Chocolate Raspberry Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining rich chocolate, sweet raspberry jam, and creamy layers into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something decadent, these bars deliver big on flavor and visual appeal. They come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, yet the result is a bakery-quality dessert perfect for sharing or gifting. If you love the contrast of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in luscious textures, you’re going to fall hard for this chocolate raspberry bar recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Raspberry Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Raspberry Bars are a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The buttery crust lays the perfect foundation for a tangy raspberry jam layer, followed by a rich and creamy white chocolate filling, all topped with a glossy semisweet chocolate glaze. Whether you’re serving these at a party or just treating yourself, they never fail to impress. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a reliable go-to for busy bakers.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
Filling:
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 1 cup white baking chips, melted
Glaze:
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Bars
- Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, combine the flour and confectioners’ sugar. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press it evenly into an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Add the raspberry layer: While the crust is still warm, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the top.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with milk until smooth. Stir in the melted white baking chips and beat until fully combined. Gently spread this creamy layer over the jam.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Top with glaze: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread this glossy glaze over the chilled filling.
- Final chill: Refrigerate for another 10 minutes to set the glaze, then cut into bars. Chill for an additional hour before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use seedless raspberry jam for a smooth texture.
- For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
- Chill the bars thoroughly between layers to avoid mixing.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Substitutions And Variations
- Jam options: Swap raspberry jam with strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot.
- Chocolate choices: Substitute white baking chips with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- To make it gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Add crunch: Stir chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the crust for extra texture.
Storage Instructions
Store your Chocolate Raspberry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 5 days. When stacking bars, add a layer of parchment paper between each one to keep them from sticking together. These bars also freeze well—wrap each piece individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 98
- Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 27mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g (Sugars: 6g)
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Raspberry Bars are perfect on their own, but you can take them up a notch by serving them with:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet
- Fresh raspberries and a mint sprig for garnish
- As part of a dessert platter for parties or potlucks
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
It’s best to stick with jam for this recipe, as it provides the right consistency and sweetness. If using frozen raspberries, they would need to be cooked down with sugar and strained to achieve a similar result.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for making in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking times as needed and be sure to chill each layer thoroughly.
What can I use instead of shortening in the glaze?
You can substitute coconut oil or butter for the shortening, but the texture and sheen of the glaze may vary slightly.
Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Yes! Once chilled and set, they hold up well during transport. Just pack them in a sturdy container with parchment paper between layers.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for stopping by to try these delightful Chocolate Raspberry Bars! They’re a personal favorite not just for how pretty they look but for the beautiful combination of flavors and textures. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delivers a treat worthy of special occasions. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do. Wishing you happy baking adventures and many sweet moments in the kitchen. Thanks for being part of this food-loving community!
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Chocolate Raspberry Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 bars (3 dozen) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Raspberry Bars are rich, creamy, and layered with sweet raspberry jam and smooth chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a special treat. Save this recipe and make it your go-to bar for sharing and gifting!
Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
Filling:
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp 2% milk
1 cup white baking chips, melted
Glaze:
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, combine the flour and confectioners’ sugar. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press it evenly into an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Add the raspberry layer: While the crust is still warm, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the top.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with milk until smooth. Stir in the melted white baking chips and beat until fully combined. Gently spread this creamy layer over the jam.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Top with glaze: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Spread this glossy glaze over the chilled filling.
- Final chill: Refrigerate for another 10 minutes to set the glaze, then cut into bars. Chill for an additional hour before serving.
Notes
Use seedless jam for the best texture.
For neat slices, warm your knife under hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Store in the fridge in layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Chill Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American