Sweet and Simple Jam Dessert Bars That Melt in Your Mouth
Jam dessert bars are one of those nostalgic bakes that take just a few pantry items and turn them into something warm, sticky, and full of flavor.
They’re the kind of treat that makes you think of lazy afternoons and handwritten recipes in old cookbooks.
These bars start with a buttery shortbread base that’s pressed directly into the pan. Then comes the star — a thick layer of fruity jam.
I prefer raspberry or strawberry, but any jam works beautifully. On top, you’ll crumble a bit of the reserved dough, creating golden-brown edges and a jammy center.
You don’t need fancy tools, mixers, or even frosting — just your hands and a spoon.
Whether you serve them warm with tea or cold from the fridge, these bars never last long on the plate.

Recipe Overview
Prep Time | Cook Time | Cool Time | Total Time | Course | Servings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | Dessert | 12 bars |
Ingredients
Ingredient | For 6 Bars | For 12 Bars | Alternatives |
---|---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | ¾ cup | 1½ cups | Almond flour |
Butter (softened) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Coconut oil |
Brown sugar | 3 tbsp | ⅓ cup | Coconut sugar |
Salt | Pinch | ¼ tsp | Sea salt flakes |
Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Almond extract |
Your favorite jam | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Marmalade or fruit preserves |
Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)
- 8×8 baking pan (or 9×9 pan)
- Mixing bowl (or large container)
- Rubber spatula (or spoon)
- Measuring spoons and cups (or kitchen scale)
- Fork or pastry cutter (or use fingers)
- Parchment paper (or greased foil)
- Oven
How to Make Jam Dessert Bars
These bars are simple and satisfying — no mixer, no fancy ingredients, just a few steps and a delicious result.
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily later.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add vanilla and use a fork or your hands to blend until the dough looks crumbly but holds when pressed.
Set aside ⅓ of the mixture for topping. Press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Add the Jam
Spread jam evenly over the dough base. You can microwave the jam for 10 seconds to make it easier to spread if it’s thick.
Step 4: Add Crumble Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved dough over the jam in clumps. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top turns light golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then lift out and slice into squares. For neater edges, chill before slicing.
Decoration & Serving Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
- Add fresh berries or a drizzle of icing
- Serve with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
- For parties, slice into smaller squares for bite-size treats
Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans to the crumble topping
- Citrus Zest: Mix lemon or orange zest into the dough for brightness
- Coconut Top: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the jam before baking
- Oat Crust: Replace half the flour with rolled oats for a rustic twist
Storing Tips
- Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days
- Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 1 week)
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw in fridge before eating
- Best texture when served at room temperature
Extra Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting
- Don’t overbake — the bars firm up as they cool
- Thicker jam works best to prevent soggy bottoms
- Let them cool fully before slicing for clean lines
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake | Fix | Prevention |
---|---|---|
Soggy base | Chill before slicing | Use thicker jam or bake 5 minutes longer |
Crumble too dry | Add 1 tbsp more butter | Blend until crumbly and pressable |
Jam leaks | Trim edges before serving | Leave a ½-inch gap around edges |
Uneven baking | Rotate pan midway | Spread dough evenly and flatten before baking |
jam dessert bars
Buttery jam-filled dessert bars made with simple ingredients. Soft, fruity, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Fruit jam
Instructions
<ol><ul><li>Preheat oven and line baking pan<br/></li><li>Mix dough ingredients and press base<br/></li><li>Spread jam over crust<br/></li><li>Sprinkle reserved dough on top<br/></li><li>Bake until golden<br/></li><li>Cool completely and slice</li></ul></ol>
Notes
Use thicker jam for better texture
Try lemon zest or nuts for variation
Store chilled or frozen for longer shelf life
Cut when fully cooled for cleaner edges
These jam dessert bars are everything a simple dessert should be: comforting, sweet, and easy enough for any day of the week.
Try different jams, tweak the crust, and let your taste guide you. Share your favorite combos in the comments!