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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly and just combines.
- Transfer roughly 75% of the shortbread mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer.
- Spread selected jam uniformly across the shortbread base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining shortbread crumble over the jam layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a light golden-brown coloration across the surface.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the jam and shortbread structure.
- 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