Jam Shortbread Bars

A Short Story About the Recipe

I have always loved simple desserts that bring a little comfort to the table, and these Jam Shortbread Bars are one of those treats that never fail to impress. I first made them on a quiet Sunday afternoon when I had a half-used jar of jam sitting in my pantry and a craving for something buttery and sweet. The smell of the golden shortbread baking filled the kitchen and instantly reminded me of childhood afternoons, when I would sit at the table with my grandmother and share jam-filled cookies with her. These bars are my grown-up version of that memory, with a tender, crumbly base and a fruity jam layer that makes every bite irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love these Jam Shortbread Bars because they are the perfect mix of buttery, crumbly, and fruity. The shortbread layer melts in your mouth, while the jam adds just the right amount of sweetness and a pop of color. They are not overly sweet, making them a wonderful choice for an afternoon snack, dessert after dinner, or even a treat to pack in lunchboxes.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any flavor of jam you have on hand – strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a combination of two flavors for a marbled effect. They can be dressed up with a drizzle of glaze for special occasions or kept plain for an everyday treat.

Affordable

These bars are also budget-friendly because they use pantry staples you likely already have at home. Butter, sugar, flour, and jam come together to create a dessert that feels fancy but doesn’t require a long list of expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work well)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Making Jam Shortbread Bars is surprisingly simple, and you can prepare them with minimal equipment. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on two sides for easy removal later.

In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it gives your shortbread a tender and crumbly texture. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together. The dough may look crumbly at first, but it should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth and compact layer. Spread the jam evenly over the dough, making sure to cover it right up to the edges. For the best results, choose a jam with a thick consistency so it doesn’t run too much during baking.

Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the jam layer. Try to leave small gaps so the jam peeks through, creating a beautiful, rustic look once baked. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential because cutting them while warm can cause them to fall apart. When cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Quick and Easy

These bars are a quick recipe you can put together in under 15 minutes before baking. The dough does not require chilling, which saves time, and the use of jam makes it even faster since you do not need to cook a separate filling.

Customizable

This recipe is very adaptable. You can experiment with different flavors of jam depending on the season or your preference. Raspberry jam gives a classic tartness, strawberry jam creates a sweet and bright flavor, and apricot jam adds a warm, slightly tangy note. For extra texture, you can stir a handful of chopped nuts into the top crumb layer. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for a unique flavor twist.

Popular with Many People

Jam Shortbread Bars are always a hit at bake sales, family gatherings, and holiday dessert tables. Their simple yet elegant appearance makes them a go-to recipe when you need something that looks as good as it tastes. Because they travel well, they are also ideal for potlucks and picnics.

Jam Shortbread Bars

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These Jam Shortbread Bars are buttery, crumbly, and filled with a sweet layer of jam. Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a quick dessert, they are easy to make and loved by both kids and adults.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 35
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix until dough forms. It may look crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
6. Spread the jam evenly over the dough layer, making sure to reach the edges.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the jam, leaving small gaps so the jam shows through.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars or squares.

Notes

Use a thick jam for best results; simmer thin jam briefly to thicken.

Try different jam flavors such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor.

Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade jam for this recipe?
Yes, homemade jam works beautifully in these bars. Just make sure it has a thick consistency. If your jam is very runny, you can simmer it briefly to reduce the liquid before spreading it over the dough.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars keep well at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the top layer and bake until golden.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred because it gives a rich, buttery flavor and perfect shortbread texture. Margarine can work in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly softer.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. The bars may be a little more delicate, but they will still taste wonderful.