Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a game-changer when it comes to dessert. With their combination of rich chocolate and the slightly tart kick of raspberry preserves, these bars hit all the right notes. The buttery, nutty crust and the crunchy crumb topping add the perfect textural contrast to the smooth, velvety chocolate. Not only are they easy to make, but they also deliver a delightful, indulgent bite every time. Plus, the addition of pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping brings in a wonderful crunch that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and raspberry perfectly. They’re great for any occasion, from a family treat to a party dessert.

this Recipe

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 (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 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. Set aside.

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

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

4. Set aside about ⅔ cup of the mixture for the crumb topping. Evenly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring the layer is relatively 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 crust mixture and set aside to form the crumb topping.

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

8. Pour the chocolate mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

9. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the chocolate layer. Drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves on top of the crumble. (If the preserves are too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to thin them out.)

10. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top.

11. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are set.

12. Allow the bars to 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: You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

• Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips—milk chocolate or white chocolate can be used for a different flavor profile.

• Raspberry Jam: If raspberry preserves aren’t available, you can use other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry for a similar effect.

Storage/Reheating

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

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

• Freezer: These bars freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit preserve in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the raspberry preserves with other fruit preserves or jams like strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry for a different twist.

2. How can I make these bars without nuts?

Simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts. The bars will still be delicious without them, with a lighter crumb topping.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

4. How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden brown and the chocolate has set. The filling should be firm but slightly soft to the touch.

5. Can I freeze these Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

6. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with something else?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial to the texture and flavor of these bars. Substituting it may alter the final result. If you need a dairy-free version, look for coconut condensed milk.

7. How long should I let the bars cool before cutting them?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure they hold together well and don’t fall apart.

8. Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet or bittersweet chips. It will give the bars a sweeter flavor.

9. What can I do if the raspberry preserves are too thick?

If your raspberry preserves are too thick to easily drop onto the bars, simply stir in 1 tablespoon of water to loosen them up.

10. Can I add more layers to the bars?

While the combination of chocolate and raspberry preserves is already delicious, you can experiment with adding layers of other ingredients, like a swirl of peanut butter or caramel, if you like!

Conclusion

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are an irresistible dessert, balancing the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberry in a buttery, crumbly, and nutty treat. They are simple to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert to impress guests or just want to satisfy your sweet cravings, these bars are sure to be a hit. With easy storage options, they make a perfect make-ahead treat for any time you need a little indulgence.