Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars

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1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake the Crust:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the Raspberry Filling

  1. Cook the Raspberries:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Spread the Filling:
    • Pour the raspberry filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

3. Prepare the Dark Chocolate Layer

  1. Make the Ganache:
    • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
    • Place the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
    • Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  2. Spread the Ganache:
    • Pour the dark chocolate ganache over the raspberry layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Chill and Set

  1. Refrigerate:
    • Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is set.
  2. Cut into Bars:
    • Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.

5. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish (Optional):
    • Garnish with fresh raspberries, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
  2. Serve:
    • Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars!

Tips for Perfect Pie Bars

  • Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
  • Smooth Ganache: Make sure the heavy cream is just hot enough to melt the chocolate fully but not boiling to prevent the ganache from separating.
  • Chill Time: Allow enough time for the bars to chill and set properly before cutting.

Variations to Try

  • White Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate for a different flavor combination.
  • Nutty Crust: Add chopped nuts to the crust for added texture and flavor.
  • Mixed Berry Filling: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry version.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars are a decadent and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, tangy, and sweet flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Key Takeaway

The secret to perfect Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars lies in the balance of flavors and textures between the buttery crust, tangy raspberry filling, and smooth dark chocolate ganache. By following this guide, you’ll create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.

We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bars!

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