If you are searching for an irresistible treat that perfectly balances rich, velvety chocolate with the bright, luscious pop of berries, then this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a vibrant layer of raspberry jam, all topped off with a glossy melted dark chocolate finish. Every bite bursts with the tangy sweetness of raspberries cut through by deep, satisfying chocolate – making these bars a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, turning ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary dessert.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the crust, so make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust while helping achieve the ideal golden color after baking.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing sweetness and intensifying the chocolate’s depth.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, providing structure and a satisfying bite.
- Raspberry jam: Use seedless for smoothness; it delivers the fruity zing that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: The star topping that melts into a glossy, decadent layer.
- Heavy cream: Mixed with the chocolate for that silky, spreadable texture.
- Optional garnishes – fresh raspberries and powdered sugar: Add freshness and a touch of elegance to your bars.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out once they’re set, so no crumbling or mess when slicing.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy – this airiness is what will give your crust a tender but sturdy texture. Then add the salt and all-purpose flour and mix until the dough looks crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Evenly press the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s firmly packed. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent unwanted bubbling during baking. Pop it into the oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until it develops a delicate golden hue. This warm crust is the perfect base for your raspberry layer to shine on.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam Layer
Once the crust is out of the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes, just enough so the jam won’t slide around but the crust is still warm to help the jam set smoothly. Spread the seedless raspberry jam in an even layer on top, making sure every corner is covered for a consistent burst of berry flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Topping
Gently melt the dark chocolate with the heavy cream until it’s smooth and shiny – you can do this either in a microwave with short bursts or on the stovetop over a double boiler for better control. Stir thoroughly to combine and create that glossy finish that you’ll pour over the jam.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Pour the heavenly melted chocolate over the raspberry jam and spread it evenly using a spatula. This luscious layer seals in the jam and creates that irresistibly decadent top. Refrigerate for at least two hours or until the chocolate has fully set, giving you bars that cut cleanly and look as good as they taste.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using the parchment overhang, carefully lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into your favorite size squares or rectangles and get creative with optional garnishes like fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a fresh and delicate touch.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh raspberries not only enhances the berry flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color that makes these bars look extra special. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming snow-kissed effect, perfect for more festive occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet to balance the richness of the dark chocolate, or serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea that complements the fruity and chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering, or cut them into bite-sized squares and place them on elegant dessert picks for parties. Layering them with whipped cream or mascarpone can transform the bars into a sophisticated parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these delicious dark chocolate raspberry bars, keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge to preserve the layers’ integrity.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to appreciate their fudgy chocolate texture and jam layer. If you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave will soften the chocolate just a touch without losing their shape.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Fresh raspberries are delightful, but because they contain more moisture, they might make the crust soggy. The jam provides a thicker, more stable layer that helps keep the bars intact. However, you can add fresh raspberries as a garnish for added freshness and texture.
What if I only have milk chocolate?
Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier flavor, but it won’t have the same depth as dark chocolate. Feel free to substitute it, but consider reducing the added sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for 1:1 substitution. This often works well, but results may vary slightly in texture, so handle the dough gently.
How thick should I slice the bars?
For perfect balance, slice the bars about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. This size ensures you get all three layers in each bite without being too overwhelming or too crumbly.
Is it necessary to add heavy cream to the chocolate?
The heavy cream adds smoothness and shine to the melted chocolate, making it easier to spread and giving the topping a rich, fudgy texture. While optional, it really helps achieve that perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures coming together in one delightful treat. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe promises to bring smiles and moments of pure indulgence. Don’t wait to try it out and share the joy of these decadent bars!
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Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy raspberry jam layer and a rich dark chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, featuring a luscious blend of fruit and chocolate that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 3/4 cup raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the salt and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a crumbly dough forms.
- Form the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.
- Cool and Add Raspberry Jam: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. While still warm, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate with the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and glossy, stirring well to combine.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the raspberry jam layer and spread it smoothly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is fully set.
- Slice and Garnish: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and optionally garnish with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use seedless raspberry jam for a smoother texture that spreads easily over the crust.
- Melt chocolate gently to avoid burning; use short bursts in the microwave or a low simmer in a double boiler.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly to ensure clean cutting and crisp layers.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crust mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
