Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent desserts with a touch of tartness. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dessert comes together quickly.

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate paired with tart raspberry preserves creates a perfect balance of flavors.

• Versatile: These bars are perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to more formal events.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup chopped pecans (optional)

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup raspberry preserves

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream butter and brown sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.

3. Add flour and salt to the mixture and combine until a dough forms. Set aside ⅔ of the mixture for the crumb topping.

4. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.

5. Stir pecans into the reserved dough and set aside.

6. Melt sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

7. Pour the chocolate mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly.

8. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top, followed by teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden.

10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars

• Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling time)

Storage/Reheating

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

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: Wrap bars in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations

• Different Fruit Preserves: Swap raspberry for blueberry, cherry, or blackberry preserves.

• Add Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warm flavor.

• Use White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a colorful contrast and extra flavor.

FAQs

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I use seedless preserves?

You can use regular preserves with seeds or seedless, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of nuts?

Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or leave them out entirely.

What if I don’t have bittersweet chocolate chips?

You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips as a substitute for bittersweet chocolate.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months.

Can I use jam instead of preserves?

Yes, jam will work, but preserves have larger fruit pieces, which adds a nice texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the recipe and bake in a larger dish, adjusting the bake time as necessary.

Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

What should I do if my raspberry preserves are too thick?

If your preserves are thick, stir in a tablespoon of water to loosen them before using.

Can I add more chocolate?

Definitely! You can add extra chocolate chips to either the topping or mix them into the dough.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a delicious and versatile dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress with their perfect balance of flavors and textures. With easy substitutions and simple steps, you’ll be making them again and again.

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