Description
Strawberry Jam Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery shortbread base and crumb topping with a luscious layer of strawberry jam in the middle. These bars are easy to make, combining simple ingredients into a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Jam Layer
- 3/4 – 1 cup strawberry jam (or preserves)
Topping
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
- Cream the Butter: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter until it is light and fluffy, which should take about one minute.
- Add Sugar: Add granulated sugar to the creamed butter and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately one more minute.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined to add flavor to the dough.
- Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture and mix until just combined to form the shortbread dough.
- Press Dough Base: Press about half to two-thirds of the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Add Jam Layer: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the pressed dough layer, using 3/4 cup for a lighter jam layer or 1 cup for a thicker layer.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shortbread dough crumbs evenly over the jam layer without pressing them down.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 38 minutes or until the jam is bubbling and the shortbread crumbs turn a light golden brown.
- Cool: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate if desired for the best texture and flavor. They can also be served at room temperature.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps achieve a smooth, creamy dough.
- You can adjust the amount of strawberry jam based on your preference for the filling thickness.
- Cooling the bars in the refrigerator enhances the texture, making them easier to cut and enjoy.
- These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts over the jam layer before adding the crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry jam bars, shortbread bars, easy dessert, strawberry preserves dessert, sweet bars, baked dessert
