Oh friend, you are in for a treat. Imagine this: a buttery, slightly crumbly shortbread base, layered with deep, rich dark chocolate, and topped off with bursts of juicy raspberries that practically melt in your mouth. These bars are the kind of dessert that make people close their eyes after the first bite and go, “Oh wow.” They’re elegant enough to bring to a gathering but simple enough to make on a lazy Sunday when you just need a little chocolate therapy.
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There’s something magical about the combo of dark chocolate and tart raspberries—it’s that balance of rich and bright, sweet and tangy. And the texture? Oh, don’t even get me started. Silky chocolate meets jammy berries meets crisp buttery base. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s a game-changer.
So let’s talk about why these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars need to be the next thing you bake.
Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Versatile: These bars are great for casual treats, holiday dessert tables, or as a “just because” snack. Serve them chilled on a warm day or slightly warm for a gooey chocolate moment—either way, they shine.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make something impressive. Just a few basics and you’re on your way to a bakery-worthy treat that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques or fussy steps—just simple layering and baking. It’s perfect even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
Customizable: Prefer milk chocolate or want to use a berry jam instead of fresh raspberries? Go for it! These bars are super forgiving and easy to tailor to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: These bars always disappear first at parties. Kids love the chocolate, adults love the fruitiness—it’s a win-win.
Ingredients in Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Butter: This is the foundation of that irresistibly crumbly shortbread crust. Go with unsalted so you can control the salt later.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps give structure to the crust and creates that perfect bite.
Sugar: Sweetens the base and balances the richness of the chocolate.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a cozy depth of flavor to the crust—just a little touch makes a big difference.
Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate: The real star. Choose a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor payoff.
Fresh Raspberries: Bursting with tart-sweet flavor, they balance the richness of the chocolate beautifully. Frozen can work too—just don’t thaw them first!
Salt: A pinch goes a long way to enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour until you get a crumbly dough. It should come together when pressed but still have that sandy texture.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well. This helps with easy removal after baking.
Assemble the Dish: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden. Then remove and sprinkle the dark chocolate evenly over the hot crust.
Cook to Perfection: Let the chocolate sit for a couple minutes so it melts, then use a spatula to spread it out. Gently press raspberries into the melted chocolate.
Finishing Touches: Bake again for 10 minutes—just enough to warm the berries and set everything. Let cool completely before slicing. Trust me, this part is hard, but so worth it.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into bars and serve! They’re fantastic chilled straight from the fridge or at room temp for extra gooeyness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 280 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
These bars are delicious all on their own, but here are a few ways to level up your dessert game:
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of vanilla whipped cream or a scoop of raspberry sorbet takes it to dessert heaven.
Warm with Coffee or Tea: Serve slightly warmed with a cozy cup of your favorite drink for the ultimate afternoon break.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Add a light sprinkle before serving for a touch of elegance.
Garnished with Mint: A sprig of fresh mint on each bar adds color and a refreshing note.
As Gifts: Wrap them individually in parchment and twine—so cute and so appreciated!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can make the shortbread crust a day early and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
Go Vegan: Sub in plant-based butter and use a vegan-friendly chocolate to make this a dairy-free delight.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re also freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
Crust Variations: Add ground almonds or oats to the crust for a nutty twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A1: Definitely! It will make the bars sweeter and creamier. Just go with your chocolate preference.
Q2: Can I use raspberry jam instead of fresh berries?
A2: Yes, swirl a few tablespoons of raspberry jam over the melted chocolate before baking the second time.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking times slightly—keep an eye on the edges for doneness.
Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Yep! Once cooled and sliced, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp.
Q5: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
A5: Make sure the crust is fully baked before adding the chocolate layer. It should be lightly golden and set.
Q6: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A6: Yes, use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Thawed berries can release too much juice.
Q7: What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
A7: Chill the bars first and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Q8: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A8: Totally! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious crunchy addition.
Q9: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
A9: You can skip it or sub in almond extract for a fun twist.
Q10: Can I make these bars sugar-free?
A10: Yes—try a sugar substitute that’s suitable for baking, and opt for sugar-free chocolate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a dessert that feels both indulgent and homey, and these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars hit that sweet spot. They’re simple to make, but the flavor? Oh, it’s next level. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself (because you deserve it), this recipe brings all the feel-good vibes.
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bars are rich dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a fudgy dark chocolate layer, juicy fresh raspberries, and a crumbly topping. A decadent yet easy treat perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- With an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add brown sugar, flour, and salt; mix until crumbly.
- Press 1 ¾ cups of the butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, reserving the rest for topping.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until slightly browned.
- Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes until melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle remaining butter mixture over the chocolate layer, then add raspberries on top. Optionally, sprinkle with additional chocolate chips.
- Bake for another 20–30 minutes. Remove from oven before chocolate chips melt completely.
Notes
- Use fresh raspberries for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overbake; remove when topping is golden and chocolate chips are still slightly intact.
- Bars firm up as they cool, so allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg