About this recipe

This bar mixes oats, raspberries, and dark chocolate. It gives you sweet fruit and rich chocolate in a crumb crust. You can bake it for a snack or a small treat. If you like chocolate raspberry cake, you will like these bars too.

Why make this recipe

You make this when you want a quick sweet that feels homemade. The bars use simple items you may have in your kitchen. They come out with a crisp top and soft fruit inside. The mix of oats and chocolate makes a good bite. This recipe fits a small pan, so you do not need to bake a lot. If you like easy treats like bakery style cookies, try these bars too.

How to make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars

You make the crumb by mixing dry goods and butter until you get crumbs. Press most crumbs into the dish for the base. Then you add raspberries and chocolate on top. Break or crumble the rest and sprinkle it over the top. Bake until the top turns light brown. Let the pan cool so the bars set. For another simple bake, see this banana bread idea.

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread the raspberries evenly over the crumb base.
Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the raspberries.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the chocolate.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

How to serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars

Cut the bars into squares. Serve at room warm or cool. You can add a light dust of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. These bars fit a lunch box or a small plate. Try them with a cup of tea or coffee. For a different plate idea, see caramel apple bars.

How to store Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars

Cool the bars fully. Store them in an airtight box. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer life, put them in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Wrap pieces in plastic first to keep them fresh.

Tips to make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars

Use ripe raspberries for the best taste.
Press the base firm so the bars hold shape.
Do not over bake; check at 25 minutes.
If the top browns fast, cover with foil for the last minutes.
For more texture ideas, try this note on a similar bar: fruit crumb bars tips.

Variation (if any)

Use frozen raspberries if you do not have fresh ones. Thaw and drain them first.
Swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Add a small pinch of cinnamon to the crumbs for warm spice.
Mix a few chopped nuts into the crumb for crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes. Quick oats work, but the top may be less chewy.

Q: Can I use jam instead of fresh raspberries?
A: Yes. Use about 3/4 cup of jam and spread it thin on the base.

Q: Do I need to chill the bars before cutting?
A: You should let them cool to room temp. Chill for firmer cuts if you like.

Q: Can I make this in a larger pan?
A: Yes. Bake time may change. Watch the top and start to check at 20 minutes.

Conclusion

If you want more ideas like this, see this similar recipe at Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Bars | Emma Duckworth Bakes.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars