Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the crumbly topping and a luscious layer of raspberry jam that pairs beautifully with rich dark chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this recipe and make something truly special!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe for Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars is not only straightforward but also yields consistently delicious results. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, these bars are an indulgent treat that everyone will love. The combination of dark chocolate and raspberry jam creates a harmonious flavor profile, while the crumbly topping adds a delightful crunch. Once you try making these bars, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
What to Buy
To make the Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (156g) all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the crumb mixture.
- ¾ cup (110g) brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 3 tablespoons (20g) dark or Dutch process cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 10 tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – Provides richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Complements the raspberry beautifully.
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats – Adds texture to the topping.
- ¾ cup (160g) raspberry jam – The star of the show!
- 1.5 oz (45g) dark chocolate, coarsely chopped – For that delicious chocolatey goodness.
- ½ teaspoon coarse flake salt, such as Maldon – A finishing touch that elevates the flavors.
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- 9×9-inch baking pan – The perfect size for these bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars.
- Rubber spatula – For mixing and spreading the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking.
- Oven mitts – Safety first, especially when handling hot pans!
Directions: Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, fine sea salt, and baking powder. Mix well. Add the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s packed tightly to form a solid crust.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Dark Chocolate
Evenly distribute the chopped dark chocolate over the raspberry layer, ensuring every bite has a touch of chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the dark chocolate. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; the rustic look adds to the charm!
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is set and the edges are slightly golden. The bars should be fragrant and irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have specific dietary needs, try these substitutes:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Baking can be tricky, but here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
- Dry Crumb Bars: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter won’t mix well and can lead to dry bars.
- Crust Not Holding Together: Make sure to pack the crust tightly in the pan. This helps it hold its shape when baked.
- Jam Leaking Out: If your jam is too runny, consider using a thicker variety or reducing it slightly on the stove.
- Overbaking: Watch the bars closely in the last few minutes. They should be set but not overly dry.
Save It for Later
These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep or future snacks. Here are some storage tips:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
- To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
While fresh raspberries can be used, they will not provide the same sweetness and gooeyness as raspberry jam. If opting for fresh, consider adding a bit of sugar and cooking them down into a sauce first.
What can I substitute for oats?
You can use finely chopped nuts, seeds, or even a different type of flour to replace the oats, though this will change the texture of the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a set top that is slightly golden and feels firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts to the crumb mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the dry ingredients slightly to maintain the right texture.
If you love these Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars, you might also enjoy these healthy-ish treats:
Let’s Eat
These Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are not just a dessert; they are an experience. They bring together the warmth of home baking with the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. Once you’ve made them, you’ll find yourself revisiting this recipe time and time again. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create something delicious!
Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, fine sea salt, and baking powder. Mix well. Add the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s packed tightly to form a solid crust.
- Step 4: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 5: Evenly distribute the chopped dark chocolate over the raspberry layer, ensuring every bite has a touch of chocolatey goodness.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the dark chocolate. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; the rustic look adds to the charm!
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is set and the edges are slightly golden. The bars should be fragrant and irresistible.
- Step 8: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for freezing.
