Prepare to be captivated by these extraordinary Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars! With a delightful foundation of buttery shortbread, a luscious layer of rich fudge, vibrant swirls of sweet-tart raspberry jam, a crunchy crumb topping, and generous sprinkles of chocolate chips, these bars are an exquisite treat that promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. They are truly out of the ordinary, elevated with the irresistible pairing of chocolate and raspberry, and surprisingly simple to create, making them a perfect addition to any dessert spread.
There’s something inherently comforting and utterly luxurious about a perfectly crafted bar cookie. But these aren’t just any bar cookies; these are the Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars – a dessert so magnificent, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Imagine the rich, deep notes of chocolate harmoniously blending with the bright, tangy burst of fresh raspberries, all held together by a tender, crumbly crust and topped with an irresistible streusel. This recipe transcends the typical, offering an experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Indulge in the Layers: Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
My culinary journey often leads me to discover new inspirations, and hosting my book club this week provided the perfect excuse to delve into fresh recipes. Naturally, my friend Danielle’s blog, Hugs & Cookies XOXO, is always my first stop for sweet inspiration. Her Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars immediately caught my eye, promising a divine dessert that was not only visually appealing but also practical. The ability to prepare them a few days in advance meant less stress and more enjoyment, making them an amazing candidate for my buffet of goodies.
These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a masterclass in textural contrast and flavor balance. From the first bite, you’ll encounter the buttery snap of the shortbread crust, which gives way to a smooth, decadent fudge. Then, a vibrant burst of raspberry jam awakens your palate, perfectly complemented by the crunchy, golden crumb topping and the delightful melt of scattered chocolate chips. This thoughtful layering creates an exquisite bar cookie that truly stands out, offering a marvelous interplay of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
Unveiling the Magic: A Deep Dive into Each Layer
The secret to the unparalleled success of these Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars lies in the meticulous balance and execution of each individual layer. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to a harmonious and unforgettable dessert experience.
The Buttery Shortbread Crust: The Foundation of Flavor
Every great bar cookie begins with an exceptional crust, and our Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are no exception. The shortbread crust provides a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet foundation that perfectly supports the decadent layers above. Made with simple ingredients – butter, brown sugar, flour, and a hint of salt – it bakes to a beautiful golden brown, offering a tender yet firm base that doesn’t crumble apart when sliced. This crust is the unsung hero, providing a comforting, familiar taste that anchors the more vibrant flavors.
The Decadent Chocolate Fudge Filling: Pure Indulgence
Nestled atop the shortbread is a luscious, dreamy chocolate fudge layer. This isn’t just any chocolate; it’s a rich blend of bittersweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, cooked to a smooth, velvety perfection. The fudge provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. Its creamy texture creates a wonderful contrast to the crumbly crust, melting delicately in your mouth and setting the stage for the fruity tartness to come.
Vibrant Raspberry Jam Swirls: A Burst of Freshness
To cut through the richness of the chocolate fudge, generous dollops of raspberry preserves are artfully placed across the surface. The bright, tangy notes of the raspberry jam are a revelation, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate. These vibrant swirls not only add an incredible fruity flavor but also introduce a beautiful visual element, making each bar a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The slight tartness of the raspberry elevates the entire dessert, ensuring it’s never overly sweet.
The Irresistible Crumb Topping and Chocolate Chip Delight
Finally, the bars are crowned with a delightful crumb topping, made from the same buttery mixture as the crust, often enhanced with chopped pecans for an extra nutty crunch. This streusel-like topping bakes to a crisp, golden perfection, providing an irresistible textural contrast to the smooth fudge and soft jam. To complete the masterpiece, a generous sprinkling of semi-sweet chocolate chips is added. As they bake, these chips melt slightly, creating little pockets of molten chocolate that further enhance the bar’s overall decadence and visual appeal.
Mastering the Art of Cutting These Exquisite Bars
While the creation of these Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars is remarkably straightforward, the grand finale — cutting them into perfect squares — can present a unique challenge. The generous sprinkling of chocolate chips, combined with the crumbly topping, can sometimes make clean cuts elusive. My husband, ever the supportive taste-tester, was more than happy to “sample” any chips that ventured off the cutting board!
My usual strategy for achieving neat, clean pieces of brownies and bar cookies is to chill them thoroughly. However, with these bars, super-cold chocolate chips can be quite stubborn and difficult to cut through cleanly. The key is finding the right balance. Instead of chilling them until rock hard, allow them to cool completely at room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes – just enough to firm up the fudge and jam without solidifying the chocolate chips too much. For the cleanest cuts, use a large, sharp knife, warming it slightly under hot water and wiping it dry between each cut. This simple trick helps the blade glide through the layers without dragging or crumbling. But honestly, no matter how you slice ’em, I think you’ll fall head over heels for these scrumptious chocolate raspberry crumb bars.
If you’re still looking for more detailed tips on achieving bakery-worthy cuts, don’t hesitate to check out my comprehensive post on How to Cut the Perfect Cookie Bars! It’s packed with strategies to ensure every piece is photo-ready.
A Sweet Friendship: Two Sweetie Pies for March
On the second Monday of each month, my dear friend Danielle and I engage in a delightful culinary exchange, where we each select and prepare a recipe from the other’s blog. This “Two Sweetie Pies” tradition is one of my favorites, and every treat I’ve ever pulled from Danielle’s blog has been a showstopper. I never have to worry whether my family and friends will enjoy it; we always do! These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are yet another testament to her impeccable taste and skill, and I’m so grateful for another hit recipe. Thanks, Danielle, for consistently delivering such wonderful inspiration! xoxo
I wholeheartedly encourage you to see which of my recipes Danielle is featuring today! And while you’re there, be sure to explore Danielle’s social media sites and the original post that inspired these fabulous bars:
- Hugs & Cookies XOXO
Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
30 minutes
42 minutes
1 hour 12 minutes
24 bars
Shortbread, fudge, jam and a layer of crumbs makes for an out of this world bar cookie!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press 1 ¾ cups of the crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Stir the chopped pecans into the remaining crumb mixture. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Carefully pour the warm chocolate fudge mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly across the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture (with pecans) over the chocolate fudge. Drop teaspoonfuls of raspberry preserves randomly over the crumb topping, then finish by sprinkling with the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the bars are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out by the foil overhang and cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill the cooled bars for 30-60 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Adapted from Mom on TimeOut Via Hugs and Cookies XOXO. For best results, use high-quality chocolate chips and real butter. You can substitute other berry jams like strawberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1 bar
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 302Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 23gProtein: 4g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
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Bringing Joy to Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated book club, planning a casual gathering, or simply craving a delightful homemade treat, these Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are an impeccable choice. Their ability to be made ahead of time makes them a stress-free option for busy schedules, and their stunning presentation ensures they’ll be the star of any dessert table. The balance of sweet and tart, rich and crumbly, makes them universally appealing and incredibly satisfying.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that culminates in truly unforgettable Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of baking. Enjoy every marvelous bite!