Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bars

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or strawberry jam)

For the Topping

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, softened
• 2 cups (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees. Grease an 9-inch square baking pan with shortening or non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, for easy removal and cleanup, line your pan with foil and grease the foil.
2. For the Crust:
   In a medium bowl combine the 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a pastry dough blender until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until crust is set but not brown.
5. For the Topping:
   Using the same bowl, combine 2/3 cup flour, chopped pecans and brown sugar. Cut in 6 tablespoons butter with pastry blender until mixture is coarse crumbles.
6. Spread jam evenly over hot crust.
7. Sprinkle crumb toppings and chocolate chips over jam layer.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, at 375F degrees, or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow pan to cool completely on wire rack.
10. Cut into desired size squares or bars.

This recipe makes one 9-inch square pan of Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bars