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Home » Recipes » Fall Recipes

Plum Bars with Crumble Topping

Published: August 11, 2022 Modified: Aug 11, 2022 by Cambrea Gordon. This post may contain affiliate links.

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plum bars pinterest pin.
plum bars pinterest pin.
plum bars pinterest pin.

These plum bars are layered with a soft and buttery shortbread crust and spiced plum jam! This recipe uses simple ingredients and is super easy to prepare. You are going to love these soft and gooey plum bars!

plum bars on a wire cooling rack.

I love making these plum bars at the end of the summer and fall seasons.

They have a buttery shortbread base, a layer of homemade plum jam, and are topped with more shortbread crumbs.

These bars are so delicious, every bite literally melts in your mouth with gooey plum goodness!

Even with making the homemade jam, the prep time is very minimal, making this simple recipe one of my favorites to throw together.

Serve these bars with vanilla ice cream or eat them as is for any occasion!

For more bar recipes, try Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies, Blueberry Crumble Blondies, Strawberry Lemon Blondies, Banana Pudding Brownies, and Brown Butter Nutella Bars.

Jump to:
  • why these plum bars are the best
  • ingredient notes
  • recipe instructions
  • expert tips
  • variations
  • storage & freezing
  • faq's
  • more bar recipes to try
  • Recipe 📖
  • Reviews
plum bars stacked on top of each other.

why these plum bars are the best

  • Easy recipe: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is easy to prepare and even easier to eat!
  • Buttery crust: These crumb bars are made with a delicious buttery shortbread crust and more shortbread crumbs on top. They remind you of plum cobbler when you eat them!
  • Versatile: You can easily substitute your favorite fruit and can switch up the spices as well!

ingredient notes

Find the full ingredient measurements and instructions in the recipe card below!

ingredients for the plum bars in small bowls.
  • Unsalted butter: This recipe is best with unsalted butter, but if you only have salted on hand leave out the ½ teaspoon of salt from the shortbread dough.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe and should not be substituted.
  • Fresh plums: You can use any variety of plums; like red, black or yellow!
  • Chai spice: The chai spice elevates the jam with warm fall spices. You can make your own blend or buy a store-bought blend. Substitute it with ground cardamom or cinnamon instead.

recipe instructions

Here is how to make these plum crumble bars! You will need a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to make the shortbread dough. Before you start, line a square 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 F.

STEP ONE: Make the jam. In a small pot, add the diced plums, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chai spice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until plums release all their juices, about 10-12 minutes. Use a masher to mash the plums. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes or until the jam is pretty thick.

STEP TWO: Cool the jam. Whisk the cornstarch and water together and add it to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes longer until the jam is even thicker and paste-like. Transfer it to a small bowl and let it cool completely before using.

process collage of the steps for making plum shortbread bars.

STEP THREE: Combine the dry ingredients. In a large stand mixing bowl or in a large bowl (for a hand mixer) add the cold butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

STEP FOUR: Mix the shortbread dough. Mix with the paddle attachment for 3-4 minutes until the butter is the size of small peas and the dough sticks together with squeezed in your hand.

STEP FIVE: Layer the shortbread. Reserve ½ cup of the shortbread crumb for the topping, then press the rest of it evenly into the prepared pan.

a process collage of the steps for making plum shortbread bars.

STEP SIX: Layer the jam. Use an offset spatula to spread the cooled plum filling in an even layer on top of the shortbread layer.

STEP SEVEN: Top with extra shortbread. Crumble the remaining shortbread pieces on top of the plum layer. Bake for 33-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is starting to turn golden brown. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. When they are cool, chill the pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before removing them, and then cut them with a sharp knife. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!

expert tips

  • Use a kitchen scale. Baking with a scale is highly recommended because it is much more accurate than cup measurements.
  • Let the plum jam cool. If you spread it on the shortbread while it's still warm, it will melt the butter in the shortbread.
  • Make the jam REALLY thick. It should look very similar to a paste. If the jam is too thin, it will not set properly and will pool out when cut.
  • Freeze them for clean cuts. For easy cutting, freeze the bars first for 15-20 minutes. Then use a sharp knife to cut them into bars.
  • Baking times may vary. All ovens are different and your bars may bake quicker or take longer than the indicated baking time. Look for the crumb topping to be a golden brown to know when they are done baking.
a plum bar with a bite taken out of it.

