Sweetheart Bars
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of Sweetheart Bars, a delectable dessert that combines buttery shortbread, luscious raspberry jam, and a crumbly oat topping. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and texture, these bars are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat! With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, oats, and butter to create layers of flavor, while optional pecans add a delightful crunch. Each bite offers a symphony of buttery, fruity, and nutty notes, making Sweetheart Bars an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, afternoon tea, or any occasion in need of a little baked love. Plus, the recipe yields 12 servings, so there’s plenty to share—or not!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 0.5 cup rolled oats
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt. Beat on low speed until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 dough for the topping.
Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
In a small bowl, combine the reserved dough with the rolled oats, brown sugar, and pecans (if using). Use your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the jam layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 squares or bars.
Serve and enjoy your Sweetheart Bars with tea, coffee, or as a delightful dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4366 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.8 g | 279% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.2 g | 621% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 517 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 1278 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 575.6 g | 209% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 289.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.9 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 192 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 908 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
