Step 1 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Step 2 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
To make the crust, place the softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Use a fork to combine. Add the flour and continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
PRO TIP Chop the butter into smaller pieces to make mixing easier.
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Step 4 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Using a tamper, clean hands, or the bottom of a heavy glass, press the dough into an even layer.
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Step 5 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Bake the crust on the middle rack of oven until slightly golden at the edges, 15-18 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare the streusel.
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Step 6 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Place the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl and use a fork to combine. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until large crumbs form. Transfer the bowl to the freezer to chill while waiting for the crust to finish baking. Do not freeze longer than 15 minutes.
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Step 7 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven. Gently spread the jam in an even layer over the crust. Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the jam.
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Step 8 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Return pan to oven and bake until streusel is golden brown and the jam bubbles slightly at the edges of the pan, 30-35 minutes.
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Step 9 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Check to see that bars are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 10 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
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Step 11 of 11
Jam Crumb Bars
Lift the bars from the pan by pulling up on the edges of the parchment paper. Slice into squares, and serve.