Irresistible Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars: An Easy, One-Bowl Recipe for Delicious Dairy-Free Treats

Welcome to your new favorite vegan baking adventure: these incredible Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars! Imagine a chewy, crumbly, and utterly satisfying chocolatey oat biscuit base, generously filled with tangy raspberry jam, all crowned with more delicious chocolate oat crumbs and a scattering of rich dark chocolate. These bars aren’t just a treat; they’re a sensation. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, and wonderfully textured, they make a fantastic accompaniment to your morning coffee or a delightful afternoon tea snack. They’re also sturdy enough for lunchboxes, making them an ideal on-the-go treat for adults and kids alike.

What makes these vegan chocolate raspberry crumble bars truly stand out is their simplicity. The ingenious recipe uses the same versatile mixture for both the base and the crumble topping, drastically cutting down on prep time and dishes. That’s right – just one bowl for the crumble, making cleanup a breeze! This recipe has been carefully adapted from my highly popular berry crumble bars, proving that the classic combination of chocolate and raspberry is a match made in heaven for a vegan twist on a beloved dessert.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe promises a rewarding experience and undeniably delicious results. Get ready to bake a batch of these crave-worthy chocolate raspberry bars that are sure to become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these delectable vegan crumble bars. Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but they also offer a range of practical benefits that make them perfect for any occasion:

• Effortlessly Vegan: No eggs, no dairy – just wholesome, plant-based ingredients that come together to create a truly indulgent treat. They’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
• Simple One-Bowl Wonder: The base and topping are made from the same mixture, simplifying the process and minimizing cleanup. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip these up!
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate perfectly complement the bright, tangy sweetness of raspberry jam. This classic flavor pairing is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the satisfying chewiness of the oat-filled base, the delightful crumbly topping, and the melt-in-your-mouth chunks of dark chocolate. Every bite is a textural adventure.
• Versatile Snack: Ideal for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, a lunchbox treat, or even a simple dessert. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a glass of plant-based milk.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for later! These bars defrost wonderfully, ensuring you always have a delicious snack on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars

Crafting these heavenly bars requires a few simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important for achieving the perfect result:

Plain Flour

What to use: Standard plain (all-purpose) flour is your best bet for these bars. It provides the necessary structure and tenderness to the crumble.
Gluten-Free Option: While I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version, these bars should work well with a good quality plain gluten-free flour blend. To ensure they hold together, I recommend adding about ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to your gluten-free flour blend. Be aware that the texture might be a little extra crumbly, but still delicious!

Oats

What to use: Porridge oats (also known as rolled oats or quick-cooking oats in some regions) are essential for that signature chewy, wholesome texture. They bind the crumble together and add a rustic, hearty feel.
Important Note: Avoid using jumbo oats or steel-cut oats, as their larger size and firmer texture won’t integrate as smoothly into the crumble mixture and may result in a tougher, less cohesive bar.

Light Brown Soft Sugar

What to use: Light brown soft sugar is crucial here, not just for sweetness but also for its molasses content. This gives the crumble a wonderful depth of flavor, a slight caramel note, and helps to keep the bars moist and chewy.
Substitution Warning: I strongly advise against swapping this for white granulated sugar, caster sugar, or any liquid sweeteners. These alternatives will significantly alter the texture and flavor, potentially leading to dry or brittle bars.

Vegan Block Butter

What to use: This is a key ingredient for achieving the right crumbly texture. You absolutely must use a vegan block butter that is firm and solid when cold, not the spreadable kind that comes in a tub. Brands like Naturli Vegan Block or Flora Plant Butter are excellent choices.
Why it matters: Spreadable vegan margarines contain more water and less fat, which can make your crumble soggy and prevent it from becoming properly short and crisp.

Cocoa Powder

What to use: For that rich chocolate flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa (common in the UK) is great for a darker color and smoother flavor. Natural cocoa powder or cacao powder will also work perfectly, potentially yielding a slightly lighter color and more intense chocolate note.

Baking Powder

What to use: A small amount of baking powder helps to give the crumble a slight lift and contributes to its tender texture. Don’t skip this, as it prevents the bars from being too dense.

Dark Chocolate

What to use: Roughly chopped dark chocolate is preferred over standard chocolate chips for the topping. The irregular shapes of chopped chocolate melt more beautifully and adhere better to the crumble.
Tip: Chocolate chips are often designed to hold their shape when baked, which means they might not melt and stick as effectively, potentially falling off the top of your bars.

Raspberry Jam

What to use: A good quality raspberry jam is ideal. The vibrant tanginess of raspberry cuts through the richness of the chocolate and oats, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other jam flavors if you prefer! Apricot, strawberry, or even a mixed berry jam would also be delicious, though raspberry remains a classic and highly recommended pairing with chocolate.

How To Master These Delicious Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

(Full measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this page. This section provides an overview and additional tips for success.)

Preparation is Key

Before you begin, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (190°C/170°C fan/375°F/gas mark 5). Lightly grease a 20 cm / 8 inch square baking tin and line it with baking parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later. This small step ensures a smooth removal process once your delicious bars are baked and cooled.

