Get ready to take your taste buds on an epic, flavor-packed journey with these Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars! This recipe is an absolute MUST-try for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and tangy raspberries. Trust me, y’all – these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars
These Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars are the ultimate in indulgence and decadence. The silky-smooth chocolate ganache layered over a buttery shortbread crust is enough to send your senses into overdrive, but then we take it to the next level with a burst of fresh, juicy raspberries. The end result is a dessert that’s both incredibly satisfying and absolutely sensational. Get ready to be the hero of every potluck, party, or Netflix binge-watching session with this revolutionary recipe!
Ingredients
To make these Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars, you’ll need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients: butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and fresh raspberries. That’s it! With this epic flavor combination, you don’t need a laundry list of components to create something truly mind-blowing.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup – Granulated sugar
- 2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon – Salt
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 12 ounces – Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups – Fresh raspberries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate Chips: Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile (richer or more intense).
- Raspberries: Swap out the raspberries for blackberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries if you’re not a raspberry fanatic.
How to Make Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars
Let’s get started on creating this decadent dessert masterpiece, shall we? I’ll walk you through the steps, and before you know it, your kitchen will be transformed into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out once they’re done baking. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1/4 cup of the sugar until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to bring the butter to life! In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Press this divine dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the shortbread crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. While that’s happening, let’s make the decadent chocolate ganache topping. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they’re fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour the velvety ganache over the cooled shortbread crust, then top it off with a layer of fresh, juicy raspberries.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Pop the whole masterpiece back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, just until the chocolate is set. Once it’s out, let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Raspberry Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of raspberry jam or a dash of vanilla extract into the ganache for an extra burst of flavor.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, over the top for a delightful textural contrast.
- Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative – the possibilities are endless when it comes to elevating this epic dessert!
- Presentation Tip: Dust the top of the bars with a light coating of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Storage: These Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars will keep in the fridge for up to a week, so you can savor the magic for days to come.
Reheat: You can enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature – they’re equally delicious either way!
Make-Ahead: Prepare the bars in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 5 days before serving.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars packs a serious punch of indulgence, with a decadent 280 calories, 16g of fat, and 29g of carbs. But let’s be real – when you’re dealing with a dessert this epic, a little splurge is totally worth it. Just remember to enjoy these bars in moderation, and savor every single bite.
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the top of the bars.
How do I get the ganache so smooth and shiny?
The key to achieving that luxurious, velvet-like ganache is to use high-quality chocolate and to melt it gently over low heat. Make sure to stir the mixture constantly until it’s completely smooth and glossy.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare these Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars in advance! Just assemble the bars, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy.
Do I have to use a square baking pan?
Not at all! You can use any 8-inch baking pan you have on hand, whether it’s square, rectangular, or even round. The shape doesn’t affect the taste or texture of these delightful bars.
How do I know when the bars are fully set?
The bars are ready when the chocolate ganache is firm to the touch and no longer looks shiny or wet. This usually takes about 15 minutes in the oven after pouring the ganache over the crust.
Try These Next
- Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake
- Velvet Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
- Velvet Chocolate Caramel Delight Bars
Velvet Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of these Chocolate Raspberry Dream Bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture.
6. Fold in the raspberries and chocolate chips.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chocolate, raspberry, dessert, bars