Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping
	
		Jammy Fruit Bars with Streusel Topping combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a luscious fruit jam filling and a crunchy streusel topping. This versatile and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and textured flavors in every bite.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Kathy
 
							- 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 using gluten-free flour blend)
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			For the Base and Streusel Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
 
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
 
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
 
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
 
- 1 tsp baking powder
 
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
 
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
 
For the Filling
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen fruit jam (berry, apricot, mixed fruit, or your choice)
 
Optional Streusel Add-ins and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for nutty streusel)
 
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional, mixed into dough or streusel)
 
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
 
- Melted white chocolate, for drizzling (optional)
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Streusel and Base Dough: Combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and cold butter cubes in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you form coarse crumbs. Reserve about one-third of the mixture for the streusel topping, and firmly press the remaining two-thirds evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to form the base layer.
 
- Spread the Jam Filling: Carefully spread your chosen fruit jam evenly over the pressed dough base. If the jam is thick, warm it slightly to make spreading easier, but avoid making it too runny to keep the topping from sinking.
 
- Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the reserved streusel crumbs evenly over the jam layer. Do not press down; keeping the topping crumbly will ensure a light texture.
 
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbly. Monitor closely near the end to avoid over-browning.
 
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This helps the jam set and makes slicing cleaner. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles, then serve and enjoy.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use cold butter for a crumbly streusel texture, not greasy.
 
- Spread jam evenly but gently to keep the topping light.
 
- Avoid overbaking to prevent the streusel from burning.
 
- Choose high-quality jams with natural fruit pieces for best flavor and texture.
 
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to maintain neat edges and avoid stickiness.
 
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
 
- To make vegan, use plant-based butter and ensure jam is free from animal products.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 bar
 
							- Calories: 220
 
							- Sugar: 18g
 
							- Sodium: 80mg
 
							- Fat: 12g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 7g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 28g
 
							- Fiber: 1g
 
							- Protein: 2g
 
							- Cholesterol: 35mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Jammy Fruit Bars, Streusel Topping, Fruit Bars, Dessert Bars, Jam Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert, Easy Baking