Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe
If you’re searching for a nostalgic baked good that brings warmth, comfort, and a pop of sunny flavor to every bite, you’re in for a treat with Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat. These buttery, jam-packed bars are an irresistible blend of tender cookie layers, luscious apricot filling, and a generous sprinkle of crunchy nuts on top. Whether you’re craving something for your family dessert table or a charming homemade gift, this recipe effortlessly delivers that homey baked-with-love magic every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat is that the ingredient list is delightfully straightforward. Each element serves a purpose, from buttery richness to the bright, tangy apricot center, ensuring the finished bars have that perfect balance of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Softened butter is essential for a creamy, tender dough that forms the perfect base and crumb topping.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars just enough to complement the tartness of the jam without overwhelming it.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and a touch of richness for that classic cookie bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and brings a cozy, familiar flavor to the bars.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of both the base and topping, creating those signature soft cookie layers.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in balance.
- ¾ cup apricot jam: The star of the show—choose a quality apricot jam for vibrant color and tangy fruitiness.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Nuts add texture and a subtle, toasty depth to the crumbly topping.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Gives a delicate, bakery-style finish and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes removing the bars later so much easier and guarantees those clean, neat edges we all love.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—think pale yellow and spreadable. This step builds the foundation for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once creamed, add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until everything blends seamlessly.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour and salt just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this keeps your cookie layers tender and delicate. The dough will be thick but easy to press into the pan and crumble later on.
Step 4: Press and Spread
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Take a moment here to be gentle but thorough, nudging the dough all the way to the corners for even bars. Then, spread the apricot jam right over this base, creating a colorful, tempting layer that promises a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Nutty Crumble
Mix the remaining third of your dough with the chopped walnuts or pecans until combined. Sprinkle this nutty mixture generously over the jam layer, letting some jam peek through in places for that rustic, homemade charm.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the edges set—the scent wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this patience pays off for clean slicing later.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, lift the parchment to remove the bars from the pan. Slice into neat squares or bars, then give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar if you like that bakery-style finish. Now, dive in and share—or savor all to yourself!
How to Serve Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat
Garnishes
A light snowfall of powdered sugar is classic, but you can make your presentation pop by adding a few curls of orange zest or scattering extra chopped nuts over the top. This extra flourish not only looks lovely but teases the flavors inside each bar.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cup of black tea, hot coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert moment. On a brunch table, they play beautifully alongside savory salads or a creamy egg bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars on a rustic wood platter, or tucking a few into a parchment-lined tin with bright ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. For holidays, arrange them in a checkerboard with contrasting berry jams for a festive twist on Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, keep any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The bars stay soft and chewy, with the flavors melding even more beautifully by day two.
Freezing
Yes, Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat freeze like a dream! Simply layer the bars between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for a taste as good as fresh-baked.
Reheating
If you like your jammies just barely warm, pop an individual bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the jam and enhances the aroma, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While apricot is the classic for Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat, peach or raspberry preserves also taste fantastic and add a colorful twist. Just pick a thick jam so the bars hold their shape.
Are these suitable for nut allergies?
You can skip the nuts entirely or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a bit of crunch without the allergens. The bars will still be tender and delicious with all the memorable fruit flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Go for a trusted 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the chewy-jammy magic will still shine through in every bite.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. For extra neat edges, chill the bars briefly before cutting—they’ll hold together beautifully.
How do I keep the bars from becoming soggy?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before covering or storing. Using a high-quality, thick jam also helps keep the base crisp instead of soggy, maintaining the distinctive texture of Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat.
Final Thoughts
I hope making Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Whether you share them with family, gift them to friends, or relish a quiet square with your morning coffee, these nostalgic bars prove that the simplest recipes are sometimes the sweetest treasures. Give them a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
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Mom’s Apricot Jammies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mom’s Apricot Jammies are a delightful combination of sweet apricot jam sandwiched between layers of buttery, nutty dough. These bars are a nostalgic treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping:
- ¾ cup apricot jam
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Layer the dough: Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan, spread apricot jam, crumble remaining dough mixed with nuts over the jam.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan, then cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute apricot jam with peach or raspberry preserves.
- Bars store well at room temperature for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
