Blackberry Jam Bars

These bars are buttery, soft and crumbly and full of rich berry flavor from the jam. I made these for a play date and the kids (and adults) devoured them. I saved around ten bars to take pictures of this morning and they were all gone when I got up ( I have some night snackers in the house!).

photo: recipegirl.com

The recipe calls for a combination of AP flour and almond flour or finely ground almonds. I ground my own almonds since we had some on hand. I'm sure you could use all AP flour, but the ground almonds really add a delicious flavor that make these special. So if you can, go for the almond flour.

Photo: recipegirl.com

My only change to the recipe was to add coarse sanding sugar to the top before baking. Nice sparkle and crunch.

Blackberry Jam Bars
Yield: 15 large or 30 small bars

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup almond flour or very finely ground almonds
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups seedless Blackberry Jam
powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray 9x13-inch pan with nonstick spray.

Prepare shortbread: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter and sugars; beat until creamy. Add vanilla and salt and beat until well combined. Beat the almond flour and the all-purpose flour into the butter mixture on low speed, just until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half. Wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or so. Press the other half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.

Bake the crust until it is just beginning to turn light brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Place jam into a bowl and stir very well until it is nice and smooth. Spread the jam evenly over the partially baked crust. Crumble the refrigerated shortbread dough over the jam to form a crumbled topping. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking until the topping is firm and crisp and golden in color, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar before cutting into bars.

Tips:

*Almond flour is sold in a bag (I always buy Bob's Red Mill brand). Ask your market if they carry it.
*If you can find a jar of Smucker's brand seedless Blackberry Jam- 18 ounces- it is the perfect size for this recipe.
*Substitute raspberry or apricot jam if you wish to change up the flavors.
*The bars will keep in a covered container at room temperature for about 1 week. Or keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Recipe and Photos: recipegirl.com