Creating the Perfect Crumble Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the plain flour, cocoa powder, porridge oats, light brown soft sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give them a good whisk or stir to ensure they are thoroughly combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder. This initial mixing is crucial for even flavor distribution.

Next, add the cold, diced vegan block butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting too much. Continue rubbing until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs and you can’t see any large lumps of butter. This process creates the wonderful crumbly texture that is characteristic of these bars.

Forming the Base

Take about two-thirds of your prepared crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your lined baking tin. Use the back of a spoon or your knuckles to ensure it’s evenly spread and very compact. A dense base is essential for a sturdy, chewy bar. Place the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture into the fridge; this will be used for the topping later.

Bake this base for 20 minutes in your preheated oven. This initial bake helps to set the base, preventing it from becoming soggy once the jam is added.

Adding the Filling and Topping

Once the base has had its initial bake, remove the tin from the oven. Carefully spread the raspberry jam evenly over the warm, baked base. Don’t go too close to the edges to prevent the jam from bubbling over and sticking to the tin.

Now, retrieve the chilled crumble mixture from the fridge. Scatter it evenly over the layer of raspberry jam. Gently press it down very slightly—just enough to help it adhere to the jam, but not so much that you compact it into a solid layer. You want it to retain that beautiful crumbly texture.

Finally, scatter your roughly chopped dark chocolate over the crumble topping. This adds another layer of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.

The Final Bake and Cooling

Return the tin to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the chocolate is melted and slightly glossy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

Once baked, it’s crucial to let the bars cool properly. Leave them in the tin for at least 20 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. They must cool completely at room temperature before you attempt to slice them. Trying to cut them while warm will result in a messy crumble, rather than neat, tidy bars. Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfect crumble bars!

Top Tips for Perfect Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars

Achieving bakery-quality vegan crumble bars is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Embrace Metric Measurements: For all my baking recipes, and especially for these bars, I wholeheartedly recommend using metric measurements with a digital kitchen scale. Baking is a science, and grams provide far greater accuracy and consistency than cup conversions. Using a scale also tends to be less messy and ensures more reliable results every time.
• Cold Butter is Crucial: When rubbing in the vegan block butter, ensure it’s straight from the fridge and diced into small pieces. Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, which results in that wonderfully crumbly and tender texture. If the butter gets too warm, the crumble will be greasy and dense.
• Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Once the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, stop mixing. Overworking the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher bars.
• Pack the Base Firmly: A well-compacted base is vital for these bars. It needs to be dense enough to hold the jam and support the topping without falling apart. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: This cannot be stressed enough! The bars need to be entirely cool and firm before you attempt to cut them. If you rush this step, the jam layer will be too soft, and the bars will crumble and lose their shape. For best results, allow several hours, or even overnight, for cooling.
• Storage Savvy: Store your cooled chocolate raspberry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They remain wonderfully fresh and delicious.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: These bars freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature.

Variations & Customizations: Get Creative!

While the chocolate raspberry combination is classic, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on these vegan crumble bars:

• Jam Swap: As mentioned, strawberry, apricot, cherry, or even blueberry jam would be delicious alternatives to raspberry. Choose your favorite!
• Nutty Additions: Fold a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the crumble mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dry ingredients for a bright, aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with both chocolate and fruit.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cardamom in the crumble mixture can add a subtle warmth and complexity.
• Extra Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover, once the bars are completely cool, melt a little extra dark chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Crumble Bars

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and enjoying these delicious bars:

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are an excellent make-ahead treat. In fact, they often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Are these bars healthy?

While these are a treat and contain sugar, they are made with wholesome oats and fruit, making them a more satisfying and nutrient-dense snack compared to many processed options. Being vegan, they’re also cholesterol-free and contain dietary fiber. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

My crumble mixture isn’t coming together, what did I do wrong?

If your crumble is too dry, it might be due to inaccuracies in measurement (hence the recommendation for a scale!). You can try adding a tiny splash (1-2 teaspoons) of ice-cold water or plant-based milk and gently mix until it just comes together. If it’s too wet, you might have added too much liquid or your butter was too soft. Try adding a tablespoon more flour and chilling the mixture.

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?

While you *could*, it’s generally not recommended for this recipe. Fresh or frozen raspberries release a lot of liquid when baked, which can make the base soggy. Jam provides a thicker, more concentrated fruit flavor and a better texture for a crumble bar filling.

How do I get clean slices?

The trick to perfectly neat slices is patience! Ensure the bars are completely chilled. Use a large, sharp knife, warming it slightly under hot water and wiping it clean between each cut. This helps to slice through the jam and chocolate cleanly without dragging.

More Delicious Vegan Snack Bar Recipes to Explore:

If you’ve loved making these chocolate raspberry crumble bars, be sure to check out some of my other fantastic vegan snack bar recipes:

• Vegan Apple Crumble Bars
• Berry Crumble Bars
• Vegan Mincemeat Crumble Bars
• Vegan Lemon Bars
• Jaffa Cake Bars
• Vegan Biscoff Flapjacks
• Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Bars
• Vegan Fruit and Nut Flapjacks
• Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars

If you tried this recipe let me know how it went! Rate it, leave a comment or tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and hashtag it #domesticgothess. Your feedback and beautiful creations are always a joy to see!

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