Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and richness with these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars. Featuring a buttery, oat-infused crust, a layer of vibrant raspberry jam, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips, these bars offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The combination of tangy raspberry and smooth, decadent dark chocolate creates a treat that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. These crumble bars are incredibly easy to make and are the perfect snack for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea or sharing them with friends and family at a gathering. With their golden-brown crumb topping and gooey jam center, these bars will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination

The tangy raspberry jam paired with rich dark chocolate chips creates an irresistible contrast of flavors, making every bite a treat for your taste buds.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and a simple process, these crumble bars come together quickly. No complicated steps required!

3. Perfect for Sharing

Cut into squares or bars, they’re easy to share at parties, picnics, or family gatherings, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

4. Ideal Texture

The buttery oat crust and crumble topping provide a satisfying crunch, while the gooey raspberry jam and melty chocolate chips add a delightful softness in every bite.

5. Versatile and Customizable

While the dark chocolate and raspberry combo is divine, feel free to switch up the jam or chocolate to suit your tastes, creating endless variations!

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Rolled oats
Brown sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Raspberry jam
Dark chocolate chips

Variations

Use a Different Jam: If you’re not a fan of raspberry, you can easily swap it out for other fruit jams like strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot.
Add Nuts: For extra texture and crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the crumble mixture.
Switch to Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter chocolate flavor, feel free to substitute the dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted white chocolate or more dark chocolate over the top after baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and well-combined.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, firm crust layer.

Step 4: Add the Jam Layer

Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust. Be sure to cover it completely for a consistent layer of fruity goodness.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the raspberry jam layer. This will melt and mix beautifully with the jam while baking.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate chips, covering the jam layer.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the crumble bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will ensure the bars hold together better when sliced.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the Bars Cool Completely: To get clean cuts and prevent the bars from falling apart, let them cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Use Room Temperature Butter: If the butter is too hot when mixed in, it can melt the sugar too quickly, making the crust too soft. Make sure it’s melted but not boiling.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check the bars around the 25-minute mark to make sure they don’t overcook. The top should be golden brown.
Chill for Better Slicing: If you want perfect bars, refrigerate them for an hour before cutting. This helps the layers firm up and keeps them from falling apart.

How to Serve

These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk. They make a perfect snack, dessert, or sweet addition to any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you live in a warm climate, keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply pop the crumble bars in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes! You can swap the raspberry jam with any other fruit jam, such as strawberry, blackberry, or apricot.

2. Can I make these bars without oats?

You can, though the texture will change. Try adding more flour or using a gluten-free oat substitute.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste over the richer dark chocolate.

4. Can I add nuts to the crumble?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans will provide a lovely crunch to these bars.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger baking pan, like a 9×13 inch dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a little longer.

6. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these crumble bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

7. How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

8. Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Yes! You can use semi-sweet chocolate or even white chocolate chips if you prefer.

9. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbling around the edges.

10. How do I cut the bars without them falling apart?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For best results, refrigerate them to help them firm up.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, tart, and rich flavors. With a buttery oat crust, vibrant raspberry jam, and melty dark chocolate, these bars offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a special dessert, or a treat to bring to a gathering, these crumble bars will not disappoint. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for customizing to your tastes. Enjoy every sweet, indulgent bite!