Ingredients for Streusel Topped Fruit Bars
- Unsalted Butter
- Light Brown Sugar
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Unbleached All Purpose Flour
- Cake Flour
- Preserves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cold Water
- Baking Powder
- All Purpose Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Dark Brown Sugar
- Toasted Sliced Almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
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How to Make Streusel Topped Fruit Bars
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13 inch aluminum baking pan with heavy-duty foil, leaving 2-3 inches of overhang on the short sides for easy removal.
- **Make the Pastry:** In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes using an electric mixer).
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to a ¼-inch thickness.
- Prick the dough all over with a fork.
- Chill the crust for at least 20 minutes.
- **Roast Nuts (optional):** While the crust chills, spread ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool completely.
- **Bake the Crust:** Bake the chilled crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- **Make the Filling:** In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup fruit jam (your choice!) to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering jam and cook for 1 minute, or until thickened.
- **Make the Streusel Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces), and the toasted nuts (if using). Use your fingers or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- **Assemble and Bake:** Spread the jam filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the foil overhang. Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
6 g
Sugar
127g
Fat
56g
Carbs
20g
