Mabrousheh is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. These jam bars are incredibly easy to make and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you coming back for more. The buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet jam center, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Growing up, mabrousheh was one of my favorite childhood desserts. My mom would prepare them often, and we couldn’t wait for the delicious smell to fill the house. What made them even more special was the variety of jams she used. Sometimes, she’d go with the rich and sweet strawberry jam, which was a family favorite, but she also made them with apricot, cherry, and fig jams. These jams weren’t just store-bought; they were homemade, made from fruits picked straight from the trees in our garden. Can you imagine how fresh and fragrant they tasted? Each bite felt like a taste of home, especially during the summer when the garden was full of ripe fruits.
What I love about mabrousheh is how versatile they are. You can use almost any type of jam you like, making them easy to adapt to your taste. Whether it’s tangy raspberry, smooth quince, or even a mix of fruit jams, the possibilities are endless. The base dough is simple to prepare, and after layering it with your chosen jam, you get the perfect combination of a tender, crumbly crust and a sweet, gooey center.
Ultimately, mabrousheh is not just a dessert—it’s a sweet reminder of family, tradition, and the joy of simple homemade treats. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a comforting snack, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tastes it!
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summary
Flavor: fruity sweetness and buttery melt in your mouth
Texture:soft and crumbly.
Prep time:15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
why you should try it
The beauty of mabrousheh is its versatility. You can use any type of jam you have on hand, making it a great way to clear out your pantry while still creating something delicious. For example, I recently had some blueberry jam that no one was eating, so I decided to use it in this recipe. To my surprise, the kids loved it! It was the perfect solution to using up jam that had been sitting around, and it added a lovely fruity twist to the bars. Whether it’s strawberry, apricot, or even a more unique flavor like fig or mixed berry, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences.
Another reason you should try mabrousheh is how simple and quick it is to make. The ingredients are basic, and the steps are straightforward. In no time, you’ll have a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth bars that are sure to impress. Furthermore, mabrousheh freezes exceptionally well. This is a big plus because you can make a larger batch, store it in the freezer, and enjoy it whenever you need a quick dessert or snack. When you’re ready to eat, just take a piece out, let it defrost, and it will taste as fresh as the day it was made.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly adaptable, this recipe is for you. Not only does it give you the chance to experiment with different jams, but it also allows you to enjoy a homemade treat with minimal effort. So, give it a try and taste the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Mabrousheh Recipe Ingredients
Flour forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and texture. It helps bind all the ingredients together.
Sugar sweetens the dough, balancing the flavors of the jam and adding a slight sweetness to the crust.
Oil provides moisture and makes the dough soft and easy to work with. It helps prevent the crust from being too dry.
Melted butter adds richness and flavor, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the crust.
Eggs bind the dough together and help it rise, giving the bars a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the dough rise and become light and airy.
Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the dough, ensuring it’s not too sugary.
Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dough and complementing the jam.
Filling:
• Jam (any kind you have or like) is the star of the filling, providing a sweet, fruity center that contrasts beautifully with the buttery, soft dough. It also adds a burst of flavor and sweetness to each bite.
How to make Mabrousheh ( middle eastern jam bars)
1. In a bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Then, add the oil, melted butter, salt, and baking powder. Mix everything together, and slowly add the flour. Continue mixing until a soft dough form.
2. Take out approximately 1/4 of the dough (or a little less) to use for the topping later.
3. Brush a tray with butter or oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
4. Flatten the dough evenly in the prepared tray, making sure it covers the bottom completely
5. Top the flattened dough with your choice of jam, spreading it evenly over the surface.
6. Shred the reserved portion of the dough on top of the jam, creating a crumbly topping.
7. Bake the dough at 360°F for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
8. Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, cut the dessert into squares.
9. Store the squares in a tightly closed container on the counter for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of jam for the filling?
Yes, you can use any jam you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry. This gives you flexibility to customize the flavor.
2. How do I store mabrousheh?
You can store mabrousheh in a tightly closed container. It stays fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature, 1 month in the fridge, or up to 6 months in the freezer.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Simply let it warm up to room temperature before using.
4. Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter and oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter and oil with coconut oil or vegetable oil. The texture and flavor may change slightly, but it will still taste great.
5. How do I know when the mabrousheh is done baking?
The mabrousheh is done when the top is golden brown and firm. You can also gently press on the surface to check if it feels set.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and use a bigger tray.
7. Can I freeze mabrousheh?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Just wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw it when ready to eat.
8. Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Yes, you can add nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. Simply sprinkle them on top before baking.
Tips And Tricks for Mabrousheh ( middle eastern jam bars)
1. Use homemade jam for better flavor.
Homemade jam will give your bars a fresher, more vibrant taste compared to store-bought jam.
2. Don’t overmix the dough.
Mix the dough just until combined to keep it soft and tender.
3. Let the dough rest if needed.
If the dough is too sticky, let it rest for 15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
4. Spread the jam evenly.
Make sure to spread the jam evenly to ensure every bite has the right balance of sweetness.
5. Shred the dough evenly on top.
Shred the reserved dough evenly over the jam to create a nice, uniform topping.
6. Keep an eye on the baking time.
Check the mabrousheh towards the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown, but don’t let it burn.
7. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
You can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the dough for a warm, aromatic touch.
8. Store in an airtight container.
To keep the mabrousheh fresh, store it in an airtight container, and it will last longer.
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Mabrousheh (Middle eastern jam bars)
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups flour
- 3/4 cup sugar or slightly less
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- jam any kind you have or like
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Then, add the oil, melted butter, salt, and baking powder. Mix everything together, and slowly add the flour. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Take out approximately 1/4 of the dough (or a little less) to use for the topping later.
- Brush a tray with butter or oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Flatten the dough evenly in the prepared tray, making sure it covers the bottom completely.
- Top the flattened dough with your choice of jam, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- Shred the reserved portion of the dough on top of the jam, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake the dough at 360°F for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, cut the dessert into squares.
- Store the squares in a tightly closed container on the counter for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Wow looks delicious.. keep the good work
Thank you 🥰