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Jam Shortbread Bars Recipe

Jam Shortbread Bars Recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

These Jam Shortbread Bars feature a buttery, crumbly shortbread base topped with a sweet layer of your favorite fruit jam and a crisp, golden crumbly topping. Perfect for serving alongside coffee or tea, they combine simple ingredients for a delightful homemade treat that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jam Layer

  • 1 cup fruit jam of your choice

Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: Stir the mixture gently until it forms a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the shortbread base.
  4. Bake the Shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  5. Add the Jam Layer: Spread 1 cup of your chosen fruit jam evenly over the cooled shortbread base, covering the entire surface layer.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Add Topping to the Bars: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the jam layer in the baking pan to cover it completely.
  8. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping turns a light golden brown and becomes crisp.
  9. Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles for serving.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious jam shortbread bars with your favorite hot beverage such as coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Notes

  • You can use any fruit jam you prefer, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
  • Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
  • For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper and lift the entire block out before slicing.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: jam shortbread bars, jam bars, shortbread dessert, easy dessert recipe, fruit jam bars, homemade bars, crumbly bars