Jam Bars with Oat Crumble Topping
User Reviews
5
Jam Bars with Oat Crumble Topping
Description
This recipe begins with a base made from all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, chilled butter, milk, and almond extract. The crumbly dough is pressed evenly into a parchment-lined pan and partially baked until set and lightly golden. While the base bakes, the oat crumble topping is prepared from flour, light brown and granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, optional cardamom, rolled oats, and cold butter, cut together until crumbly.
After the base has baked, a generous layer of quality fruit jam is spread atop it before the oat crumble is sprinkled over the jam. Baking continues to meld the jam and topping, creating bars with a firm shortbread bottom, a fruity middle, and a crunchy spiced oat topping speckled with cinnamon and cardamom aromas.
These bars are suitable for dessert, tea time, or a sweet snack. A dusting of powdered sugar is optional for presentation. The texture is a mix of tender, chewy, and crisp layers.
Using aromatic cardamom enhances the crumble with a subtle spice; adjust the quantity according to the spice strength and personal preference. A food processor can speed butter cutting but hand mixing is recommended for best texture control.
Ingredients
For the base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup butter 1-1/2 sticks) chilled and cut into small pieces, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1-1/2 cups fruit jam quality; or fruit preserves
For the crumble topping
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar , lightly-packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)*
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
- 3/4 cup butter 1-1/2 sticks), chilled and cut into small pieces, unsalted
- powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F with rack in middle position. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper with a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Lightly coat parchment with cooking spray.
Make the base
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or two knives, cut butter into flour mixture until it appears sandy and forms fine crumbs. (See Notes for food processor instructions.)
- In a small measuring cup, stir together milk and almond extract. Pour over the flour mixture and combine until moistened throughout. Mixture will remain crumbly. For a tender shortbread base, don't overwork dough.
- Press dough into the prepared baking pan in an even layer. Bake 12-15 minutes, until center is just set and edges are just beginning to turn light brown. Remove from oven to assemble bars and leave the oven on.
Make the oat crumble topping
- While the base is baking, whisk together flour, light brown and granulated sugars, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and oats. Using the same process as you did for the crust, cut butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
Assemble the bars
- Spread preserves over hot crust layer. Sprinkle crumble topping in an even layer over preserves (the crumble layer will be thick).
- Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes, until crumble topping is light golden brown. Let stand at room temperature in the baking pan until completely cooled.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
- The optional ground cardamom adds a subtle fragrant note; increase from 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon if a stronger flavor is preferred or if using a less aromatic brand.
- Use a food processor with short pulses to cut the butter into the flour mixture for the base and crumble, taking care not to overprocess for a tender texture.
- Incorporate liquid ingredients and oats by hand for better control and ideal crumb texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16large or 32 small bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 407 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 407kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 125mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 106mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 2.8mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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