Jam Bars
Sweet and buttery jam bars feature a tender crust filled with vibrant raspberry jam, offering a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and warm spices. Perfect for snacks, picnics, or dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to satisfy any craving for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cream together shortening, sugar, vanilla, and almond flavoring.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Spread half of the dough in a buttered 8- or 9-inch square pan.
- Cover the dough with a layer of raspberry jam or marmalade.
- Pat the remaining dough on top of the jam layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a different jam, feel free to substitute with apricot or strawberry preserves. Ensure the jam is spread evenly to avoid dry sections. For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking. For variations, try incorporating oats into the dough for a more textured bar, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These jam bars are perfect for a sweet afternoon treat or dessert. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a great choice for a brunch spread. You can also try them with a side of Ashville Salad for a refreshing balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jam Bars contains roughly 186 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 18g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! You can substitute raspberry jam with any fruit preserve you enjoy, such as strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry. Just ensure the consistency is similar so it spreads easily over the dough.
What can I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your jam bars turn out crumbly, it might be due to overmixing the dough or not enough moisture. You can try adding a splash of milk or an extra egg to bind the ingredients better next time.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The jam bars are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).