Strawberry Shortbread Bars Recipe
Buttery shortbread crust, sweet strawberry jam, and crunchy almonds make Strawberry Shortbread Bars an irresistible treat. They come together quickly and taste amazing with coffee, tea, or as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 262kcal
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste OR 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam (jam, jelly or preserves), We like Fruit and Honey Strawberry Spread
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla paste or extract and the almond extract, then mix until combined.
- With the mixing speed on low, gradually add the flour. Mix until a dough forms. Remove ½ cup of the dough, press it into a flat disc, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place in the freezer until firm, about 10 minutes.
- Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the palm of your hand to create a flat, even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the strawberry spread over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Crumble the frozen dough and sprinkle it, along with the almonds, over the top.
- Place in the oven and bake until the dough turns lightly golden brown, about 45-50 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature before removing them from the pan. When the jam is set, cut and serve.
Notes
-You can make these bars with any jam flavor you like!
STORE these Strawberry Almond Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If FREEZING, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.
Nutrition
Serving: 12serving | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
