3-Ingredient Buttery Jam Crumb Bars

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones everyone asks for.

These Strawberry Jam Crumb Bars have a buttery shortbread base, a layer of sweet strawberry preserves, and a crumbly topping that bakes into a golden, irresistible finish. They're perfect for brunch, book club, afternoon coffee, or wrapping up to share with a neighbor.

The best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry already.

I added a splash of vanilla extract to the dough, which gives the buttery crust a wonderful homemade aroma. Paired with strawberry preserves, these bars taste like summer in every bite. While strawberry is my choice for this batch, raspberry, apricot, blackberry, peach, or even fig preserves are all delicious options.

These bars travel beautifully, making them ideal for potlucks, church gatherings, neighborhood get-togethers, or packing into a picnic basket. Just let them cool completely before slicing, and you'll have beautiful homemade treats everyone will love.

Ingredients

• ½ cup salted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract

• ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup strawberry preserves - you can use your favorite!

• Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to **350°F**. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and optional cinnamon or salt until the mixture forms soft crumbs.

3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create the crust.

4. Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, gently pinching it into rustic clusters as you go.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the preserves are bubbling.

7. Cool completely before cutting into bars. For the neatest slices, chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

Passionista Kitchen Tip:

A teaspoon of vanilla gives in the dough these bars an extra layer of flavor that makes them taste like an old-fashioned bakery treat. I used strawberry preserves for this batch because they pair beautifully with the buttery crumb topping, but don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite jam. Every jar in your pantry is a new dessert waiting to happen!

The best recipes are often the simplest. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something warm, comforting, and made to share. Pour a cup of coffee, invite a friend over, and enjoy a little sweetness together!