Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Stir the mixture until it forms a crumbly dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: Bake the Shortbread
Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add the Jam Layer
Spread your choice of fruit jam evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Use about 1 cup of jam, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together an additional 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cut in ½ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Add Topping to the Bars
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the jam layer in the pan.
Step 8: Bake Again
Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the jam shortbread bars as a delicious treat with coffee or tea.
Notes
Note 1: Jam Variations
Feel free to use any flavor of jam that you prefer, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
Note 2: Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigeration can extend their freshness.
Note 3: Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that variations in jam types and butter will slightly change the nutritional content.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Consider dusting the bars with powdered sugar before serving for an appealing presentation.