variations

  • Fruit: A few readers have made this recipe with other fruits like strawberries and blueberries!
  • Spices: Add any of your favorite spices to the jam instead of chai, like cardamom, cinnamon, or vanilla bean.

storage & freezing

  • Room temperature: Store the bars in the square baking pan wrapped in plastic wrap, or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to one month in the freezer.
plum bars on a wire cooling rack.

faq's

  • Do you skin the plums before making jam?
  • No! It's actually best to keep the skin on because the pectin in the skin helps the jam thicken.
  • Should my plums be ripe?
  • Yes! About to turn to mush is a perfect texture! The riper they are, the quicker the jam comes together, and the better flavor it has.
  • How do you pit the plums for jam?
  • With the plums being very ripe, you can easily cut the flesh around the pit to remove it.
  • Can I substitute store-bought jam?

    I have not tested this recipe with store-bought jam. I am not sure it will be thick enough to hold up when cutting but would love to hear how they turn out if you try it!

    more bar recipes to try

    • Strawberry Lemon Blondies
    • Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
    • Cookie Dough Crunch Bars
    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Drizzle

    If you make this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check it out!

    Recipe 📖

    plum bars on a wire cooling rack dusted with powdered sugar.
    5 from 11 votes
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    Plum Bars

    These plum bars are layered with a soft and buttery shortbread crust and spiced plum jam! This recipe uses simple ingredients and is super easy to prepare. You are going to love these soft and gooey plum bars!
    Servings 12 bars
    Prep 25 mins
    Cook 33 mins
    Total 58 mins
    Course : Dessert
    Cuisine : American
    Author : Cambrea Gordon

    Equipment

    • square 8x8 baking pan
    Need Metric Measurements?Use the button options below to toggle between US cups and Metric grams!

    Ingredients 
     

    Plum Jam

    • 3 cups chopped red plums
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
    • 1 ½ teaspoon chai spice
    • 2 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
    • ⅛ cup water

    Shortbread Dough

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
    • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Prepare a square 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
    • Add the plums, sugar, brown sugar, and chai spice to a pot. Cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until they release all their juices. Use a masher to mash them. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, or until the jam is thick.
      3 cups chopped red plums, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon chai spice
    • Whisk together the cornstarch and water and pour it into the pot.
      2 ½ tablespoon cornstarch, ⅛ cup water
    • Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the jam is even thicker and paste-like.
    • Transfer the jam into a small bowl and place it in the fridge to chill.
    • When the jam is completely cool, make the shortbread.
    • In a stand mixing bowl combine the butter, flour, sugar, brown sugar, and salt on low speed with the paddle attachment until the dough is crumbly and in pea sized pieces, this can take anywhere from 3-6 minutes.
      2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon light brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C.
    • Reserve ½ cup of the shortbread dough and set it aside.
    • Evenly press the rest of the shortbread into the prepared baking pan.
    • Evenly smear the cooled jam on top of the shortbread.
    • Sprinkle the reserved shortbread crumbs on top of the jam.
    • Bake for 33-38 minutes, or until the top of the shortbread is starting to turn golden brown.
    • Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
    • When cool, place the pan in the freezer for 15-20 minute to harden. Then remove them from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut them into clean bars. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

    Notes

    Step-by-step process photos are provided above, in the body of this post.
     
    recipe tips
    • Use a kitchen scale. Baking with a scale is highly recommended because it is much more accurate than cup measurements.
    • Let the plum jam cool. If you spread it on the shortbread while it's still warm, it will melt the butter in the shortbread.
    • Make the jam REALLY thick. It should look very similar to a paste. If the jam is too thin, it will not set properly and will pool out when you cut them.
    • Freeze them for clean cuts. For easy cutting, freeze the bars first for 15-20 minutes. Then use a sharp knife to cut them into bars!
    • Baking times may vary. All ovens are different and your bars may bake quicker or take longer than the indicated baking time. Look for the crumb topping to be a golden brown to know when they are done baking.
    storage & freezing
    • Room temperature: Store the bars in the loaf pan wrapped in plastic wrap, or in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
    • Freezer: Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to one month in the freezer.
    Serving: 1bar | Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 616IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

    The calorie information provided for the recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.

