Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the tanginess of raspberries.
• Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent homemade treat.
• Versatile recipe with options for customization.
• A great make-ahead dessert that stores beautifully.

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

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Filling:
   • Spread the seedless 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 bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the raspberry and chocolate filling.
4. Bake the Bars:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars, depending on cut size.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Swap: Replace raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch.
• White Chocolate Option: Substitute dark chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and oats to make this dessert suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
• Sugar-Free: Opt for sugar-free raspberry jam and dark chocolate chips to reduce the sugar content.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Do not thaw them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.

2. What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Dark chocolate is ideal for its rich flavor, but milk or white chocolate can also be used.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

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

Ensure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the filling.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

6. What can I substitute for oats in the streusel?

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

7. Is it necessary to line the baking pan with parchment paper?

While not required, parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.

8. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added sugar slightly to balance the flavor.

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

The topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly at the edges.

10. Can I serve these warm?

Yes, but for cleaner slices, let them cool completely before cutting.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, tangy fruit, and a buttery crumb topping. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging at home, this versatile recipe is sure to impress. With easy preparation and customizable options, these bars are destined to become a household favorite!