Description
These Jam Shortbread Bars combine buttery, crumbly shortbread with a sweet and tangy jam layer, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a delightful dessert or snack, they’re easy to make and offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3/4 cup jam (any flavor of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to cover the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cold butter cubes, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture starts coming together and forms a crumbly dough.
- Layer the dough and jam: Press two-thirds of the crumbly shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the jam evenly on top of this dough layer. Then crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the jam, leaving some jam exposed in spots for a rustic look.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the shortbread is just golden brown around the edges and on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars or your desired size and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve the perfect crumbly texture in the shortbread dough.
- Choose your favorite flavor of jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, for different variations.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to prevent crumble and maintain clean edges.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the bars before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
