Description
These No-Bake Valentine Raspberry Bars are a quick and easy dessert that’s both sweet and tangy! With a buttery, crunchy crust, a creamy raspberry filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars are the perfect treat to make for Valentine’s Day. No oven required, just a little bit of time to let them set, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized pan lined with parchment paper to create an even crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Raspberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and continue mixing until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mash the raspberries with a fork or potato masher until mostly crushed, leaving some chunks for texture. If using fresh raspberries, you can blend them lightly in a food processor or blender.
- Gently fold the mashed raspberries into the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth, pinkish filling.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
- Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the filling is firm and set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled raspberry filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve:
- Return the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
- Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve. For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a smoother raspberry filling, you can blend the raspberries before mixing them into the cream cheese.
- If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use digestive biscuits or a similar cookie for the crust.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs by 1/4 cup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg