Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares
Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen
I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares! The combination of rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and chewy coconut creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whenever I’m in need of a sweet treat or if I want to impress guests at my home, I turn to this recipe. The vibrant flavors meld beautifully, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Each square is a delightful bite of bliss that keeps me coming back for more.
Every time I prepare these Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares, I’m reminded of the first time I tasted them at a friend's gathering. The brilliant mix of flavors is simply unforgettable! I decided to recreate the recipe at home, adjusting the sweetness to balance the tartness of the raspberries. I found that using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor profile immensely, making each bite a sensational experience.
I especially love how these squares firm up nicely in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen. One tip I’ve learned is to sprinkle a little extra coconut on top before baking—this not only adds texture but also gives a beautiful finish. Trust me, you’ll want to try this little extra step!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor balanced by tangy raspberries
- Chewy coconut adds a delightful texture
- Perfect for parties or a cozy treat at home
Understanding Ingredient Roles
In this recipe, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance between flavor and texture. The dark chocolate chips provide a rich bitterness that complements the sweetness of the granulated sugar and the tartness of the raspberries. A higher cocoa percentage in the chocolate will yield a more intense chocolate flavor, so feel free to experiment with different brands to find your perfect match.
The unsalted butter contributes moisture and richness to the squares, while also helping to create a tender crumb. Make sure to melt the butter gently over low heat; this prevents it from separating and ensures a smooth batter. If you're looking to reduce the fat content, coconut oil can serve as a suitable substitute, adding a subtle coconut flavor that works beautifully with the raspberries and shredded coconut.
Tips for Perfect Texture
To achieve that ideal chewy texture, be cautious during the mixing stages. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour streaks; overmixing can lead to tough squares. Incorporating the raspberries and shredded coconut gently ensures they are well distributed without breaking the berries down too much, preserving their texture and bursts of fresh flavor.
When baking, keep an eye on the time—25 minutes should yield soft centers with slightly set edges. If you find that the squares are still too gooey after this time, check again every 2-3 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Make sure to use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish.
Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, followed by eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Incorporate Raspberries and Coconut
Gently fold in fresh raspberries and shredded coconut, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the squares to cool completely in the dish before cutting into 16 squares. Enjoy!
Enjoy these squares chilled for an enhanced texture!
Pro Tips
- For a variation, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for gatherings. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the squares. Cut them into portions and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of your Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also enhance the chocolate flavor and make for a visually appealing dessert. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before serving for added crunch.
These squares pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the raspberries. If you're making these for a special occasion, serving them on a platter alongside fresh raspberries and mint can create an inviting dessert display.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries work fine, just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
→ How long do these squares last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I substitute coconut?
You can use almond flour for a nutty flavor, though the texture will differ.
→ What type of chocolate is best?
I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares
I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Squares! The combination of rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and chewy coconut creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whenever I’m in need of a sweet treat or if I want to impress guests at my home, I turn to this recipe. The vibrant flavors meld beautifully, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Each square is a delightful bite of bliss that keeps me coming back for more.
Created by: Winifred Calder
Recipe Type: Oven Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
For the Squares
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup shredded coconut
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, followed by eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in fresh raspberries and shredded coconut, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the squares to cool completely in the dish before cutting into 16 squares. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a variation, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g