Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars (Layered Chocolate Dessert Bars)

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

Chocolate and raspberry are one of those classic pairings that never lose their charm. In these chocolate raspberry crumb bars, rich chocolate meets bright, tangy fruit, all layered over a buttery shortbread-style crust and finished with a golden, nutty crumble. Every bite delivers contrast: soft and crisp, sweet and tart, smooth and crunchy.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its efficiency. One simple dough becomes both the crust and the crumble topping, while sweetened condensed milk creates a glossy chocolate layer without complicated techniques. The result is a bakery-style dessert that looks impressive yet remains completely approachable for home bakers.

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Why You’ll Love These Bars

• The raspberry preserves cut through the chocolate richness for perfect balance
• One dough mixture serves as both crust and topping
• Makes 24 bars, ideal for sharing or gatherings
• Distinct layers create visual appeal and texture contrast
• Simple ingredients with professional-looking results

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Ingredients

Crust & Crumble

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Chocolate Layer

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Toppings

• 1/2 to 2/3 cup seedless raspberry preserves
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. Make the Dough

Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and smooth. Add flour and salt, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed.

3. Form the Crust

Set aside about 2/3 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact, uniform layer.

4. Pre-Bake

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn lightly golden. This step prevents a soggy base once the chocolate layer is added.

5. Prepare the Crumble

Mix chopped nuts into the reserved dough, breaking up any large clumps to create a variety of crumb sizes for better texture.

6. Melt the Chocolate

Combine the condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, until smooth and glossy.

7. Assemble the Layers

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the hot crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the nut crumble over the chocolate, then drop spoonfuls of raspberry preserves across the surface. Finish with a scattering of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

8. Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 minutes, until the topping is set and lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out and slicing.

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Helpful Baking Tips

• Pre-baking the crust ensures clean layers and a firm base
• If preserves are thick, thin with a tablespoon of water for easier spreading
• Let bars cool fully before cutting for sharp, defined layers
• Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for best presentation

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Storage & Make-Ahead

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze individual bars for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For guidance on melting chocolate smoothly, this article from King Arthur Baking explains best practices.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Difficulty: Intermediate

These chocolate raspberry crumb bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. Rich chocolate, bright fruit, and buttery crumble come together in a dessert that feels timeless, satisfying, and worth making again and again.