Marmalade Tea Bars
Marmalade Tea Bars offer a delightful combination of tangy marmalade, toasted walnuts, and coconut, layered over a buttery oat crust. Perfect for tea parties or snacks, these bars are sweet, nutty, and have a hint of citrus, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine marmalade, chopped walnuts, and flaked coconut. Set aside.
- Sift together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually add the brown sugar and continue creaming until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and orange juice to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- Stir in the quick cooking oatmeal and the dry ingredients.
- Spread half of the batter evenly in a well-greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Spread the marmalade mixture over the batter.
- Drop the remaining batter by teaspoons over the filling.
- Carefully spread the top layer of batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and frost while warm.
- Cool and cut into bars or into 3-inch squares and top with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a sweeter touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Ensure the marmalade is spread evenly to prevent dry spots in the bars. If desired, use whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, making for a delightful dessert. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon snack. For a light meal, consider serving them alongside a refreshing Good Salad for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Marmalade Tea Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marmalade Tea Bars contains roughly 185 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 instead of marmalade?
Yes, you can substitute marmalade with any fruit jam or preserve you prefer. Options like apricot, raspberry, or even a mixed berry jam can provide a unique flavor twist while maintaining the bar's deliciousness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze these bars for later use?
Absolutely! Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
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).