Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and tart raspberries in a deliciously chewy bar. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual snacks, these pie bars stand out with their vibrant flavors and textures. The balance of dark chocolate and fresh raspberries creates a luscious dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious pie bars quickly.
• Rich Flavor Combination: The deep taste of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh raspberries, creating a decadent treat.
• Versatile Dessert: These pie bars are great for any occasion—serve them at parties, potlucks, or enjoy them as an everyday snack.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them for later, making them perfect for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Loved by both children and adults, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric or stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
• Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking, helping your pie bars cook uniformly without burning.

Ingredients

Whether you stick to the raspberries and chocolate chips or change it up, one thing is certain…these little pie bars will be a year-round family favorite.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
– 3/4 cup fresh raspberries (semi crushed)

How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Generously spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Crust Mixture

In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer:
* Mix the softened butter until creamy.
* Add in the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Continue mixing until crumbly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press 1 3/4 cups of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Set the remaining crumbs aside. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

While the crust is baking:
* Pour sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan.
* Add one cup of dark chocolate chips. Stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie Bars

Remove the crust from the oven and pour the chocolate mixture over the warm crust. Sprinkle remaining crumbs evenly over the chocolate layer. Spoon semi-crushed raspberries over this crumb mixture and top with mini chocolate chips.

Step 6: Final Bake

Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your delicious Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are not just a delightful treat; they can also be served in various ways to enhance your dessert experience. Whether at a family gathering or a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions to make these pie bars even more enjoyable.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
• Chocolate Whipped Cream: Add cocoa powder to your whipped cream for an extra chocolatey twist.

A La Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
• Raspberry Sorbet: For a fruity touch, pair the bars with raspberry sorbet that complements the tartness of the raspberries.

Drizzled Toppings

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent finish.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a sweet contrast to the dark chocolate and tart raspberries.

Garnishes

• Fresh Raspberries: Scatter fresh raspberries on top for added color and freshness.
• Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves not only look beautiful but also add a refreshing flavor.

How to Perfect Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

To ensure your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Mixing softened butter creates a creamy texture that binds ingredients well.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain the crumbly texture necessary for good pie bars.
• Choose Quality Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate chips enhance the flavor and richness of your bars.
• Allow Cooling Time: Let the bars cool completely before cutting; this helps them set and keeps them from falling apart.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
• Experiment with Berries: Feel free to mix in other berries like blueberries or strawberries for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars can elevate your dessert table. Here are some delicious options that complement their rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie bars.
2. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone, which balance sweetness with richness.
3. Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with any creamy toppings you might choose.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee enhances chocolate flavors and provides a nice pick-me-up after dessert.
5. Herbal Tea: Pairing with herbal tea can offer soothing notes that balance out the richness of chocolate.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes add variety and richness while maintaining a light overall feel on your dessert table.
7. Pistachio Crumble: The nutty crunch of pistachios adds an interesting texture alongside the soft pie bars.
8. Meringue Cookies: Light, airy meringues provide a sweet counterpoint and melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature butter: Cold butter can lead to a dense crust. Always soften your butter for a creamy mixture.
• Overmixing the crust: Mixing too much can make the crust tough. Mix until just combined for a light, crumbly texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting bars while still warm can lead to messy pieces. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor. Ensure your baking items, especially chocolate and raspberries, are fresh.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F and place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. This keeps the recipe delicious while catering to vegan diets.

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just make sure they are semi-thawed before adding them to your pie bars.

What should I serve with Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars?

These pie bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, enhancing their rich flavors.

How can I customize my Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch or switch out the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with different fruits or chocolates based on your preferences. These bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends year-round. So why not give this delightful recipe a try today?

Print

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings. 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars, a decadent dessert that beautifully marries the deep sweetness of dark chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries. These chewy bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a delightful snack. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup fresh raspberries (semi crushed)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add brown sugar, flour, and salt; mix until crumbly.
3. Press 1 3/4 cups of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
4. In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk with dark chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the baked crust, sprinkle remaining crumbs on top, add semi-crushed raspberries and mini chocolate chips.
6. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes; let cool before cutting into bars.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: To customize your bars, consider adding nuts or using different types of chocolate. For vegan options, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.