Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares
Highlighted under: Sweet Favorites
I absolutely love these Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares! They're the perfect treat when I'm craving something sweet yet sophisticated. The combination of rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and chewy coconut creates a delightful texture and flavor that I can't resist. I often make them for special occasions, and they're always a hit with family and friends. Plus, you can whip them up in under an hour, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute dessert or a sweet indulgence any day of the week.
Making these Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares was a delightful adventure in my kitchen. I started by blending the chocolate and coconut, which created a heavenly aroma that filled the room. What I discovered is that using fresh raspberries elevates the flavors significantly, giving each square a burst of freshness. I also love how the layering process allows the ingredients to harmonize beautifully.
While preparing the squares, I learned that pressing down firmly when layering helps achieve a perfect texture that holds together beautifully once chilled. I usually refrigerate them before serving, and they cut perfectly into squares, revealing those vibrant raspberry pockets.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberry tartness
- Chewy coconut texture that complements the creaminess
- Perfect for gatherings or as a personal sweet treat
Understanding the Ingredients
The base of these Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares relies heavily on dark chocolate, which not only adds depth to the flavor but also provides a rich, fudgy texture. Opting for high-quality chocolate is crucial here; look for bars with at least 70% cocoa content. This ensures a robust chocolate profile while balancing the sweetness of sugar and the tartness of the fresh raspberries. Additionally, melted butter contributes to the moistness of the squares, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Coconut plays an essential role in creating that chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate and juicy raspberries. Unsweetened shredded coconut is recommended to prevent the squares from becoming overly sweet. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, but remember to adjust the liquid in your mixture accordingly, since coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
Baking and Cooling Tips
Baking time for these squares is critical; aim for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on them! The edges should appear set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan while the center remains a bit soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. If you find the edges browning too quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.
Cooling the squares properly is just as important as baking. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack, where they will continue to set. This step helps ensure that your squares hold their shape when cut. If you want to make these ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between squares to prevent sticking.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients for a seamless baking experience:
For the Base
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)
Ensure everything is ready before starting the process!
Instructions
Follow these steps for delicious results:
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Melt Chocolate and Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped dark chocolate with butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Then, fold in the flour, shredded coconut, and salt.
Add to Baking Dish
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Gently press fresh raspberries into the top.
Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool in the dish for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finish with Toppings
Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares!
Pro Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of dark and milk chocolate. Adjust the amount of raspberries based on your preference for tartness. If you can't find fresh raspberries, frozen ones can work, but be sure to reduce moisture in the squares by thawing and draining them first.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares are fantastic on their own, but they can be elevated with creative serving ideas. Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. A sprinkle of fresh mint or a drizzle of raspberry coulis can add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and coconut flavors, making for a beautifully plated dessert.
If you're hosting a gathering, these squares can be cut into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Present them on a beautiful platter with some extra raspberries and coconut flakes for a visually appealing touch. Alongside a strong cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, they can become the star of your evening.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to get creative with variations of this recipe to suit your preferences. For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts to the base mixture. Alternatively, experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or sliced strawberries, to provide a unique flavor profile. Each fruit will impart its own sweetness and acidity, making them a delightful substitute when raspberries are out of season.
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure the chocolate you use is dairy-free as well. Furthermore, if you want to reduce sugar, consider using ripe bananas or a natural sweetener like maple syrup, which can enhance the overall flavor while keeping everything moist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
→ How should I store these squares?
Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ What chocolate works best for this recipe?
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares
I absolutely love these Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares! They're the perfect treat when I'm craving something sweet yet sophisticated. The combination of rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and chewy coconut creates a delightful texture and flavor that I can't resist. I often make them for special occasions, and they're always a hit with family and friends. Plus, you can whip them up in under an hour, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute dessert or a sweet indulgence any day of the week.
Created by: Ffion Llewellyn
Recipe Type: Sweet Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Base
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped dark chocolate with butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Then, fold in the flour, shredded coconut, and salt.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Gently press fresh raspberries into the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool in the dish for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of dark and milk chocolate. Adjust the amount of raspberries based on your preference for tartness. If you can't find fresh raspberries, frozen ones can work, but be sure to reduce moisture in the squares by thawing and draining them first.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g