Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and fruit. The buttery crust serves as a solid base, while the decadent layers of bittersweet chocolate and raspberry preserves bring together sweetness and tartness in a perfect harmony. The nutty, crunchy crumble topping adds an extra layer of texture, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, these bars are bound to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks) – softened

• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, can be toasted)

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

• ½ to ⅔ cup raspberry preserves (seedless, optional)

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until light and creamy.

3. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The dough should be crumbly.

4. Set aside about ⅔ cup of the mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remainder of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer should be thin.

5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust just begins to turn golden brown.

6. Stir the pecans into the reserved crust mixture. Set aside.

7. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the sweetened condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

8. Pour the chocolate mixture over the hot crust and spread it evenly using an offset spatula.

9. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the chocolate layer. Drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves on top. If the preserves are too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to thin them out. Sprinkle with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

10. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bars are set. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 24 bars

Variations

• Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

• Fruit preserves: While raspberry is a classic choice, these bars can also be made with strawberry or blueberry preserves for a fun twist on the flavor.

• Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use all bittersweet chocolate chips or swap some of the semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, transfer the bars to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: These bars can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice. Toasting the nuts will bring out their flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use all semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even milk chocolate chips, depending on your taste preference.

3. How can I make the bars more tart?

To make the bars more tart, increase the amount of raspberry preserves or add a bit of fresh raspberry puree to the chocolate mixture.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made up to a few days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

5. Can I use homemade raspberry preserves?

Yes, homemade raspberry preserves will work just as well as store-bought, and they can even add a more personal touch to the recipe.

6. What if I don’t have a 9x13-inch pan?

If you don’t have a 9x13-inch pan, you can use an 8x8-inch pan for thicker bars or a 10x14-inch pan for slightly thinner bars. Adjust the baking time if needed.

7. Are these bars gluten-free?

No, this recipe calls for all-purpose flour. To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

8. Can I use a different fruit preserve?

Yes! You can use any fruit preserve or jam, such as strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry, for a unique flavor twist.

9. Can I make these bars without the nuts?

Yes, if you're not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out or replace them with a different topping like granola or more crumb mixture.

10. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden and the center is set. You can also test them by lightly pressing the top with a finger—the bars should spring back slightly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a sweet and decadent treat that combines the best of chocolate, fruit, and buttery crumble. They're easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving something sweet, these bars will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Try them today, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

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Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, sweet-tart raspberry preserves, and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

16 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks) – softened

½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, can be toasted)

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

½ to ⅔ cup raspberry preserves (seedless, optional)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and brown sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until light and creamy.
3. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. The dough should be crumbly.
4. Set aside about ⅔ cup of the mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remainder of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer should be thin.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust just begins to turn golden brown.
6. Stir the pecans into the reserved crust mixture. Set aside.
7. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the sweetened condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
8. Pour the chocolate mixture over the hot crust and spread it evenly using an offset spatula.
9. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the chocolate layer. Drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves on top. If the preserves are too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to thin them out. Sprinkle with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
10. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bars are set. Let them cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Notes

• For a different texture, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds.
• You can swap the raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, use all bittersweet chocolate chips or mix in some dark chocolate chips.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze these bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg