The Perfect Jam Shortbread Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet and buttery jam shortbread bars spark joy in every delightful bite.

Crumbly pastry meets fruity preserves for a mouthwatering combination that melts on your tongue.

Baking these treats feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy childhood memory.

Simple ingredients dance together to create something magical in your kitchen.

Delicate textures and vibrant flavors blend seamlessly in this classic dessert.

Homemade goodness awaits with just a few easy steps and minimal effort.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible bars that promise pure happiness on a plate.

Jam Shortbread Bars to Savor

• Conquer Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delightful treat with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Customize Your Flavor: Select any jam that sparks joy – from classic strawberry to adventurous raspberry or tangy marmalade – creating a personalized dessert experience that matches your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars work magic for diverse gatherings, whether it's a casual family afternoon, potluck, bake sale, or afternoon tea, delivering a reliable sweet solution that everyone will adore.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: With just a few straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can create a gorgeous dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Jam Shortbread Bars

• Unsalted Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and buttery flavor to the shortbread.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the shortbread base, creating a deeper flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall taste with its warm and aromatic characteristics.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the shortbread its classic crumbly texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps to elevate the overall flavor of the bars.

• Jam: Provides a fruity and sweet layer that complements the rich shortbread base, adding moisture and vibrant flavor to the dessert.

Instructions for Jam Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Unsalted butter
• Light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, fluffy mixture that looks like soft clouds.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Stir slowly until the mixture looks like delicate, crumbly sand.

Don’t overmix – you want a light touch here.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Scoop about three-quarters of the shortbread dough into the prepared pan.

Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press down firmly, creating a perfectly smooth foundation.

Step 5: Spread the Sweet Surprise

Drizzle your favorite jam across the shortbread base.

Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure every corner gets some fruity love.

Step 6: Add the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shortbread crumbs over the jam layer.

Let it look rustic and slightly uneven – that’s part of the charm.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Watch for the edges and top to turn a beautiful golden brown – that’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest completely.

Patience is key here – give it at least an hour to cool down and set.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper.

Slice into squares or rectangles. These treats are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)!

Tips for Jam Shortbread Bars

• Try different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry to add variety and excitement to your shortbread bars.
• Enhance the shortbread's texture by chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan, ensuring a more compact and crisp base.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour mix to maintain the classic shortbread taste.
• Create a more decadent treat by drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled bars, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
• Prevent the jam from burning by using a thick, high-quality jam and avoiding overly thin spreads that might caramelize during baking.

Variations on Jam Shortbread Bars

• Berry Bliss Variation: Replace jam with mixed berry compote for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile. Use fresh or frozen berries cooked down with minimal sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or pecans into the shortbread crumble for added texture and rich, toasted notes. Sprinkle chopped nuts between jam and top layer for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Variation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these delectable bars. Use almond flour or a commercial gluten-free mix for optimal texture.

Suggested Pairings for Jam Shortbread Bars

• Select Earl Grey or chamomile tea to complement the buttery shortbread's rich sweetness, creating a delicate balance between the jam's fruity notes and the tea's subtle aromatics.
• Serve alongside cold vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, allowing the cool creaminess to contrast beautifully with the warm, crumbly shortbread texture.
• Pour a chilled glass of dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling, which will enhance the jam's fruity undertones and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dense shortbread base.

Storage Tips for Jam Shortbread Bars

• Refrigerate: Store cooled jam shortbread bars in an airtight container between parchment paper layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor integrity.
• Freeze Whole Pan: Wrap completely cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze uncut for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individual Bar Freezing: Cut bars into desired portions, separate with wax paper, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Countertop Storage: Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is placed in cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent staleness.

FAQs

• What type of jam works best for these shortbread bars?

Any high-quality fruit jam works wonderfully, but raspberry, strawberry, and apricot jams are particularly delicious. Choose a jam with a thick consistency to prevent excess liquid during baking.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt content precisely. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the additional salt in the recipe.

• How do I ensure my shortbread base is evenly pressed?

Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat spatula to gently press the crumbly dough into an even layer. Apply consistent pressure across the entire pan to create a uniform base.

Jam Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Delectable jam shortbread bars combine buttery shortbread with sweet fruit preserves for a classic dessert. Crumbly layers and fruity filling create an irresistible treat that brings comfort and joy to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup (170–255 g) jam (any flavor)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp (1.2 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly and just combines.
4. Transfer roughly 75% of the shortbread mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer.
5. Spread selected jam uniformly across the shortbread base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
6. Sprinkle the remaining shortbread crumble over the jam layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a light golden-brown coloration across the surface.
8. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the jam and shortbread structure.
9. Once cooled, lift the bars out using parchment paper edges and slice into square or rectangular portions for serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect crumbly shortbread texture that won’t become greasy.
• Choose high-quality, thick fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to prevent excessive soaking into the base.
• Gently press the shortbread crumble topping without compacting it to maintain a light, crispy finish.
• These bars remain fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them ideal for advance preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 177
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 44 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg