Strawberry Jam Cake Bars are soft, tender vanilla cake squares topped with a glossy layer of strawberry jam and a light drizzle of sweet icing. These bars combine the comforting flavor of homemade cake with the bright fruitiness of strawberry preserves, creating a simple yet irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cake bars are wonderfully easy to prepare and require no special baking tools or techniques. The cake layer is moist and airy, while the strawberry jam adds a burst of sweetness and color. They are ideal for potlucks, picnics, afternoon snacks, or quick desserts. The bars slice beautifully and stay moist for days, making them both convenient and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vegetable oil or melted butter
- milk
- vanilla extract
For the topping:
- strawberry jam or strawberry preserves
- powdered sugar
- milk or cream (for icing)
- optional fresh strawberries for garnishing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil (or butter), milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While warm, gently spread strawberry jam over the entire surface of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
- Prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle icing over the cooled cake bars.
- Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
Serves: 9–12
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the batter and a lemon glaze on top.
- Berry Mix: Use raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry jam.
- Crumble Topping: Add a streusel for extra crunch.
- Swirled Version: Drop spoonfuls of jam into the batter before baking and swirl lightly.
- Almond Flavor: Add almond extract to complement the strawberry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freeze (without icing) for up to 2 months.
Bring to room temperature before serving; do not reheat, as jam may melt.
FAQs
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause density.
Can I use homemade jam?
Yes, homemade strawberry jam works beautifully.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need to warm the jam?
Warming helps spread it smoothly, especially if the jam is thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Underbaking or too much liquid in the batter can cause sinking.
Can I frost instead of drizzle?
Yes, cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with strawberry jam.
Can I add fresh strawberries inside the batter?
Yes, but chop them small to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, oil keeps the cake extra moist.
Should the bars be stored in the fridge?
Only if keeping longer than two days.
Conclusion
Strawberry Jam Cake Bars are a delightful combination of soft vanilla cake and sweet strawberry topping. Easy to prepare and beautiful to serve, they are perfect for casual gatherings, afternoon baking, or a nostalgic dessert to enjoy with family. Their simplicity, flavor, and versatility make them a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
PrintStrawberry Jam Cake Bars
Soft and buttery Strawberry Jam Cake Bars layered with a tender vanilla cake base and sweet strawberry jam, baked into easy sliceable bars perfect for snacks, tea time, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam (or preserves)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the batter.
- Dollop the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to create a marbled look.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
- You can swirl the jam lightly into the batter for a different texture.
- Substitute any fruit jam you like—raspberry, blueberry, or apricot also work well.
- Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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