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Traditional Thumb Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 71 reviews

Traditional Thumb Bars are a nostalgic, buttery classic dessert featuring a tender shortbread-like crust with a sweet fruit jam filling and a crumbly golden topping. This homemade treat is perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you crave a comforting, old-fashioned baked good.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base & Topping:

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but classic)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • ¾ to 1 cup thick fruit preserves or jam (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or mixed berry)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
  2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender texture.
  4. Add Flavorings and Egg: Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and the large egg until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  5. Form Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms to avoid overworking the gluten.
  6. Press Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  7. Spread Jam: Evenly spread your choice of fruit preserves or jam on top of the pressed dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the topping and to prevent overflow.
  8. Top with Crumble: Crumble the remaining one-third of dough over the jam layer in small, even pieces to create a golden crumb topping.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and the bars are set.
  10. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Using thick fruit preserves helps prevent soggy crust and keeps the layers distinct.
  • Almond extract is optional but adds a traditional flavor note corresponding to classic thumb bar recipes.
  • Be careful not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender, shortbread-like texture.
  • Ensure the bars are fully cooled before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: thumb bars, thumbprint bars, shortbread bars, fruit preserves, jam bars, classic dessert, old-fashioned baked goods

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/traditional-thumb-bars-recipe/