Apricot Jam Squares

Irresistibly Delicious Apricot Jam Squares: A Perfect Treat

Indulge in these irresistibly delicious apricot jam squares – a perfect treat that pairs wonderfully with creamy ice cream, a glass of sparkling wine, or why not both for the ultimate dessert experience? 😊

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

When I was brainstorming ideas with ingredients I already had at home, I found a can of apricots collecting dust and knew it was time to put them to good use.

A Twist on the Classic Shortbread Base

This recipe leverages the shortbread recipe from last week that was a hit. The addition of apricot jam enhances the shortbread with a sweet and tangy flavor, creating a truly irresistible combination. Also the crumble on top uses hazelnuts that really come out and balance nicely with the apricot and shortbread profiles.

Easy, Delicious, and Sure to Impress

Easy to make, delicious to taste, and guaranteed to impress, these apricot jam squares are a must-try dessert you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients:

Base

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 cup of corn starch
10 tablespoons of butter at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of confectioners sugar
1/4 cup of cooled down jasmine tea (you can just use water for this as well)

Filling

1 can of apricot halves
1 cup of water

Top

1 cup of oats
1 cup of all purpose flour
1 cup of lite brown sugar
1/2 cup of hazelnuts smashed
8 tablespoons of cold butter

Steps:

Creating the base:

Start with the Shortbread Base

Begin by preparing the buttery shortbread base using this recipe [here]. It’s the perfect foundation for these delicious jam squares!
Prep Your Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish with a bit of butter and line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal later – plus, who doesn’t love an effortless cleanup?
Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – get it nice and warm, so your treats bake to perfection.
Flatten the Shortbread Dough

Once your shortbread dough is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Use your hands to gently press it down, making sure it’s evenly spread across the bottom. The more even, the better!
Chill for a Perfect Texture

Pop the pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step helps set the dough before baking, ensuring the base stays firm and delicious.
Bake the Shortbread Base

After chilling, bake the shortbread for about 14 minutes, rotating halfway through. You want it to stay pale and golden – not brown yet, but slightly firm to the touch.

Making the Apricot Jam:

Prepare the Apricot Jam

While the base bakes, grab your can of apricots and empty it into a small pot. Add a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
Once it’s boiling, use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to create a smooth apricot jam. Let it thicken slightly before removing it from the heat.

Final steps before bringing it all together:

Make the Crumble Topping

In a bowl, mix together the ingredients for the crumble topping. Then, use your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly texture – just like breadcrumbs, but tastier!
Assemble the Squares

Once the shortbread has baked and cooled slightly, spread the apricot jam evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the crumble mixture over the jam, covering it evenly.
Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 37 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumble top turns a beautiful golden brown.
Enjoy!

Let your apricot jam squares cool before cutting into squares. Now, sit back, relax, and savor every sweet bite of your creation!