Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the richness of dark chocolate with the tartness of raspberries.
• Features a buttery crust that holds up beautifully to the filling.
• Topped with a crumbly streusel for added texture and sweetness.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for any occasion—great for dessert tables or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

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

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

For the Filling:

1. Spread raspberry jam evenly over the cooled crust.
2. Sprinkle fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips on top.

For the Streusel Topping:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the raspberry and chocolate filling.

Baking:

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 12-16 bars.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the streusel topping for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and topping.
• Berry Swaps: Substitute the raspberries with blackberries or strawberries for a new flavor profile.
• Extra Chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

3. What can I use instead of raspberry jam?

You can substitute with strawberry or apricot jam for a different flavor.

4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture of the streusel may be slightly different.

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

Make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to maintain its structure.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

7. What type of dark chocolate works best?

Use semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips for a perfect balance of flavors.

8. Can I skip the streusel topping?

You can omit it, but the streusel adds a wonderful texture and sweetness.

9. How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.

10. Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, a larger pan will make thinner bars that bake faster.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. With a buttery crust, rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion!