Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for an irresistibly rich, sweet, and tart treat, these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars might just become your new baking obsession. Imagine layers of buttery crumb, tangy raspberry jam, and pockets of luxurious dark chocolate, all mingling together for a dessert that wows at gatherings and satisfies cravings at midnight alike. With their delightful texture contrasts and stunning colors, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars are as easy to make as they are to love, and they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars is how each humble ingredient shines, turning simple pantry staples into something magical. Every component, from creamy butter to deep dark chocolate, works together in perfect harmony for a flavor that’s truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, tender crumb that acts as the backbone of the bars.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden finish.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Infuses a hint of molasses flavor and deepens the color of the crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-giver, ensuring the bars hold together yet remain tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the buttery notes.
- Seedless raspberry jam (1 cup): Offers a burst of tart fruitiness and a pop of jewel-like color.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (1 1/4 cups): Melts into luscious pools for that signature chocolate decadence.
- Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional, 1/2 cup): Lend a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the top (go with what you love or leave out for a nut-free version).
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges so you can lift out the bars easily after baking. Your future self will thank you when you’re slicing perfect squares with no crumbs left behind!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Let the mixer run until the mixture is light and fluffy – this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite of your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars. Add the vanilla extract and blend just until combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt directly to the bowl, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should be silky and easy to handle, promising a tender base and crumbly topping for your bars.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Reserve about a third of the dough for later. Press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out so that it touches every corner. This layer creates a stable, buttery foundation for the jam and chocolate to shine.
Step 5: Layer with Raspberry Jam
Gently spread the seedless raspberry jam over the crust. Take care to nudge the jam all the way to the edges, ensuring every corner of your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars gets a perfect hit of bright berry flavor.
Step 6: Add Chocolate and Crumble Topping
Scatter the dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) evenly atop the jam layer. Then, crumble the reserved dough over the surface — it’s fine if there are gaps; those “windows” of jam and chocolate create enticing pops of color. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the top for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden, set top with melted chocolate peeking through. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to lift or slice — patience equals clean, beautiful squares!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust your bars with powdered sugar right before serving, or add a few fresh raspberries on top for a burst of color and freshness. Even a gentle drizzle of melted dark chocolate can make these bars look downright bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a dreamy choice for both dessert and an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into neat squares or diamonds for a classic look, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes at holidays or parties. Stack them high on a platter, tuck them into cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, or wrap extras with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life — the flavors only deepen as they mingle!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Layer them with parchment or waxed paper and seal in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months; just thaw at room temperature (or in the fridge overnight) before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings the chocolate back to its soft, luscious state — absolute heaven paired with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While raspberry jam gives the classic sweet-tart punch, feel free to swap in strawberry, blackberry, or even a triple berry jam depending on what you have and love. Just stick with a seedless variety for the silkiest texture.
Do I have to use dark chocolate, or can I substitute with another kind?
Dark chocolate offers a beautiful balance to the sweetness of the jam and the crust, but semi-sweet or even milk chocolate chips will work in a pinch. If you love things extra rich, go as dark as 70 percent cocoa or higher!
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
For picture-perfect slices, refrigerate the baked and cooled bars for an hour or so before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for those bakery-worthy edges you’ll want to show off.
Are these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour and isn’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend — just make sure it’s suitable for cookies and bars.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Definitely! Simply leave out the almonds or walnuts in both the topping and the crust for a nut-free version that’s every bit as delicious.
Final Thoughts
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars are more than just dessert — they’re a celebration of flavors, textures, and effortless baking magic. Share them with friends or keep them all for yourself (I won’t tell!). However you serve them, you’re bound to come back for more — so don’t be surprised if these bars become your signature sweet treat.
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars. A buttery crust layered with sweet raspberry jam and dark chocolate, topped with a crumbly dough and optional nuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour and salt to form a dough.
- Prepare crust: Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan.
- Add filling: Spread jam, chocolate chips, remaining dough, and nuts on top.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Try with other berry jams like strawberry or blackberry.
- For neater bars, chill before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
