Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet temptations like these dark chocolate raspberry pie bars dance between decadence and pure comfort.

Layers of rich cocoa meld perfectly with bright, tangy berries in this irresistible dessert.

Home bakers seeking something spectacular will adore these elegant treats.

Each bite combines intense chocolate depth with bright raspberry zings that surprise and delight.

Delicate chocolate crusts cradle luscious fruit fillings, creating a complex flavor experience.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can craft these stunning bars without advanced pastry skills.

Indulge your sweet tooth and impress everyone at your next gathering with this showstopping dessert.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars With a Twist

  • Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dark chocolate with no milk, swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and use maple syrup instead of sugar. Create a similar creamy texture with plant-based ingredients.
  • Gluten-Free Berry Chocolate Bars: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. Maintain the same rich chocolate and raspberry flavor profile while ensuring accessibility for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Raspberry Treat: Use sugar-free dark chocolate, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content. Keep the decadent chocolate and fruity raspberry essence intact for a healthier version.
  • Nutty Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crust for extra crunch. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for additional texture and a nutty complement to the chocolate and raspberry flavors.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars: What’s Special

  • Quick and easy dark chocolate raspberry pie bars offer a decadent treat for any occasion.
  • This recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels who want to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types or swap raspberries for other seasonal fruits, allowing personal creativity and flexibility in the kitchen.
  • These bars deliver restaurant-quality presentation with minimal preparation time, making them ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or weekend family gatherings where you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Flour, Sugar, Salt: Essential dry mix for a crumbly and flavorful pie bar base that provides structure and subtle sweetness.
  • Butter: Cold and cubed butter creates flaky texture and rich flavor in the crust, best when unsalted for precise seasoning.
Chocolate Filling Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich and intense chocolate that forms smooth, decadent filling layer, choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides creamy consistency and helps chocolate melt smoothly, full-fat cream recommended for best results.
  • Sugar: Balances chocolate's bitterness and enhances overall sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to chocolate filling.
Raspberry Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Raspberries: Sweet-tart berries that provide vibrant flavor and beautiful color contrast, choose ripe and firm raspberries.
  • Sugar: Helps macerate raspberries and intensify their natural sweetness.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens raspberry flavor and prevents oxidation, adds subtle tangy note.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create The Crumbly Base

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Chop cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Keep mixing until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom. Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown, around 12-15 minutes. Pull it out and let it cool down slightly.

Step 3: Craft The Silky Chocolate Layer

Pour heavy cream into a saucepan and heat until tiny bubbles start dancing around the edges. Take it off the heat and drop in dark chocolate chunks. Stir until the chocolate melts into a smooth, glossy river. Blend in sugar and vanilla extract. Pour this luxurious mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Raspberry Swirls

Grab a small bowl and crush fresh raspberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Leave some berry chunks for exciting texture. Gently spoon the fruity mixture over the chocolate layer. Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns, marbling the chocolate and raspberry together.

Step 5: Bake And Chill

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a set chocolate layer and bubbling raspberry topping. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then park them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into neat squares. Scatter fresh raspberries on top or dust with powdered sugar for a stunning presentation. Enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips to Nail Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

  • Perfectly Mix Crust Ingredients: Use cold butter and work quickly to create a crumbly texture that ensures a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust without overworking the dough.
  • Swirl with Finesse: When adding raspberry topping, use a gentle swirling motion with a knife to create beautiful marbled patterns that look professionally crafted and appetizing.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the chocolate and raspberry flavors to meld together, creating a more intense and harmonious taste experience.
  • Prevent Raspberry Separation: Lightly mash raspberries with sugar to help them bind and prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and presentation.
  • Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile of the bars and elevate the overall dessert experience.

Preserve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars the Right Way

  • Store the chocolate raspberry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, consume within 24 hours of thawing.
  • Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them straight from the refrigerator for a cool, refreshing treat.

Pairing Ideas for Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

  • Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complement the dark chocolate's rich intensity, creating a luxurious dessert experience with balanced flavor notes.
  • Espresso or dark roast coffee brings out the deep chocolate undertones, enhancing the pie bars' complex flavor profile with a robust and smooth counterpoint.
  • Raspberry liqueur or chocolate-based spirits like Godiva liqueur add an extra layer of decadence, intensifying the dessert's existing flavor dimensions and providing a sophisticated drinking experience.
  • Champagne or prosecco offer a delightful contrast with their light, bubbly nature, cutting through the richness of the chocolate and providing a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
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Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars Recipe

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent dark chocolate raspberry pie bars invite sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts into a world of rich, silky pleasure. Layered with intense cocoa and bright fruity notes, these bars promise a delightful escape that you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
  2. Create the crust by blending flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then firmly press into the pan’s bottom.
  3. Bake the crust until golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly, maintaining its structural integrity.
  4. Craft the chocolate filling by gently heating heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Immediately remove from heat and whisk in dark chocolate until completely smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir sugar and vanilla extract into the molten chocolate mixture, ensuring a rich, uniform consistency. Pour evenly over the partially cooled crust.
  6. Prepare raspberry topping by mashing fresh raspberries with sugar and lemon juice, preserving some fruit chunks for textural complexity.
  7. Delicately distribute raspberry mixture across the chocolate layer, using a knife to create elegant marbled swirls that intertwine the two components.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a set chocolate filling and slightly bubbling raspberry layer.
  9. Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum two hours to solidify and intensify flavors.
  10. Carefully lift bars from pan using parchment paper, slice into precise squares, and garnish with fresh raspberries or a light powdered sugar dusting.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to achieve a perfectly crumbly and flaky crust that holds its structure during baking.
  • Chocolate Melting Technique: Always remove chocolate from heat when melting to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy texture that blends beautifully with the cream.
  • Raspberry Swirl Strategy: Create delicate marbling by using a light hand when swirling raspberry mixture into chocolate, allowing for an artistic and visually appealing dessert bar.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them ideal for party planning or unexpected guests.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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