulgent and refreshing. Each square melts in your mouth while offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or treating yourself, these squares are sure to impress. Plus, they come together in no time, making them the ideal last-minute treat for any special occasion.

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:25:12.016Z

When I first made these Chocolate Raspberry Squares, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious they were! The shiny chocolate topping paired with the tart raspberry filling creates a stunning dessert that's perfect for any romantic occasion. I particularly love using fresh raspberries because they add an extra burst of flavor and color that complements the chocolate beautifully.

One tip I discovered while perfecting this recipe is to let the squares cool completely before cutting them. This ensures clean edges and makes for a more appealing presentation. Plus, if you can resist, letting them chill in the fridge for a few hours enhances the flavors even more!

        Why You Will Love These Squares
        Decadent chocolate flavor with a fruity raspberry twist
An eye-catching dessert that's perfect for sharing
Ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The ingredients for these Chocolate Raspberry Squares play a crucial role in creating the rich, decadent flavor that sets them apart. Unsweetened cocoa powder, for example, is essential in providing depth to the chocolate base. It's important to use high-quality cocoa for a more pronounced chocolate taste. Additionally, the combination of both granulated and brown sugars offers a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture you’ll love.

The raspberry layer introduces a vibrant contrast that balances the rich chocolate. Fresh raspberries are recommended for the best flavor, but frozen raspberries can be a suitable alternative if fresh ones are out of season. Thaw them completely before use to ensure an even mixture. The addition of lemon juice not only enhances the raspberry's tartness but also helps to brighten the overall flavor profile, making each bite feel refreshing.

Baking Techniques for Perfection

When preparing the brownie base, it's important to mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, while gentle folding helps maintain that soft, fudgy quality. Make sure to spread the batter evenly in the baking pan, ensuring that it bakes uniformly. Checking for doneness is key; the unique ‘toothpick test’ helps gauge the ideal texture without overbaking—look for few moist crumbs sticking to the toothpick rather than being completely clean.

After baking, let the squares cool completely in the pan before adding the chocolate topping. This not only prevents the chocolate from melting into the warm squares but also allows for cleaner, more defined layers. I recommend using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for cutting; this gives you cleaner edges and a more appealing presentation.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Layer:

1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Topping:

6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan.

Make the Raspberry Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. Pour the raspberry mixture over the brownie base, spreading evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the cooled raspberry squares, smoothing it out.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the squares for at least 1 hour to set the chocolate. Once set, cut into squares and serve them chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, garnish the squares with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

Storage and Serving Tips

These Chocolate Raspberry Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, they also freeze beautifully. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to indulge, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.

For serving, these squares shine at room temperature but can also be served chilled for a refreshing treat. I love garnishing them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra fresh raspberries for a pop of color. Pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert experience.

Possible Variations

Feel free to get creative with the flavors in these squares. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the brownie base. They add a delightful crunch and complement the chocolate beautifully. You can also swap out raspberries for other berries like strawberries or blueberries for a similar fruity richness, adjusting the sugar as needed based on the sweetness of the berries used.

If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in this application, but make sure to check the blend's weight-to-volume ratio for the best results. The final texture may vary slightly, but the decadent flavors will still remain intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking.

→ How should I store these squares?

Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I substitute the bittersweet chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

→ Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.