Almond Jam Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

3/4 cup sliced almond

1/2 cup Brennan’s Cherry, plum or peach spreadable fruit or preserves

Adapted From: lickthebowlgood.com

Description
These yummy bars are great for lunches or potlucks.

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on high speed until light and fluffy; beat in egg yolk. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in almonds. In a small bowl, whisk jam to loosen. (Stirring the jam with a fork or a whisk will enable it to spread smoothly over the dough.)  

Gently press half of dough into bottom of prepared dish. With the back of a spoon, gently spread jam over dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border so the jam doesn’t stick to the sides of the pan. Sprinkle remaining dough over top all the way to the edges; press gently to form top layer. Bake until top is golden, 25 to 35 minutes; cool completely in dish. Cut into bars with a serrated knife.