Blueberry Jam Cake Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of sweet blueberries and soft cake. These bars are perfect for a sunny brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. The combination of a buttery cake base paired with luscious blueberry jam creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s sure to please everyone in your family. Each bite offers a bit of comfort, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert table or potluck.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 100 mg
Why Make This Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
Making Blueberry Jam Cake Bars is a fantastic way to indulge in the sweet, tangy flavor of blueberries without the hassle of intricate baking techniques. This recipe is simple, fun to make, and results in moist, delicious bars that are great for any occasion. The blueberry jam not only adds sweetness but also a burst of flavor, making each bite both satisfying and delightful. Plus, they are a perfect way to use up leftover jam!
How to Make Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup blueberry jam
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will incorporate air into the batter, leading to a lighter texture.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until all components are well blended.
Step 4: Layering and Baking
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the blueberry jam over this first layer, then carefully spread the remaining batter on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a charming finish just before serving.
How to Serve Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They make a lovely addition to brunch alongside coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Garnishing with fresh blueberries can elevate the presentation, making them more enticing.
How to Store Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
To keep your Blueberry Jam Cake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. These bars also freeze well: wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
- For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Use homemade or high-quality blueberry jam for richer flavor.
- If you prefer a little texture, you can fold in some fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before spreading it in the pan.
- Always check your bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking, which can dry them out.
Delicious Variations
Feel free to experiment with different flavors! Try using raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity twist. You can also add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter for crunch. For a more indulgent version, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade blueberry jam?
Yes, homemade blueberry jam works beautifully and adds a personal touch to your bars. - What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative if you’d like to make this recipe dairy-free. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free. - How do I know when my bars are done baking?
They are done when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Can I add more fruits?
Yes! You can mix in other fruits like chopped strawberries or blueberries along with the jam for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Blueberry Jam Cake Bars are not just easy to make; they’re packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. With a straightforward process and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will love. So why not gather your ingredients and bake up a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for seconds! Enjoy the delightful flavors and the joy of baking these scrumptious bars.
Print
Blueberry Jam Cake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful blueberry jam cake bars that are perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack, combining buttery cake with luscious blueberry jam.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup blueberry jam
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spoon blueberry jam over it.
- Spread the remaining batter on top and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and consider using high-quality blueberry jam for richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
