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Jam Bars with Oat Crumble Topping

With an almond-scented crust, a layer of fruit preserves, and a buttery crumb topping, these bakery-style Jam Bars are an easy and impressive dessert.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 16 large or 32 small bars
Calories: 407 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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 unsalted butter (1-1/2 sticks) chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1-1/2 cups quality jam 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 unsalted butter (1-1/2 sticks), chilled and cut into small pieces
  • powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.)
  2. 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. 
  3. 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
  1. 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
  1. Spread preserves over hot crust layer. Sprinkle crumble topping in an even layer over preserves (the crumble layer will be thick). 
  2. 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. 
  3. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

  • *The brand of ground cardamom I use is very fragrant, so 1/8 teaspoon gives the crumble topping a nice, but not overly-assertive hint of the spice. If your cardamom isn't as aromatic, or if you prefer a stronger flavor, increase to 1/4 teaspoon.
  • **You can also use a food processor to cut the butter into the flour-sugar mixture. For a tender crust and streusel, use short pulses and be careful not to overprocess. When using a food processor, I prefer to incorporate the liquid ingredients in the base and the oats in the crumble topping by hand.

Nutrition Information

Calories 407kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 46mg (15%) Sodium 125mg (5%) Potassium 106mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 29g (58%) Vitamin A 535IU (11%) Vitamin C 2.8mg (3%) Calcium 37mg (4%) Iron 1.6mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16large or 32 small bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 407

% 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.