Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are simple & delicious, featuring a buttery crust, sweet raspberry filling, and rich chocolate crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion, they come together quickly with minimal effort. If you enjoy raspberry and chocolate combinations, you might also love these White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies Recipe or the elegant Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Raspberry Swirl Recipe.

Ingredients

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars feature a buttery shortbread base, rich chocolate layers, and sweet-tart raspberry preserves that create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup raspberry preserves

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars come together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making them perfect for a quick yet impressive treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust and Topping

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining crumb mixture 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 — Par-Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. This partial baking prevents a soggy bottom layer.

Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the raspberry filling. The crust will continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 3 — Make the Raspberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool for 10 minutes—this prevents it from melting the chocolate layer too quickly.

Step 4 — Add the Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the par-baked crust. The residual heat will begin to melt the chocolate, creating a smooth base for the raspberry filling.

For extra chocolate flavor, use a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips. Spread the slightly melted chips with an offset spatula for an even layer.

Step 5 — Assemble the Bars

Carefully spread the cooled raspberry filling over the chocolate layer, leaving a small border around the edges. Use a spatula to create an even layer without disturbing the chocolate beneath.

Crumble the reserved topping mixture evenly over the raspberry layer. Don’t press down—the loose crumb texture creates the perfect contrast to the smooth filling.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the raspberry filling is bubbly around the edges. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

The Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are done when the crumb topping appears dry and crisp. A toothpick inserted into the crumb layer should come out clean.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Transfer the baking pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for clean slicing. The filling needs time to set properly.

For faster cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours after it reaches room temperature. This firms up the chocolate and makes cutting easier.

Step 8 — Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab of Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife.

For clean cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled—the flavors develop beautifully when allowed to rest.

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 some flour — Adds nutritional boost while maintaining structure with subtle vanilla notes.
• Almond flour for all-purpose flour — Creates gluten-free Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars with nutty flavor.
• Coconut oil instead of butter — Makes dairy-free bars with light tropical undertones.
• Monk fruit sweetener replacing sugar — Lowers carbohydrate content while keeping sweetness.
• Greek yogurt alternative to some fat — Increases protein while adding tangy contrast to chocolate.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts salt content without affecting rise.
• Chia seed jam for raspberry preserves — Lowers sugar with added fiber and omega-3s.
• Dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate — Increases antioxidants with richer, less sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert combination
• Serve alongside coffee or espresso for an elegant afternoon treat
• Bring to potlucks and picnics as they travel well and feed a crowd
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for visual appeal
• Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized party appetizers
• Accompany with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs for garnish

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are versatile enough for casual gatherings yet elegant enough for special occasions. Their rich chocolate base and tangy raspberry filling create a balanced flavor profile that pairs beautifully with various beverages and accompaniments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter for the crumb mixture. Fix: Use softened butter to create a proper sandy texture that holds together when pressed.
• Mistake: Overmixing the bottom crust layer. Fix: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough, dense base.
• Mistake: Spreading raspberry filling too close to the edges. Fix: Leave a ½-inch border to prevent burning and messy overflow.
• Mistake: Using runny jam instead of thick preserves. Fix: Opt for high-quality preserves with less liquid to maintain clean layers.
• Mistake: Underbaking the Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars. Fix: Bake until the top is golden and the center no longer jiggles for perfect set bars.
• Mistake: Cutting bars before completely cooled. Fix: Let cool fully to room temperature for clean, sharp slices.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper lining. Fix: Always line your pan with parchment for easy removal and intact bars.
• Mistake: Using chocolate chips that burn easily. Fix: Choose high-quality baking chocolate or chips with stable melting points.
• Mistake: Pressing the base layer too firmly. Fix: Gently press to create a firm but still tender crust foundation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm treat, reheat bars in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety if previously refrigerated or frozen.

Proper storage helps preserve the delicious texture and flavor of your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars, whether you enjoy them chilled, frozen, or warm.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy raspberry. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below. For more fruity desserts, check out our White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies Recipe or Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Yes, frozen raspberries work well. Thaw and drain them first to remove excess liquid, which prevents the bars from becoming soggy. This ensures your Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars have the perfect texture.

How should I store Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars can also be frozen for several months.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed. This simple swap lets everyone enjoy these delicious Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars.