Strawberry Jam Bars
Sweet and buttery strawberry jam bars combine a crisp crust with a gooey strawberry filling, perfect for snacking or dessert, appealing to fruit lovers and those craving a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and sugar a 9-inch square pan.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, and flour to form a crumbly mixture.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan as the crust.
- Spread the seedless strawberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the jam layer.
- In a separate bowl, melt white morsels and beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the jam and pecans.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the white morsels with semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using almond flour instead of regular flour. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing. This recipe is great for using up leftover jam, and you can swap strawberry jam with raspberry or apricot for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or enjoy as part of a dessert platter alongside treats like Brownie Squares.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Strawberry Jam Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Jam Bars contains roughly 251 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% 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 frozen strawberries instead of strawberry jam?
Yes, you can make your own strawberry filling by cooking down frozen strawberries with sugar until thickened, then use that in place of the jam. This adds a fresh fruit flavor to the bars.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just ensure they are toasted for added flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when they turn a golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they can dry out.
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).