Chocolate Raspberry Streusel Squares
Chocolate Raspberry Streusel Squares combine rich semi-sweet chocolate, tangy raspberry preserves, and a crunchy oat streusel topping for a delightful treat. Perfect for dessert or special occasions, these bars offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that appeal to chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups Quaker oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup margarine or butter
- 1 cup raspberry preserves ⓘ
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces or white chocolate, chopped and melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in chilled margarine or butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the oat mixture for the streusel topping; set aside.
- Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread raspberry preserves over the crust.
- Sprinkle evenly with semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Combine the reserved oat mixture with chopped almonds and sprinkle over the chocolate layer, patting gently.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate and let it set before cutting into bars.
- Cut into 36 squares and store tightly covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can replace the margarine with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option. If raspberry preserves are unavailable, consider using strawberry or apricot preserves for a different flavor. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate layer.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Raspberry Streusel Squares are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of Fruity Tea for a sweet afternoon treat. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted chocolate before serving for a rich finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to regain their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Raspberry Streusel Squares contains roughly 98 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of raspberry preserves?
While you can use fresh or frozen raspberries, raspberry preserves provide a concentrated flavor and sweetness that balances the chocolate. If using frozen raspberries, consider cooking them down with a bit of sugar to create a thicker, spreadable mixture similar to preserves.
How can I make these squares more decadent?
To make these squares even more indulgent, try swirling in a layer of peanut butter or Nutella with the raspberry preserves. You could also top the finished squares with a chocolate ganache made from heavy cream and chocolate for a rich topping that enhances the dessert.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These squares can be made a day in advance. After baking, let them cool completely, then cover tightly and store at room temperature. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).