Best jam bars! This jam bar recipe has a layer of jam sandwiched between a sweet shortbread crust and topping. Easy and delicious!
One of my favorite things about the summer is all of the fresh fruit.
And one of my favorite ways to use some of that fruit is in homemade jam.
These jam bars are a delicious way to use that jam.
Whether you use homemade (or store bought) jam, these bars a simple but delicious dessert!
How to make jam bars
Begin by beating the butter and sugar together until combined.
Stir in the remaining ingredients EXCEPT jam. Don’t overmix.
Press half of the dough into the prepared pan, and prick the dough with a fork.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Drop dollops of jam over the hot crust, and gently spread to cover the crust.
You can use one or more flavors of jam in the bars.
Drop pieces of remaining dough over the jam. The dough won’t completely cover the jam.
Return to the oven, and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Types of jam that work well in these bars
I recommend using a thicker jam, rather than a thinner jelly because a thinner jelly will melt as it bakes.
Any flavor can work well, but apricot, peach, strawberry, and blackberry all go well with the almond extract.
Jams with a little tang, like blackberry, are also especially delicious with the sweet shortbread crust and topping.
Do I have to use the almond extract?
No! It’s optional.
Feel free to omit it if you prefer.
More Bar Recipes!
If you’ve tried this jam bar recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!
You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

Jam Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter at cool room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar together until combined.
- Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT jam, and stir in just until combined.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared pan.
- Prick the dough with a fork.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Drop dollops of jam over hot crust, and carefully spread to cover entire crust.
- Top jam with remaining dough.
- Continue baking for 20-30 minutes.
- Let bars cool in pan for at least 3 hours before cutting and serving.
Video
Notes
- I recommend using a thicker jam rather than a thinner jelly in these bars.Â
- Nutrition values are estimates.Â
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @i_heart_eating and follow on Youtube @katedean and Pinterest @katedean for more!
Reader Interactions
Love this recipe?
Share your thoughts below and let’s chat! Make sure to connect with me on your favorite social platform below and show me what you made!
Comments & Reviews
Laura says
I keep coming back to this recipe as something to make before a holiday. I had homemade pear jam that is too liquidy, so I combine with a thicker store bough jam. I make it in blotches or rows so it mixes, but is mostly my pear jam from my aunts tree. It’s always hard to wait, a lot longer than a cookie recipe.
Kate says
I’m so glad that you like the recipe, and homemade pear jam sounds delicious!
Kim shipley says
So easy to make with the grandson who has egg allergy. He doesn’t feel he is missing out with these lovely biscuit bars
Kate says
That’s great! Thank you!
Victoria says
This a great way to use up jam! My most requested bars. I double the recipe and make on a sheet pan. I also do each half with a different jam flavor.
Kate says
Thank you! I love using different flavors of jam in the bars, too!
Rebecca Contreras says
This is a great recipe! Hands down, my husband’s favorite sweet treat
Kate says
Thank you so much!
Nancy says
Could I double this recipe and use a sheet cake pan?
Kate says
Hi! I haven’t tried to double it, but it should work to double it and use a 9×13. Hope that helps!
Chani says
These looked beautiful on the table at the charity bake sale! Thank you!
Chani
Kate says
You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear that. =)
Jan says
We’ve had alot of strawberries this year and I made alot of home made strawberry jam. It was great with the bars. Thanks for the recipe. It’s a keeper.
Kate says
I’m so glad that you liked the bars! Thanks for commenting! =)