Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the rich sweetness of dark chocolate with the tart brightness of raspberries.
• Perfectly layered for a stunning presentation.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Great for parties, dessert tables, or as a gift for loved ones.

Ingredients

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

For the Buttery Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Berry-Chocolate Layer:

• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • In a bowl, combine flour and sugar for the buttery base. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Add the Berry-Chocolate Layer:
   • Spread raspberry jam evenly over the cooled crust.
   • Sprinkle fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips over the jam layer.
3. Make the Streusel Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
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 has slightly melted.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 bars.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Berry Swap: Use strawberry or blackberry jam for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Twist: Replace dark chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate.
• Nutty Addition: Add ¼ cup chopped almonds or pecans to the streusel for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey chocolate experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture.

2. What can I use if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the streusel?

A fork or your fingers work well for cutting the butter into the dry ingredients.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

4. Is there a substitute for oats in the streusel?

You can use chopped nuts or additional flour instead of oats.

5. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, but it may alter the sweetness balance. Start by reducing sugar in the crust or streusel.

6. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is baked and cooled completely before adding the jam layer.

7. Can I use white chocolate chips?

Yes, white chocolate chips pair beautifully with raspberries.

8. What type of dark chocolate works best?

Choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor.

9. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substitute vegan butter and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

10. How do I cut clean, even bars?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator before slicing with a sharp knife for clean edges.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, tart, and chocolatey goodness. With their easy preparation and stunning layers, these bars are a hit at gatherings and make a delightful treat anytime. Try them today and share the joy!