Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars

Craving a delicious treat that’s decadent and flavorful? My Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars recipe combines rich chocolate, tart raspberries, and a gooey irresistible texture, perfect for any dessert lover. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, or looking for a sweet self-indulgence, these bars are a must-try for any chocoholic. Plus, the fresh raspberries on top add an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color. Ready to dive in? Here’s the first part of the recipe:

Ingredients List

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what you’ll need to create these mouth-watering Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars.

Cake Ingredients:

• 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate , chopped (for that rich, melty texture in every bite)
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) chilled unsalted butter , cut into pieces
• ⅓ cup seedless raspberry jam (This smooth raspberry jam adds the perfect fruity balance to the rich chocolate)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs (at room temperature, gives structure and gooeyness to the bars)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise just a little, while still keeping it dense and fudgy)

Glaze Ingredients:

The glaze takes these bars to a whole new level of indulgence:

• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup seedless raspberry jam (reinforcing those fruity flavors)
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate , chopped (because more chocolate is always better!)

Topping Ingredients:

What’s a raspberry dessert without some fresh raspberries?

• 12 ounces of fresh raspberries for that juicy, vibrant finishing touch. This not only complements the raspberry jam but also provides a beautiful contrast in texture.

With these ingredients ready, let’s move on to the required tools you’ll need to make these bars.

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure smooth sailing while baking these Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars , you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Trust me, having the right tools makes all the difference between a successful bake and unnecessary frustration!

1. Mixing Bowls : Two large bowls will be handy—one for melting the chocolate and butter, and the other for whisking the eggs and sugar.
2. Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl : You’ll need this to melt the chocolate and butter together. If you don’t have a double boiler, don’t worry! A microwave-safe bowl will do the trick, just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chocolate.
3. Whisk : For mixing the cake batter, a whisk is perfect for ensuring the eggs and sugar blend well.
4. Rubber or Silicone Spatula : These come in handy when scraping chocolate from your mixing bowls, ensuring none of that rich deliciousness goes to waste.
5. 8×8-inch Baking Pan : The perfect size for ensuring your bars are thick and fudgy. Don’t forget to line this with parchment paper for easy release once the bars are ready.
6. Small Saucepan : You’ll use this for heating the glaze ingredients until they’re smooth and dreamy.
7. Offset Spatula or a Small Spoon : This will help spread the glaze evenly on top of the baked cake for that perfect glossy finish.
8. Cooling Rack : Allow your bars to cool here before adding the glaze. This step is essential for keeping that perfect fudgy consistency.

Now that you have your tools ready, it’s time to dive into the cake preparation !

Cake Preparation

Now that you have all your ingredients assembled and tools ready, it’s time to start creating the magic! Follow these steps to achieve rich, fudgy perfection.

Step 1: Melting the Chocolate and Butter

1. In a double boiler (or a microwave-safe bowl if you’re using a microwave), combine the 10 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and ¾ cup of chilled unsalted butter . Heat gently over simmering water until both are melted, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth and silky mixture.
2. If you’re using the microwave, heat the chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each round, until fully melted and combined. Keep your eye on it—burnt chocolate can’t be rescued!

Step 2: Mixing in the Jam and Sugar

1. Once the chocolate and butter mixture is smooth, remove from heat (let it cool slightly), then whisk in the ⅓ cup of seedless raspberry jam . The jam will add that subtle raspberry undertone to the base of the bars.
2. Add the 1 cup of sugar , mixing well to ensure everything is completely smooth and combined.

Step 3: Preparing the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 5 eggs until they’re light and frothy. Slowly pour the chocolate-jam mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling while they incorporate.

Step 4: Adding the Dry Ingredients

1. Gently sift in the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder . Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula. Be gentle! You don’t want to overmix. This ensures your bars keep that dense, fudgy texture rather than becoming cake-like.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan (lined with parchment or buttered well). Spread it into an even layer using your spatula.
2. Bake the batter in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes , or until the cake sets and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remember: we’re going for fudgy—not dry!
3. Once done, take the cake out and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before you apply the glaze.

Preparing the Chocolate-Raspberry Glaze

This silky glaze will take your bars to the next level, adding a shiny, decadent topping with an extra hint of raspberry. Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Heating the Ingredients

1. In a small saucepan , bring ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup of seedless raspberry jam to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir everything to make sure the jam dissolves into the cream.

Step 2: Melting the Chocolate

1. Once the cream and jam mixture is hot, remove it from the heat and immediately pour it over 6 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate (placed in a heatproof bowl). Let it sit for about 1-2 minutes, and then stir until the chocolate has completely melted and is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Glazing the Cake

1. When the chocolate glaze is velvety, pour it over the cooled cake, ensuring an even spread across the whole surface of the bars. Use your offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, shiny finish.
2. Let the glaze set at room temperature (or pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes if you’re in a hurry).

Once the glaze is set, we’re almost ready for the final step: decorating the bars with fresh raspberries !

Finishing Touches: Topping with Fresh Raspberries

Now that your chocolate glaze has set, it’s time to give your bars that final pop of flavor and color by adding the fresh raspberries.

Step 1: Decorating with Raspberries

1. Arrange the fresh raspberries (about 12 ounces) on top of the glazed cake. You can align them neatly in rows for a more structured look, or scatter them randomly for a more rustic, natural appearance. Either way, be generous with the raspberries—you want every bite to have a burst of fruity goodness!
2. Press them lightly into the glaze to ensure they stick but remain mostly on the surface. This way, they won’t slide off when cutting the bars.

Step 2: Cutting and Serving

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cooled and glazed cake into squares or bars . You can decide how large you want your pieces depending on how indulgent you’re feeling!
2. For cleaner cuts, you might want to wipe the knife between slices, especially since the fudgy interior and glaze can stick.
3. Serve your Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars immediately to enjoy that fresh raspberry contrast against the rich chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert experience even more, try serving them with:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance

Storage Instructions

These Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (though I wouldn’t count on it!), here’s how to store them to maintain their deliciousness.

Short-Term Storage:

• Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days . If it’s a warm day, you might want to store them in the fridge to prevent the glaze from melting.

Long-Term Storage:

• If you want to store them longer, place the bars in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days .
• You can also freeze the bars! Individually wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, just let them come to room temperature or give them a few seconds in the microwave.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just created an irresistible batch of Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Bars that’ll impress everyone who takes a bite. These bars are the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey indulgence and a tart, fruity twist thanks to that heavenly raspberry combination. Whether you’re treating yourself or wowing a crowd, these bars are guaranteed winners.

So, grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy! Happy baking!