If your taste buds are craving the perfect marriage of rich indulgence and fruity brightness, then this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars combine a tender, buttery crust with luscious raspberry jam and intense dark chocolate, creating layers of flavor and texture that feel like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the soft butter that creates a luscious crumb, to the jam that bursts with vibrant raspberry flavor. These essentials come together to build a dessert that is perfectly balanced in sweetness, texture, and color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and the base for a tender dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Offers sweetness and helps create a light texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall taste with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds structure and contributes to the shortbread-like texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- 1 cup seedless raspberry jam: Brings a fruity, fresh burst in every bite without seeds interfering.
- 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Delivers rich, bittersweet notes that complement the jam beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional): Adds pleasant crunch and a nutty twist to the bars.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it super easy to lift the bars out after baking without any mess.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and practically glowing. This is the foundation for a soft, tender base, so take your time here to get it just right.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a sweet aroma. Then add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 4: Press Dough and Add Jam
Reserve about one-third of the dough and press the remaining two-thirds evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This creates a sturdy yet tender foundation for the raspberry jam layer. Carefully spread the jam over this crust in an even layer — no skimping here, we want that fruity goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate and Remaining Dough
Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips generously over the jam, letting their richness mingle with the tartness below. Then crumble the reserved dough over the chocolate layer. If you’re opting in, scatter the sliced almonds or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and extra texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful, light golden color and the chocolate is melted and glistening. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking — moist and tender bars are the goal here!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before you try to remove or slice them. This step is key for neat, clean pieces that hold their shape and let every ingredient shine.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top before serving. Fresh raspberries and a small dollop of whipped cream make for beautiful, tasty accents that highlight the bars’ fruity and chocolaty flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy sides balance the dark chocolate’s richness and add a cool contrast to the warm, tender bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe squares into smaller bite-sized pieces for a party platter. Layering them with fresh raspberry slices or drizzling melted white chocolate over the top makes an elegant dessert centerpiece that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To prolong freshness, refrigerate them, and they’ll last up to a week without losing their delectable texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, freeze the bars in a sealed container with parchment layers between them to prevent sticking. Frozen Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe treats last up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
For a warm, melty experience, gently reheat the bars in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate can scorch and the pastry can dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic here, strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jams make delicious alternatives that bring their own unique twist to the bars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The current recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, with some tinkering using gluten-free flour blends, you can create a version suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
Can I substitute the nuts or omit them?
Yes, nuts are optional. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply skip them — your bars will still be incredible and perfect for nut-free diets.
Is it better to use dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate?
Both work wonderfully! Chopped dark chocolate tends to melt more evenly and create pockets of luscious gooeyness, but chips offer convenience and consistent size.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
For neat slices, refrigerate the bars for an hour or so before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the layers looking distinct and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the magic of biting into these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe gems that balance sweetness and tartness in every crumb. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a little solo treat, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and delighted taste buds. I cannot wait for you to make this one your signature dessert—trust me, it’s destined to be a favorite!
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars, featuring a tender shortbread base layered with sweet raspberry jam and topped with melty dark chocolate and crunchy nuts. Perfect as a decadent dessert or an indulgent snack, these bars combine fruity tartness with deep chocolate flavor for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Base & Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Garnish
- 1 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift out the bars after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then add flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness in the bars.
- Form Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even crust.
- Layer Jam and Chocolate: Spread the seedless raspberry jam evenly over the dough base in a smooth layer. Then sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly across the jam layer.
- Add Topping: Crumble the remaining one-third of dough evenly over the chocolate and jam. If using, sprinkle the sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and the chocolate has melted.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift out the bars and slice them into 16 even pieces for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry jam with other berry jams like strawberry or blackberry for a different fruit flavor.
- For cleaner, neater slices, refrigerate the bars before cutting.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
