If you love the combination of rich chocolate, tangy raspberries, and buttery crumble, these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars are your dream dessert. With layers of flavor and textures—from the tender base to the fruity middle and crisp streusel topping—these bars are perfect for special occasions or as an everyday treat.
Why You Will Love Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars
- Decadent Flavor Combination: The tartness of raspberries balances the sweetness of chocolate and the buttery crumble.
- Simple to Make: With just a few steps and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for desserts, tea-time snacks, or holiday gifts.
- Amazing Texture: Every bite offers a delightful mix of gooey jam, juicy berries, melty chocolate, and crunchy topping.
Ingredients Notes
For the Buttery Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – forms the base of the bars.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – creates a tender, flavorful crust.
For the Berry-Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup seedless raspberry jam – spreads easily and adds tangy sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh raspberries – for bursts of juicy tartness.
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips – balances the berries with rich, bittersweet notes.
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – adds structure to the crumble.
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats – gives the topping texture and heartiness.
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed – adds caramel-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – creates a crumbly, crispy topping.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – enhances the flavor with a warm, spicy note.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour and ¼ cup sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the filling and topping.
Step 2: Add the Berry-Chocolate Layer
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the cooled crust.
- Scatter the fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips on top of the jam layer.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup oats, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the berry-chocolate layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the chocolate is slightly melted.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness by keeping the bars in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
- Different Jams: Swap raspberry jam for blackberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a new flavor profile.
- Milk or White Chocolate: Replace dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and topping.
Helpful Notes
- Press the Crust Firmly: Ensuring a solid base prevents the bars from crumbling when sliced.
- Chill Before Cutting: For clean cuts, refrigerate the bars for 20-30 minutes after cooling.
- Fresh Raspberries: Pat the berries dry before adding them to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in baked goods.
- Mary Berry: For an even topping, use your hands to sprinkle the streusel lightly over the bars.
- Martha Stewart: Rotate the baking pan halfway through baking for even browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy. - What can I use if I don’t have oats?
You can substitute oats with an equal amount of flour for a simpler crumble topping. - How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the filling?
Ensure the berry-chocolate layer is evenly spread and slightly cool before adding the streusel topping. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking pan and adjust the baking time slightly if needed. - How do I make these vegan?
Use plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a vegan-friendly jam to adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars are a heavenly mix of rich, fruity, and buttery flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. Happy baking!