    This recipe was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated with new photos and content.

    More Fall Recipes

    • Carrot Cake Donuts
    • Garlic Bread Rolls
    • Dark Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes
    • Black Velvet Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jessi says

      December 17, 2022 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this recipe! My bars turned out perfect and so yummy 😍

      Reply
      • Cambrea Gordon says

        December 18, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        Glad to hear it Jessi! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Gail says

      September 13, 2022 at 10:48 am

      Quick question…. Do you peel the plums or leave skin on?

      Reply
      • Cambrea Gordon says

        September 13, 2022 at 10:54 am

        Leave the skin on! The skin has natural pectin in it which helps the jam get super thick!

        Reply
    3. Emma says

      August 29, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      I made these for a surprise monday treat at the hospital i work at and everyone loved them!!

      Reply
    4. Tayler says

      August 17, 2022 at 8:15 am

      5 stars
      I made these plum bars over the weekend and they were incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    5. Andrea says

      August 16, 2022 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, spiced plum jam in these crumble bars sounds absolutely fabulous! I'm looking forward to making these.

      Reply
    6. Kelley says

      August 16, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      These were so good! My family loved them thank you!

      Reply
    7. Dana says

      August 16, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      These were so so tasty and, I have to say, SO pretty! They went really quickly. I'll be making more soon, it's being demanded of me 😉

      Reply
    8. Jean says

      August 05, 2021 at 12:53 am

      5 stars
      Wow, just Wow! I didn't add chai or any other spice.
      I make strawberry jam every year. This was easier and jelled better!

      Reply
      • cambreabakes says

        August 05, 2021 at 12:58 am

        Hi Jean! YAY! I am so glad to hear that, and also I am loving the strawberry jam idea! I might have to do a spin off of these bars with strawberry 😉 I super appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and comment. Best, Cambrea

        Reply
      • cambreabakes says

        September 03, 2021 at 6:56 pm

        Hi Jean! I am absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this recipe! It's one of my favorites in the late summer/early fall. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review! Best, Cambrea

        Reply
    9. Amy Thrush Dreves says

      July 09, 2021 at 12:53 am

      5 stars
      I followed the instructions to a t. Shouldn’t there be baking soda or powder in the recipe?. My dough mixture is a slurry of wet flavorful goo after being in the oven for over 40 minutes. I suppose I serve it over ice cream. I don’t want to waste those home grown plums. This recipe has inspired me to make a batch of chai plum jelly.

      Reply
      • cambreabakes says

        July 09, 2021 at 2:06 am

        Hi Amy! There isn't any baking powder or soda in the shortbread because it isn't meant to rise in the oven. The shortbread is supposed to be really dense and not wet so that it will hold up against the jam. I'm curious if your jam wasn't thick enough? If you watch the video, the jam should be super super thick, almost like a paste! Or if your jam was still really hot when you smeared it on top of the shortbread? I'm so sorry you're having trouble with the recipe!

        Reply
    10. Heidi says

      November 01, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      When using Chai Wala for this recipe, should the plum jam mixture be strained? Curious about the rough chai mixture (pods).

      Reply
      • cambreabakes says

        November 02, 2020 at 5:41 pm

        Hi Heidi! When I measured out the chia mix, I removed some of the larger pods and seeds and tried to use just the smaller bits. It was very hard to strain the jam once it was made because it is so thick!

        Reply
    11. Callan says

      October 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      These were FABULOUS. I had a ton of leftover plums to use up and ended making another batch immediately after I tried the first ones. The chai comes through perfectly and you can never go wrong with shortbread. Such a perfect combo and recipe!

      Reply

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