Jam Shortbread Bars

The buttery crumble and sweet-tart jam filling of these Jam Shortbread Bars create an irresistible combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These delightful treats strike the perfect balance between a classic shortbread cookie and a fruit-filled dessert, making them ideal for everything from afternoon tea to holiday cookie platters. The contrast of the crisp, tender shortbread against the jammy center creates a textural masterpiece that’s both comforting and elegant. You’ll learn how to create these versatile Jam Shortbread Bars with just a handful of pantry staples, plus discover pro tips for achieving that perfect shortbread texture every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Jam Shortbread Bars will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire for good reason. The beauty lies in their simplicity – a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base and topping that sandwich a vibrant layer of sweet-tart jam. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crumbly cookie exterior and the smooth, fruity center.

What makes these bars truly special is their versatility. You can customize them with any jam flavor you love, from classic strawberry to sophisticated apricot or tangy raspberry. They’re also incredibly forgiving for beginner bakers while still impressing even the most discerning dessert connoisseurs.

The bars come together quickly with minimal ingredients, yet they taste like something from a high-end bakery. Plus, they store beautifully, making them perfect for advance preparation for gatherings or gifting. The shortbread jam squares are equally at home at an elegant tea service or packed in a lunchbox as a sweet treat.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Jam Shortbread Bars, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (240g) high-quality jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or blackberry work beautifully)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

The quality of butter significantly impacts these bars – use the best you can find for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. For the jam, opt for a thick, fruit-forward variety without excessive liquid. Homemade jam works wonderfully here, but a good store-bought option delivers excellent results too. The lemon zest adds a bright note that balances the sweetness, especially with berry jams.

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Jam Shortbread Bars comes down to a few critical techniques that will elevate your results from good to spectacular.

First, keep your butter very cold until the moment you use it. Cold butter creates those desirable pockets of steam during baking that result in the characteristic flaky, tender texture of great shortbread. After cutting it into cubes, consider putting it back in the refrigerator while you measure other ingredients.

Second, avoid overmixing the shortbread dough. Once you’ve incorporated the butter, mix just until the dough begins to come together – it should look somewhat crumbly but hold together when pressed. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your shortbread tough rather than tender.

Finally, pay attention to your jam layer thickness. Too much jam can make the bars soggy and difficult to cut cleanly, while too little won’t provide that perfect fruity contrast. Spread it in a thin, even layer, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent jam from bubbling over during baking. If your jam is particularly runny, simmer it for a few minutes to thicken before using.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later. This step is crucial for clean, easy removal of your Jam Shortbread Bars.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Form the Base Layer
Take about two-thirds of your shortbread mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the surface, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your Jam Shortbread Bars. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Step 4: Add the Jam Layer
If your jam is very thick, warm it slightly to make it more spreadable. Carefully spread the jam in an even layer over the shortbread base, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges. If using, sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the jam for an extra dimension of flavor.

Step 5: Add the Crumble Topping
Gently squeeze the remaining shortbread mixture in your hand to form small clumps, then sprinkle these over the jam layer, creating a rustic crumble topping. This will give your Jam Shortbread Bars that beautiful textural contrast between the crisp base, jammy center, and crumbly top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbling slightly at the edges. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 35-minute mark for that perfect golden hue.

Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the Jam Shortbread Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential—cutting warm bars will result in a messy presentation and may cause them to fall apart. Once fully cooled, lift out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife between slices.

Variations

The classic Jam Shortbread Bars recipe is just the beginning – there are several delicious ways to customize this treat to suit your preferences or pantry.

Citrus Almond Shortbread Bars: Add ½ cup of finely chopped almonds to the shortbread mixture along with 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest. Use marmalade or mixed berry jam for the filling. The nuts add a pleasant crunch while the citrus brightens the entire dessert.

Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Bars: Mix ¼ cup of cocoa powder into the shortbread dough for a chocolate base and topping, then fill with raspberry jam. After baking and cooling, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish that transforms these Jam Shortbread Bars into an even more decadent treat.

Gluten-Free Jam Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help with the structure. The results are equally delicious and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage and Serving

Your Jam Shortbread Bars will keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the shortbread may soften slightly due to the moisture in the jam. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months – simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

For an elegant dessert presentation, serve individual Jam Shortbread Bars on small plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. Add a few fresh berries that complement your jam flavor for a beautiful color contrast.

These bars also pair wonderfully with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a more indulgent dessert, warm a bar slightly and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast between the warm bar and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

FAQs

Can I use homemade jam for these Jam Shortbread Bars?
Absolutely! Homemade jam works beautifully and often provides better flavor. Just ensure it’s not too runny – if needed, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Why did my shortbread turn out tough instead of tender?
Overmixing the dough likely developed too much gluten. Mix just until the ingredients come together, and handle the dough minimally for the most tender results.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes, so watch for golden brown edges and a set center.

My jam leaked through the bottom layer. What went wrong?
The bottom layer may have been too thin or had holes. Make sure to press it firmly and evenly into the pan, and consider chilling it for 15 minutes before adding the jam.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
Ensure the bars are completely cool (or even chilled), use a very sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts. For the cleanest edges, dip your knife in hot water and dry it before each cut.

Conclusion

These Jam Shortbread Bars are comfort food at its finest — buttery, sweet, and nostalgically satisfying while still feeling special enough for any occasion. The beautiful contrast between the tender shortbread and fruity jam creates a dessert that appeals to everyone from children to sophisticated dessert connoisseurs. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary moments into little celebrations, whether shared at a holiday gathering or enjoyed quietly with your afternoon tea. With endless variations possible through different jam flavors, these bars will become a reliable favorite in your baking repertoire, ready to delight family and friends time and again.

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