If you’re searching for a wholesome treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, this Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender, buttery squares bursting with your favorite fruit jam, all nestled atop a rich, nutty base of spelt flour, oats, and sliced almonds. It’s a delightfully simple recipe that balances whole grain goodness with a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, a midday treat, or sharing with friends over coffee, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in crafting the perfect texture and flavor for your Whole Grain Jam Squares. Each one brings its own magic, from the nutty oats and almonds to the sweet, fragrant extracts that make the squares irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides a rich, tender crumb and moist texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a light, fluffy quality.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Natural sweetness that enhances the jam’s flavor and keeps the squares moist.
- Quality pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Quality pure almond extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the almonds.
- Spelt flour, einkorn, or whole wheat flour (1 1/2 cups): Brings hearty, wholesome grains and a satisfying texture.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the squares rise just enough for the perfect bite.
- Ground cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, spicy note that complements the jam.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Old-fashioned oats (1/2 cup): Adds chewiness and wholesomeness to the base.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruit jams of choice (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that introduces vibrant flavor and sweetness.
How to Make Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This even heat is crucial to getting the perfect golden finish on your squares. Then, line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Honey
In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and honey together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step ensures your squares will have a moist texture with a hint of natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is smoothly combined. These ingredients bring richness and that warm, inviting aroma everyone will love.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This blend of dry components creates the wholesome backbone for your squares.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Almonds
Add the old-fashioned oats and sliced almonds into the dry mixture, folding them in evenly. These add lovely texture and nutty flavor that’ll keep each bite interesting.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet butter and honey mixture. Stir just until everything is combined to maintain the tender texture you’re aiming for.
Step 7: Assemble the Squares
Pour half of the batter into your lined baking dish and spread it evenly. Next, spread your chosen fruit jam over this layer, then carefully dollop the remaining batter on top. Use a spatula to gently spread it over the jam, creating a marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Finish cooling completely on a wire rack before slicing.
How to Serve Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or a few slivered almonds on top right before serving. Fresh berries alongside can also elevate the fruity jam flavor and add a delightful pop of color to your plate.
Side Dishes
These jam squares pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your squares with whipped cream or mascarpone for an indulgent dessert twist. Cutting them into bite-sized squares for a party platter also makes for a fun and shareable treat that everyone will crave.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Whole Grain Jam Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and flavorful while making it easy to grab a quick, wholesome snack.
Freezing
Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm up your squares in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry. Reheating enhances the buttery taste and softens the jam to melting perfection.
FAQs
Can I use different types of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! The Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe is wonderfully flexible—you can use strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or any jam you love. Each will bring its unique flavor profile to the squares.
Is it possible to substitute the spelt flour?
Yes, you can swap spelt for einkorn or whole wheat flour as suggested in the recipe. Each will give a slightly different texture and taste but still deliver that wholesome whole grain goodness.
Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Since spelt and whole wheat contain gluten, try using a gluten-free flour blend combined with gluten-free oats to adapt this Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe while keeping a similar texture.
Do I need to use both vanilla and almond extracts?
If you prefer, you can use just one type of extract, but the combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a layered depth of flavor that really makes these squares special.
How can I make the squares less sweet?
You can reduce the honey slightly or opt for a less sweet jam variety. This way, the natural nuttiness and whole grain flavors shine even more in this Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Give this Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe a try and you might just find your new favorite snack or breakfast treat. It’s wholesome, delicious, and bursting with fruitiness in every bite. Plus, it’s so rewarding to make something from scratch that tastes amazing and feels good to eat. I’m sure once you try these squares, they’ll become a beloved part of your recipe collection too!
Print
Whole Grain Jam Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Whole Grain Jam Squares are a wholesome and delicious treat, perfectly balancing the nutty flavors of whole grains, oats, and almonds with a sweet layer of your favorite fruit jam. Made with spelt or whole wheat flour, honey, and fragrant vanilla and almond extracts, they offer a nutritious and satisfying snack or dessert option that bakes up golden and tender.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon quality pure almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups spelt flour, einkorn, or whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Other
- 1/2 cup fruit jams of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the squares bake evenly and achieve a golden brown surface.
- Prepare baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the squares out after baking.
- Cream butter and honey: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and honey together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add egg and extracts: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, combining thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even leavening and spice distribution.
- Add oats and almonds: Stir the old-fashioned oats and sliced almonds into the dry mixture, adding texture and nuttiness to the squares.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the baked goods.
- Layer batter and jam: Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then spread the fruit jam evenly over this base layer.
- Top with remaining batter: Dollop the remaining batter over the jam layer and gently spread it out with a spatula to cover the jam.
- Bake squares: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan: Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; this allows them to set and makes them easier to remove.
- Remove and cool completely: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the squares out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 12 squares.
Notes
- Use your favorite fruit jam like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for varied flavors.
- You can substitute the spelt flour with whole wheat or einkorn flour for similar whole grain benefits.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- The squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds and add extra oats instead.
