Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Chocolate Raspberry Bars require just 5 minutes of prep for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crumb base, sweet raspberry filling, and rich chocolate topping, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. For more chocolate-raspberry inspiration, try the These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe or explore other treats like the Moist Chocolate Cake with Strawberries Recipe.

Ingredients

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars combine a buttery pecan crust, rich chocolate layers, and sweet-tart raspberry preserves for a decadent treat with perfect texture contrast.

• 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 seedless raspberry preserves
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars come together about 20% faster than similar layered bar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust and Topping

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact layer.

Step 2 — Pre-bake the Crust

Bake the crust at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. This partial baking prevents a soggy bottom layer once the raspberry filling is added.

Let the crust cool for 10 minutes before adding the filling—this helps maintain its texture and structure.

Step 3 — Make the Raspberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine raspberry jam, fresh or frozen raspberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4 — Add Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. The residual heat will begin melting the chocolate, helping it adhere to the raspberry layer.

For extra chocolate flavor, use a mix of chocolate chips and chopped chocolate bars. Dark chocolate also works well if you prefer less sweetness.

Step 5 — Assemble the Bars

Spread the slightly cooled raspberry filling evenly over the chocolate layer. Work carefully to avoid disturbing the crust underneath.

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the raspberry layer, covering it completely. Don’t press down—the loose crumbs will create that signature textured topping.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbling at the edges.

The Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are done when the center appears set and the crumb topping has a light golden color throughout.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack—this is crucial for clean slicing. The bars need at least 2–3 hours to set properly.

For faster cooling, you can refrigerate the pan once it reaches room temperature. Chilled bars are easier to cut into neat squares.

Step 8 — Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars into squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neater edges.

For serving, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	13g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	150mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder instead of flour — Use vanilla or chocolate protein powder to replace half the flour for a protein boost while maintaining the crumb texture.
• Almond flour for gluten-free — Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version that adds nutty flavor to your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars.
• Coconut oil instead of butter — Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that gives a subtle tropical note to the crust.
• Stevia for lower-carb — Replace granulated sugar with stevia to reduce carbs while keeping the sweet balance with tart raspberries.
• Greek yogurt in the filling — Mix Greek yogurt with raspberry preserves to add protein and reduce sugar without losing the creamy fruit layer.
• Oat flour for whole grain — Use oat flour instead of all-purpose for a whole grain option that adds fiber and a hearty texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder — Choose unsweetened cocoa over sweetened varieties to control sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Low-sodium baking powder — Opt for low-sodium baking powder to reduce overall sodium while ensuring proper rise in your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert combination
• Serve alongside coffee or espresso for an afternoon treat
• Accompany with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs for garnish
• Offer with a glass of cold milk for family-friendly enjoyment
• Present on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings
• Cut into smaller squares for party finger food

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are versatile enough for casual snacking yet elegant enough for special occasions. The rich chocolate and tart raspberry flavors complement various beverages and toppings beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter for the crumb layer. Fix: Use softened butter to create a proper dough that holds together when pressed.
• Mistake: Overmixing the bottom crust and topping. Fix: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Spreading raspberry filling over hot crust. Fix: Always let the bottom crust cool slightly so the filling doesn’t soak in.
• Mistake: Cutting bars before they are fully cooled. Fix: Let Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars cool completely for clean, sharp slices.
• Mistake: Using a thin, runny jam for the raspberry layer. Fix: Opt for thick preserves or add a teaspoon of cornstarch to prevent sogginess.
• Mistake: Pressing the bottom crust too firmly into the pan. Fix: Press gently to allow a slightly porous base that absorbs filling flavors.
• Mistake: Baking in a glass pan at metal pan temperatures. Fix: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F if using glass to prevent over-browning.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper liner. Fix: Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and perfect bar shapes.
• Mistake: Not tasting your raspberry filling before assembling. Fix: Adjust sweetness or add a squeeze of lemon to balance the chocolate richness.
• Mistake: Storing warm bars in an airtight container. Fix: Cool bars fully before storing to prevent condensation and a soggy topping.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always allow your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the perfect easy dessert for any occasion. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Thaw and drain them well to remove excess liquid, which prevents the filling from becoming too watery. This ensures your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars have the perfect texture.

How should I store Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars fresh and delicious.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like oats, are certified gluten-free. The crumb topping and base will still be wonderfully buttery and crisp.