Name: Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup raspberry jam; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a perfect combination of buttery, crumbly layers, rich chocolate, and the sweet burst of raspberry jam. Each bite is a deliciously indulgent treat, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of tea or as an after-dinner delight, they’re sure to impress everyone!

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup raspberry jam

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Next, I add the cold cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. I use a pastry cutter or my hands to blend everything together until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

I press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the bottom layer.

I spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crumb base.

I then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the raspberry layer.

Finally, I top it all off with the remaining crumb mixture, pressing it lightly into the chocolate and raspberry layers.

I bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Fruit Jam: I can easily swap the raspberry jam for any other fruit jam I like, such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot, for a different flavor profile.

Nuts: For added texture, I might include chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds in the crumb mixture. This will give the bars an extra crunch.

Dark Chocolate: If I prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, I can use dark chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet ones.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I can refrigerate them for up to a week. When ready to eat, I simply bring them back to room temperature or heat them for a few seconds in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, I can easily make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze these chocolate raspberry crumb bars?

Absolutely! I can freeze them by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy them, I simply thaw them at room temperature.

What can I substitute for the butter in this recipe?

If I want to make these bars dairy-free or vegan, I can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The flavor might slightly differ, but the texture will remain similar.

How can I make the crust more buttery?

If I prefer a more buttery crust, I can increase the amount of butter by a couple of tablespoons. This will make the crumb mixture richer and more decadent.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?

While fresh raspberries can be used, I find that raspberry jam provides a more consistent sweetness and helps bind the layers together. If I prefer to use fresh raspberries, I might want to cook them down with a little sugar to create a jam-like consistency.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are a delicious treat that combines buttery crumbs, chocolate, and raspberry for an indulgent dessert. Whether I’m looking for a quick bake to share with friends or a comforting dessert for myself, this recipe always hits the spot. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, I’m sure these bars will become a favorite in my baking rotation!

Recipe:

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or hands to blend everything until crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the bottom layer.
Spread raspberry jam evenly over the crumb base.
Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the raspberry layer.
Top with the remaining crumb mixture, pressing lightly into the chocolate and raspberry layers.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.