If you have a soft spot for luscious, rich desserts that blend bold flavors and irresistible textures, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe. These bars showcase a perfectly buttery crust, a vibrant layer of tangy raspberry jam, and a decadent topping of smooth dark chocolate that sets firmly to create the ultimate treat. Each bite combines just the right balance of sweet, tart, and bitter, making it a dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your chocolate and berry cravings, this recipe will quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe right starts with simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the buttery base that holds everything together to the intense dark chocolate and vibrant raspberry jam, these ingredients combine in a way that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing, it creates a rich, tender crust with just the right texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that golden crust perfection.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors and enhance the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the buttery crust providing structure and crumb.
- Raspberry jam: Seedless is best here for a smooth, vibrant layer packed with tangy fruit flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate brings deep, sophisticated richness.
- Heavy cream: Mixed into the chocolate for a creamy, glossy finish on the top layer.
- Fresh raspberries (optional): Adds freshness and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pretty, delicate touch.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving a bit of parchment hanging over the edges makes it super easy to lift out the bars later without any cracks or mess.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth crust. Then add a pinch of salt and the all-purpose flour, mixing everything until it forms a crumbly dough. This balance of butter, sugar, and flour will create the ideal tender but sturdy base for your bars.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Prick the surface lightly with a fork to prevent any bubbles during baking. Pop it in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn just a lightly golden shade—this ensures a beautiful, rich flavor without losing that soft bite we want beneath the raspberry layer.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Jam Layer
Once the crust is baked, take it out and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. While it’s still slightly warm, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the surface. This warmth allows the jam to gently soak into the crust a bit, creating a perfect fruity foundation that’s not too runny or sticky.
Step 5: Create the Luxurious Dark Chocolate Topping
Time to bring on the indulgence! Melt your dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with the heavy cream either in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts or over a double boiler for smooth control. Stir until silky and glossy. This creamy chocolate mixture will set perfectly on top of the jam, creating a luxuriously rich layer that’s easy to slice through once chilled.
Step 6: Spread and Chill Until Set
Pour the melted chocolate over the jam and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then refrigerate the entire pan for at least two hours, giving the chocolate time to firm up beautifully. This cooling step is what transforms these bars from gooey indulgence into neat squares of pure joy that hold their shape perfectly.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. From here, the bars are ready to enjoy or dress up with a few finishing touches!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe shine, consider topping each bar with a few fresh raspberries that celebrate the fruity filling. A delicate dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely hint of sweetness and an elegant look that’s perfect for both casual snacks and special gatherings.
Side Dishes
These bars are delicious enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will elevate the experience. The creamy, cool sides complement the intense chocolate and tart raspberry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dessert platter, alternate your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars with fresh berries and sprigs of mint for color contrast and freshness. You can also serve them alongside a pot of mint tea or a rich cup of coffee, making them a perfect centerpiece for an afternoon treat with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and set, these bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled maintains the firm chocolate layer and preserves that fresh raspberry flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe on hand for longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their taste or texture.
Reheating
These bars are typically enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warmed, briefly microwave a bar for about 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the chocolate slightly and enhances the raspberry notes, but be careful not to overheat as the texture will change.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Fresh raspberries are wonderful, but for this recipe, jam is best because it spreads evenly and creates a stable layer that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Fresh raspberries may release too much juice and make it difficult for the bars to hold together.
What type of dark chocolate is ideal?
Go for a high-quality dark chocolate with around 60 to 70 percent cocoa content. This level gives you a rich, slightly bittersweet flavor that balances the sweet tartness of the raspberry jam perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend that works similarly in baking. Just be mindful that textures can vary slightly depending on the blend used.
Is it possible to use a different fruit jam?
Absolutely—though raspberry is classic, you can experiment with apricot, cherry, or even strawberry jam for a different flavor profile. Just choose a seedless jam for the smoothest texture.
How thick should I slice the bars?
These bars are quite rich, so slicing them into about 2-inch squares or rectangles works well to keep portions reasonable and enjoyable. But feel free to adjust the size based on your crowd or occasion.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this fantastic Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and indulge in this harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These bars are perfect for impressing guests, gifting, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable chocolate-berry experience. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy layer of raspberry jam and a rich, glossy topping of dark chocolate. Perfect as an indulgent dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and elegantly finished with optional fresh raspberries and powdered sugar.
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). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to help remove the bars easily after baking.
- Make the crust dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the salt and all-purpose flour, then mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the crumbly dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a fork to prick the crust all over to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust becomes lightly golden in color.
- Cool and add raspberry jam: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. While still warm, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust layer.
- Melt chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the dark chocolate and heavy cream together, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Pour and spread chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the raspberry jam layer, then spread it evenly using a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is fully set and firm.
- Slice and garnish: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles as desired. Optionally, garnish with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Using seedless raspberry jam enhances the texture of the bars by preventing seeds from interfering.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the heavy cream in the chocolate topping with full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Allow the bars to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if the chocolate is very hard from refrigeration.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
