If you have a soft spot for rich, luscious desserts that effortlessly combine the indulgence of chocolate with the bright, tangy burst of berries, then this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars offer the perfect harmony of a tender cocoa crust, gooey raspberry preserves, and melty dark chocolate, all layered with a delightful crunch from optional nuts. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars bring homemade charm and vibrant flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible bars. Each component plays a special role, building the flavors, textures, and colors that make this recipe truly memorable.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The sturdy foundation that gives the bars their tender crumb and structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Adds rich chocolate depth and a beautiful dark hue.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Provides a luscious richness and keeps the bars moist.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Sweeps in the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart raspberries.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Offers a warm, fragrant note that ties the flavors together.
- Raspberry preserves or jam (¾ cup): Bursts with tangy fruitiness—this is what makes these bars stand out.
- Dark chocolate chips (¾ cup): Melts into pockets of intense chocolate flavor that you’ll adore.
- Chopped almonds or walnuts (¼ cup, optional): Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor, elevating each bite.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—that makes it a breeze to lift the bars out later without any mess.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This dry blend will bring the perfect chocolatey base with just a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that lovely aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It will be a bit crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Press about three-quarters of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Getting an even layer will ensure your bars bake uniformly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 12 minutes—it’ll come out lightly firm and fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Raspberry and Chocolate Layers
Once you’ve removed the base from the oven, spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the warm crust while it’s still soft enough to absorb some of that fruity goodness. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips generously over the top. The combination of melting chocolate and tart jam will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Dough and Nuts
Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped almonds or walnuts on top now. This finishing touch adds texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and raspberries.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and has a slight crispness to it. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—that waiting is the hardest part but so worth it!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To truly impress and enhance the flavors, consider dusting the bars lightly with powdered sugar or topping them with a few fresh raspberries right before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also add a luxurious touch.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry salad for a complete dessert experience. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk will perfectly balance the richness too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with alternating fresh raspberry halves and mint leaves. For parties, stack them in pretty tins or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a lovely homemade gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist while maintaining that desired texture. If you want them to last longer, storing them in the fridge extends freshness for up to one week without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Reheating
If you prefer your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This will soften the chocolate and bring out the raspberry aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
Fresh raspberries are delicious but contain more moisture, which might make the bars less set. If you prefer fresh fruit, consider cooking them down into a jam before using or mixing them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Can I swap the nuts or omit them?
Yes, the chopped nuts are optional and can be omitted entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. You can also experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for varied flavor profiles.
What type of dark chocolate chips work best?
Choose a good quality dark chocolate chip with a cocoa content between 60% to 70% for a nicely balanced bittersweet taste. Higher cocoa percentages might be too bitter for some palates, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking times—it might take a little longer to bake fully, so test with a toothpick to make sure it’s done.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making homemade treats like these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe that delight everyone who tastes them. The interplay between rich chocolate, vibrant raspberry, and tender crumb creates a dessert that feels both special and comfortingly familiar. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and whip up a batch to brighten up your day or impress your loved ones!
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars combine a rich, cocoa-flavored crust with sweet-tart raspberry preserves and melty dark chocolate chips, crowned with optional crunchy nuts. Perfect as a decadent dessert or a delightful snack, these bars offer a balanced blend of fruity, chocolaty, and nutty flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fillings and Toppings
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves or jam
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang to easily lift out the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined, ensuring the cocoa powder is well incorporated.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until a soft, chocolatey dough forms without overmixing.
- Form the Base: Press about three-quarters of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten it nicely.
- Initial Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to set it slightly before adding the fillings.
- Add Raspberry and Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the warm crust. Then sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly on top of the preserves.
- Top with Remaining Dough and Nuts: Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer, distributing it evenly. If using, sprinkle the chopped almonds or walnuts over the top for added crunch.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes or until the top is set, slightly crisp, and golden at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week; let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- These bars freeze well as well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
- Chopped nuts are optional, but they add wonderful crunch and flavor contrast.
