Description
These No-Bake Valentine Raspberry Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy raspberry-infused filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these bars require no baking and come together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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
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 firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper to form an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Raspberry Filling: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream; continue mixing until fully combined and smooth. In a separate bowl, mash the raspberries with a fork or potato masher until mostly crushed but still chunky for texture. Gently fold the mashed raspberries into the cream cheese mixture to create a smooth, pink filling.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the filling is firm.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled raspberry filling and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Return the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is set. Once set, cut into squares and serve. For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a smoother raspberry layer, you can lightly blend fresh raspberries in a food processor instead of mashing.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars from the pan for clean slicing.
- Chilling times are important for the filling and chocolate to properly set, do not skip or reduce them.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
