Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping
Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping are a delightful dessert combining a tender buttery base, a luscious layer of fruit jam, and a crisp, crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors with a wonderful textural contrast, these bars are easy to customize, great for any occasion, and made from simple pantry staples.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour blend is used)
Base and Streusel
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Jam Layer
- 1 cup fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, blueberry, mixed berry, or your choice)
- Prepare the Streusel and Dough: Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter pieces using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about one third of this mixture for the streusel topping.
- Press the Dough Base: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the bars’ foundation.
- Add the Jam Layer: Spread your chosen jam evenly over the dough base, ensuring it covers the surface without pooling excessively to maintain a neat crust during baking.
- Sprinkle the Streusel Topping: Scatter the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the jam layer, creating a thick, crumbly topping that will bake into golden perfection.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the jam is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan before slicing into squares or rectangles to prevent the jam from running and to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Use cold butter to keep the streusel crumbly and prevent it from melting into the dough during baking.
- Don’t overload the jam layer; a thin, even spread prevents soggy bottoms and messy baking.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and neat slicing.
- Cool bars completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and set texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week.
- To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat gently in a low oven (~300°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Jammy Fruit Bars, Streusel Topping, Fruit Bars, Jam Bars, Crumb Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert, Easy Baking, Fruit Jam Dessert