Delicious Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the ideal dessert for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and fruity tartness. The soft, buttery crust provides the perfect foundation for the creamy chocolate layer, while the raspberry preserves offer a burst of fruity flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate. The crumb topping, complete with toasted pecans or walnuts, adds an extra layer of texture, making these bars both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.

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, and 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. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

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

3. Mix in the flour and salt until combined. The dough should be crumbly.

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

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

6. Stir the chopped pecans into the reserved dough mixture for the crumb topping. Set aside.

7. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the sweetened condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips. Microwave on medium heat 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 with an offset spatula.

9. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the chocolate layer, then drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves on top of the crumb mixture. If the preserves are too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water and stir. Finally, sprinkle with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set. Let the bars cool completely, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: If you prefer a different type of nut, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique twist.

• Fruit Preserves: While raspberry preserves are delicious, feel free to try other fruit preserves, such as strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot, for a different flavor profile.

• Chocolate: For an even richer chocolate experience, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or bittersweet chips. You can also mix in some white chocolate chips for an added dimension of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• Reheating: These bars are delicious when eaten at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How long do chocolate raspberry crumb bars last?

Chocolate raspberry crumb bars will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for a longer shelf life.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Just let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well for several days.

Can I use different kinds of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are the most commonly used nuts, you can also try almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. You can swap the bittersweet chocolate for milk chocolate or use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

While you can use fresh raspberries, they will not provide the same consistency as raspberry preserves. The preserves help create a cohesive layer and enhance the sweetness of the bars.

How do I make the crust thicker?

If you prefer a thicker crust, simply press the dough mixture into the baking dish more thickly. You may need to bake it a little longer if the crust is thicker.

How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?

To prevent the chocolate from burning when melting, microwave it in short 30-second intervals and stir in between. This ensures that the chocolate melts evenly without overheating.

Can I make these bars without nuts?

Yes, if you or your guests have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts altogether. The bars will still be delicious with the buttery crumble topping.

Can I use a different fruit preserve?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit preserve you like, such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on the type of preserve you choose.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, with their rich chocolate, sweet-tart raspberry flavor, and crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Whether you're making them for a special celebration or simply to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to satisfy any dessert craving. Easy to prepare and incredibly indulgent, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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