Strawberry Jam Bars

Dairy-free, gluten-free Strawberry Jam Bars are definitely brunch-level and dessert-level vibes. But let’s not kid ourselves. They could also double (or triple?) as a breakfast bar, too. Made with a cookie dough-flavored base, and then layered with strawberry jam and pecans, they are a delicious sweet treat that also happens to be a family-favorite recipe! Even better? There are two ways to flavor the base: vanilla or cinnamon. Let your tastebuds decide! {Paleo}

Technically, Strawberry Jam Bars are supposed to be a cookie bar. Brunch and dessert just got a whole lot tastier. But I can’t shake the feeling these same dessert bars would also taste delicious for breakfast. Let me show you my math calculation:

Cookie dough base + strawberry jam + pecans = sweet breakfast vibes

See? Tell me I’m wrong, Spiriteds. Tell me I’m wrong. Technically, I’m probably wrong, but I feel like there’s enough wiggle room to give it a try. If I only live once, then I want these Strawberry Jam Bars for breakfast. Thank you for understanding.

I’ll just be over here, eating my Strawberry Jam Bars for breakfast because they’re basically a pb&j, but without the p or the b. Or jam with toast. But without the toast. Semantics. The truth is, these bars are so…comforting. My inner child cannot contain herself.

Am I five years old? Basically, yes.

But in my inner child’s defense, these bars are the best of desserts, bars, pb&js (without the p & the b), and jam and toast (without the toast). And you don’t have to worry about a big glob of one ingredient when you take a bite. Oh, no, friends. Each ingredient is evenly distributed in this wonderment of a dessert.

Just…take my word for it, will you? And make these for yourself? Because your dessert/breakfast/brunch/snack game is about to soar!

STRAWBERRY JAM BARS INGREDIENTS:

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Strawberry Jam Bars. And don’t forget to choose between a cinnamon-flavored base or a vanilla base. Or maybe just make one of each! This recipe is simple enough to make two batches without breaking a sweat!

• Dry ingredients: Gluten-free baking flour and gluten-free baking powder.
• Wet ingredients: Allergen-friendly butter, granulated sugar or monkfruit sweetener, egg, agave nectar or maple syrup.
• Mix-in: Chopped pecans.
• Cinnamon base: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Vanilla base: Vanilla extract and almond extract (optional).

HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY JAM BARS:

Strawberry Jam Bars are easy to prepare. It’s important to follow the steps based on which flavor you’ll use. To simplify the process, the instructions below are for the vanilla base. Notes after the steps are for the cinnamon base.

1. Set oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×9 baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream the butter on LOW until smooth. Then add the granulated sugar (or monkfruit sweetener) and cream until blended. Next, add the egg and vanilla and blend until combined. If desired, add a splash of almond extract. Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend on a LOW to MEDIUM speed.
3. Chill dough in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes, or until the dough is firm enough to handle. Spread enough dough in the parchment-line dish to cover the bottom. This will be approximately 2/3 – 3/4 of the batter. Press the dough into place and spread the strawberry jam over the top.
4. Stir the chopped pecans into the remaining dough. Sprinkle the remaining pecan-dough mixture over the top of the strawberry jam. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool several minutes before serving.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Cinnamon base: Omit the vanilla extract and the almond extract. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the dry ingredients. Add agave nectar or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. The spices will absorb some of the moisture, making this version crispier than the vanilla version. The topping will likely be crumblier (this is normal) and baking times will be shorter (about 20-25 minutes).

DESSERT BARS GALORE!!!!

We take our dessert bar recipes seriously. If you’re the same, and you’re in the market for additional recipes, then put your hungry eyes on these treats! 

• Cranberry Pecan Cookie Bars
• Mixed Berry Fruit Bars
• Lemon Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
• Dairy-Free Soy-Free Chocolate Bars

Stay safe and healthy, Spiriteds! I hope these Strawberry Jam Bars find you well. I’m glad you’re here! ❤️

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