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Nancy Reagan’s Delightful Vienna Bars: A Classic Recipe

Nancy Reagan’s Delightful Vienna Bars: A Classic Recipe

calendar_today March 2, 2026 schedule 1 min read
timer
Prep
20 minutes
local_fire_department
Cook
35 minutes
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Rest
1 hour
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Cool
1 hour
group
Servings
16
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Calories
250 kcal
payments
Per Serving
1.00

A classic layered dessert with a buttery crust, sweet jam, and crumbly topping.

restaurant_menu Ingredients format_list_numbered Instructions

restaurant_menu Ingredients

Servings
16

Crust & Topping

Filling

hardware Essential Tools

01 check_circle

9x13-inch baking dish

02 check_circle

Mixing bowls

03 check_circle

Measuring cups and spoons

04 check_circle

Whisk

05 check_circle

Rubber spatula

format_list_numbered Preparation

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.

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Try These Variations

01
1

Different Jam Flavors

Experiment with strawberry, blackberry, or fig jam.

02
2

Citrus Zest

Add lemon or orange zest to the dough.

03
3

Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the jam.

04
4

Nuts

Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping.

05
5

Spices

Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.

Chef's Pro Tips

1

Use softened butter for easy creaming.

2

Don’t overmix the dough to avoid a tough crust.

3

Cool completely before slicing for neat cuts.

Storage Guide

home

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

kitchen

Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

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Freeze for up to 2 months.

Avoid These Mistakes

Using cold butter.
Overmixing the dough.
Not cooling completely.
Burning the topping.

nutrition Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 bar

250kcal Calories
35g Carbohydrates
3g Protein
12g Fat

Nutritional values are approximate.

flag 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different jam? expand_more

Yes, you can use any jam you like, such as strawberry or blackberry.

Can I add nuts? expand_more

Yes, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.

Can I make these ahead of time? expand_more

Yes, store them at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I prevent sticking? expand_more

Grease the baking dish or use parchment paper.

How do I cut them neatly? expand_more

Cool the bars completely before slicing with a sharp knife.

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