About This Recipe
A classic layered dessert with a buttery crust, sweet jam, and crumbly topping.
Ingredients
16 servings
Crust & Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3/4 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Kitchen Tools
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Instructions
Preparation
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Assembly & Baking
5
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6
Press two-thirds of the dough into the baking dish for the crust.
7
Spread jam evenly over the crust.
8
Crumble remaining dough over the jam for the topping.
9
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooling & Serving
10
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
11
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Chef's Tips
- Use softened butter for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid a tough crust.
- Cool completely before slicing for neat cuts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter.
- Overmixing the dough.
- Not cooling completely.
- Burning the topping.
Variations
- Different Jam Flavors: Experiment with strawberry, blackberry, or fig jam.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the jam.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping.
- Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.
Storage & Freezing
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Enjoy these classic Vienna Bars, a recipe with a touch of history and a whole lot of flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different jam?
Yes, you can use any jam you like, such as strawberry or blackberry.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, store them at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze them for longer storage.
How do I prevent sticking?
Grease the baking dish or use parchment paper.
How do I cut them neatly?
Cool the bars completely before slicing with a sharp knife.
Related Keywords
raspberry bars
apricot bars
crumb bars
shortbread recipe
dessert bars