Hello lovely bakers! I’m Meriem, your pastry-loving recipe developer and baking cheerleader-and today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorites: 🍇🍫 Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars!
These bars are a dreamy blend of textures: crisp and buttery on the outside, soft and jammy on the inside, with melty dark chocolate in every bite. They remind me of the first time I brought these to a brunch gathering and every guest asked for the recipe (yes, even the ones who “don’t eat sweets”!).
If you’ve adored my Berry Oat Breakfast Bars or my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, this one will fit right into your dessert-loving soul.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍫 Decadent but easy – Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
- 🧈 Buttery crumb base & topping – Golden and crisp with just the right chew.
- 🍇 Sweet & tart combo – Raspberry and chocolate = ultimate pairing.
- 🍪 Perfect for sharing – Cut into 12 bars, ideal for gifting or parties.
- 💡 Customizable – Easily swap preserves or chocolate types.
What You’ll Need
- 🌾 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g) – The base of the crumb, creating structure. Sub with gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed or half whole wheat flour (may be denser).
- 🥣 ½ cup rolled oats (45g) – Adds texture and nuttiness. Use quick oats for a finer crumb.
- 🍬 ½ cup granulated sugar (100g) – Sweetens the base and topping. Coconut sugar works as a natural substitute.
- 🧈 ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), chilled and cubed – Key for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Vegan butter or coconut oil works in a pinch.
- 🧂 ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 🍫 1 cup dark chocolate chips (175g) – Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if preferred. For dairy-free, choose vegan chocolate chips.
- 🍇 1 cup raspberry preserves (300g) – The gooey, fruity center. Can be swapped with strawberry, blackberry, or apricot jam.
- 🥄 ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth. Optional but lovely.
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 small)
- ✅ Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter)
- ✅ 8×8-inch baking pan
- ✅ Parchment paper
- ✅ Spatula or offset knife
- 🧁 Optional: Cooling rack for faster setting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Line
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
💡 Meriem’s tip: Lightly butter the pan before adding parchment to help it stick flat.
Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, ½ cup oats, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. Cut in ¾ cup chilled butter and ½ tsp vanilla extract using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t overwork the butter-chunks mean flakier texture!
Create the Base
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to create a solid crust.
Add Filling
Spread 1 cup raspberry preserves evenly across the base. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips over the preserves.
🍫 Optional upgrade: Add chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts with the chocolate!
Top & Bake
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is bubbling slightly.
Cool & Slice
Let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Remove using parchment overhang and slice into 12 even bars.
💡 Chill in fridge for cleaner cuts if gifting or packing.
Topping Suggestions
Want to fancy up your bars for parties or gifting? Try these:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with white chocolate
- Add crushed freeze-dried raspberries
- Top with shaved dark chocolate
- Garnish with fresh mint
- Add edible rose petals for elegance
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for 1 week chilled.
Freezing:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Enjoy at room temperature or warm for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
What to Serve With
These bars are perfect with:
- Hot coffee or cappuccino ☕
- Vanilla bean ice cream 🍨
- Whipped cream and fresh raspberries 🍓
- Dark chocolate mocha 🍫
- Chamomile tea or mint tea 🍵
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of preserves?
Yes! Blend 1 cup frozen raspberries with ¼ cup sugar and simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Cool before using.
How do I prevent the crumb bars from crumbling when cut?
Chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts. Ensure the base is firmly packed.
Can I make gluten-free crumb bars?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. Check preserves and chocolate for gluten content.
Can I make vegan crumb bars?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter and use vegan chocolate chips. Ensure preserves are vegan-friendly, aligning with your vegan tweaks.
Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter and vanilla extract using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
- Spread raspberry preserves evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly across the raspberry layer.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top to create a crumbly layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
These 🍇🍫 Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for when you’re craving something rich, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re baking for yourself or someone you love, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
Already in love with berry and chocolate treats? Try my Triple Berry Muffins or Dark Chocolate Almond Cookies next. 💕
✨ Give this recipe a try, pair it with your favorite tea, and don’t forget to tag your photos or comment below with your twist!
