Irresistible Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping

If you’re searching for a dessert that hits every sweet spot, look no further than Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping. These bars are a delightful combination of luscious, fruity filling wrapped in a buttery, crumbly crust and topped with a generous layer of streusel that adds texture and extra flavor. Perfect for afternoon tea, a weekend treat, or a crowd-pleasing bake sale item, these bars bring irresistible sweetness and crumbly goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of any skill level.
• Versatile Flavors: You can customize the fruit filling to suit your favorite flavors or seasonal picks effortlessly.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of a tender base, sticky jammy center, and crunchy streusel topping creates a delightful mouthfeel.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these fruit bars always impress.
• Long-lasting Freshness: These bars hold up well, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture. From the rich buttery crust to the sweet, tangy filling, every component contributes to the overall harmony of these bars.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for both the crust and streusel crumb topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the topping, with a mix of granulated and brown sugar bringing depth.
• Fresh or Frozen Fruit Jam: The heart of the bars – choose your favorite berry, apricot, or mixed fruit jam for that jammy burst.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the base a light lift while keeping it tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warm, aromatic notes.
• Cinnamon (optional): A pinch adds warmth and complements many fruit flavors perfectly.

Variations for Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping

One of the best things about Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping is how easily you can tweak them to fit your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are some creative variations to keep your baking exciting.

• Mixed Berry Medley: Use a combination of raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry jams for a colorful and flavorful twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Filling: Swap jam for cooked apple slices mixed with cinnamon for a cozy variation.
• Gluten-Free Base: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs while retaining crumbly texture.
• Nutty Streusel: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Citrus Zest: Mixing lemon or orange zest into the streusel or dough adds a bright, fresh note.

How to Make Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel and Base Dough

Start by combining flour, sugar, and cold butter cubes in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you achieve coarse crumbs for the streusel. Reserve about one-third for topping, press the remaining two-thirds evenly into your baking pan to form the base layer. This dual use of the dough ensures a tender bar with a crumbly finish.

Step 2: Spread the Jam Filling

Carefully spread your chosen fruit jam over the pressed dough base. A generous layer creates that signature gooey center. If your jam is thick, you can warm it slightly to make spreading easier, being careful not to make it too runny.

Step 3: Add the Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the reserved streusel crumbs evenly over the jam layer. Make sure to cover the surface well but don’t press down—keeping the topping crumbly and light is key.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until the streusel topping turns golden and the jam is bubbly. Keep an eye on it near the end to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps the jam set and makes cutting cleaner. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping

• Use Cold Butter: Keep butter chilled until mixing to achieve crumbly, not greasy, streusel.
• Even Spreading: Spread the jam evenly but avoid pressing too hard so the topping stays crumbly.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the bars toward the end of baking to keep the streusel from becoming too dark.
• Custom Jam Choice: Choose high-quality jams with natural fruit pieces to maximize flavor and texture.
• Cooling is Crucial: Fully cool bars before slicing to avoid sticky messes and maintain neat edges.

How to Serve Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping

Garnishes

Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate elevates the look and adds a subtle sweetness contrast without overpowering the jammy fruit flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat, perfect for transforming these bars into a dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert platter, great for parties and gatherings. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week without sacrificing texture.

Freezing

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to restore their soft and crumbly texture.

Reheating

To revive warmth and softness, reheat bars in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave briefly on a low power setting. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and melts the jam slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam in Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping?

Yes, fresh fruit can be used, but it should be cooked down to a thick jam-like consistency first to prevent the bars from becoming soggy during baking.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking streusel toppings and crusts.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the jam?

Keep the streusel crumbly and evenly distributed on top, avoid pressing down, and use a thick jam to support the topping during baking.

Can I make Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based vegan butter or margarine, and ensure your jam does not contain gelatin or animal-derived ingredients.

What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wait until the bars have completely cooled and the jam has set, which helps prevent sticky or uneven edges.

Final Thoughts

Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping are truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. Their perfect balance of sweet fruit and crumbly topping makes them an all-time favorite dessert worth sharing. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch—you won’t be disappointed!

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