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These Raspberry Cream bars are special because they use fresh raspberries. Unlike other fruit desserts that use canned or frozen fruit, these bars use fresh raspberries that are bursting with flavor. Every bite is filled with juicy, sweet raspberry goodness that is impossible to resist. And because the bars are made with real fruit, they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for your health.

But it’s not just the raspberries that make these bars so delicious. The creamy filling is made with a combination of yogurt, sour cream, whipped cream, and sugar, which creates a rich and indulgent flavor that is simply irresistible. And the buttery graham cracker crust is the perfect complement to the tangy raspberry filling, adding a crunch and texture that will leave you wanting more.

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Key Takeaways:

Fresh Raspberries for Superior Flavor: Unlike many fruit desserts that use canned or frozen fruit, these Raspberry Cream Bars use fresh raspberries, delivering a burst of natural sweetness and nutrients.
Nutritious and Delicious: Raspberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and brain-boosting flavonoids, offering both a tasty treat and health benefits.
Indulgent Yet Light Filling: The creamy filling combines yogurt, sour cream, whipped cream, and sugar, creating a rich flavor with a smooth texture.
Perfectly Balanced Crust: The buttery graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch, complementing the tangy, creamy raspberry filling.
Simple to Make: Whether you bake the graham cracker crust or leave it unbaked, the bars are easy to prepare and chill overnight for a delicious, make-ahead treat.
Versatile and Customizable: If raspberry-flavored Greek yogurt is hard to find, easily substitute with vanilla yogurt and raspberry flavor concentrate for the perfect flavor and color.

SIS Tip - Simple Is Smart

So, what can you do if you can’t find raspberry-flavored Greek yogurt in your local grocery market? After all, it can be hard to find at times. To give it that lovely raspberry pink color, use some super-strength raspberry flavor and add a few drops of red food coloring.

Nutrition Nugget: Raspberries

Raspberries are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that can do wonders for your brain health. These tiny berries are rich in flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds that have been found to improve brain function and protect against cognitive decline.

In fact, studies have shown that consuming a diet rich in flavonoids can lead to better cognitive performance, improved memory, and reduced risk of dementia.

One of the key flavonoids found in raspberries is anthocyanin, which is responsible for the fruit’s vibrant red color. Anthocyanins have been shown to improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress.

In addition, raspberries are also high in vitamin C, which is another powerful antioxidant that can help protect brain cells from damage. But that’s not all; raspberries are also a great source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy gut bacteria.

Recent studies have shown that there is a strong gut-brain connection, and having a healthy gut microbiome can lead to improved brain function and better mental health.

Raspberries also contain folate, which is a B-vitamin that has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced risk of depression.

So, whether you enjoy raspberries as a snack or add them to your smoothies and salads, you can rest assured that you are doing your brain a favor.

These little berries are a nutritional powerhouse that can boost brain function, protect against cognitive decline, and improve overall mental health. So, if you want to keep your brain sharp and healthy, make sure to add some raspberries to your diet today!

Ingredients for Fresh Raspberry Cream Bars

Graham Cracker Crust:

Graham Crackers: You can use either graham cracker crumbs or crush up enough graham crackers to make 1 1/2 cups of crumbs.
Melted Butter: I use salted butter.
Granulated Sugar: I used white sugar.

Filling:

Fresh Raspberries: Use organic fresh raspberries.
Raspberry-Flavored Greek Yogurt: If you can’t find raspberry-flavored Greek yogurt, use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt and add the optional raspberry flavor concentrate.
Sour Cream: Use full fat; don’t use reduced fat, or the dessert may not be set up completely.
Whipping Cream: Use either whipping cream or heavy cream.
Unflavored Gelatin: This is the thickening agent.
Granulated Sugar: You can substitute the equivalent Agave or Honey for the sugar.
Water: The gelatin is dissolved in the tap water.
Optional Raspberry Flavor Concentrate: Use it for unflavored or vanilla-flavored yogurt or to kick up the raspberry-flavored yogurt. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Optional Red Food Coloring

Step by Step Instructions:

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Add the sugar and melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs. Mix. Save 2 Tbsp. of the crumbs to sprinkle on the top.
Put mixture into a 9 X 9-inch pan. Press into the bottom of the pan.
Bake 350℉ (180℃) for 4 minutes.
Set aside to cool. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Don’t bake the crust if you are pressed for time. The recipe is delicious with an unbaked crust.

Make the Filling

In a small saucepan, add the water, gelatin, and sugar. Heat on medium until the sugar and gelatin are dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Stir together the sour cream and yogurt. Add the raspberry flavor and optional red food coloring.
Slowly add the water, gelatin, and sugar mixture. Whisk in.
Put in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes to let it start to firm up.
Whip the cream into soft peaks and fold it into the yogurt and sour cream mixture.
Stir in the fresh Raspberries. Add the filling to the cooled graham cracker crust in the 9 X 9-inch pan.
Sprinkle the rest of the graham cracker crumbs on top.
Chill for 8 hours or overnight.
Cut and Serve.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Let it defrost enough to cut it into bars and serve frozen.

For more raspberry recipes: This Pistachio Raspberry Poke Cake is a pistachio cake infused with raspberries. For a hot summer day the Red, White, and blueberry pie will cool you off.

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FAQ:

Q: Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones for the bars?
A: While fresh raspberries offer the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Q: Can I substitute the sugar in the recipe with a different sweetener?
A: Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as substitutes for the granulated sugar. Adjust to taste since these sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.

Q: What if I can’t find raspberry-flavored Greek yogurt?
A: If raspberry-flavored yogurt is hard to find, use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt and add a few drops of raspberry flavor concentrate for the perfect taste and color.

Q: How long can I store these Raspberry Cream Bars?
A: The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 4 months. Let them defrost slightly before cutting if frozen.

Q: Is there a substitute for unflavored gelatin in this recipe?
A: If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can experiment with agar-agar as a plant-based alternative, although the texture may differ slightly.

Q: Can I make the crust without baking it?
A: Yes! You can skip the baking step if you’re short on time. The recipe works well with an unbaked graham cracker crust as long as it’s pressed firmly into the pan.

5 from 1 vote