Shrewsburg Squares
Sweet, buttery squares with a layer of jam and a crumbly topping, perfect for teatime or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of buttery richness and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Take half of the mixture and spread it evenly in a greased 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Spread a layer of jam over the dough in the pan.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer.
- Sprinkle with white sugar on top.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until lightly golden, about 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter. If you don't have jam, fruit preserves or even Nutella can work well as substitutes. Ensure to spread the jam evenly to avoid dry spots in the squares. For a richer taste, use dark brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving alongside small cheese cakes for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Shrewsburg Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the squares, layered between parchment paper in an airtight container, for up to a month. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven for a short time until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrewsburg Squares contains roughly 283 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% 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 flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser. Gluten-free flour blends can also work, though you may need to adjust the baking powder slightly.
What kind of jam is best for this recipe?
Any fruit jam works well, but raspberry or apricot jam is particularly popular for its sweet-tart flavor. Experiment with your favorite jam to customize the taste. Just avoid overly liquid jams to prevent sogginess.
How can I make these squares more visually appealing?
To enhance their look, sprinkle some chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles on top before baking. Drizzling with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk after cooling can also add a lovely finish.
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).