Ah, the nostalgia! These Hungarian Jam Tarts are a beloved family treat that we enjoyed growing up. My mom would always have a batch ready in her old-fashioned biscuit tin, and they never lasted long—everyone couldn’t get enough! There’s something magical about these tarts, with their buttery crust and sweet apricot jam, that brings back warm memories of home. The secret? It has to be All Gold smooth apricot jam—my mom swore by it and wouldn’t use anything else!
Imagine a tender, buttery base topped with a generous layer of luscious apricot jam, all covered with a delicate, golden-brown lattice of grated dough. It’s the perfect combination of crisp and chewy, with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of the jam shining through. These jammy squares are perfect for filling your cookie jar, sharing at gatherings, or simply indulging in with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 500g butter
- 5 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
- 6 eggs
- Jam of your choice (All Gold smooth apricot jam recommended)
Method:
- Creaming the Butter and Sugar: Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your dough.
- Adding the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are evenly incorporated into the batter, giving the tarts a rich texture.
- Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add them to the creamed mixture. For best results, use your hands to mix everything together; it helps achieve a uniform dough.
- Chilling the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Place 1/4 of the dough into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This chilled dough will be grated over the jam layer, creating a beautiful topping.
- Preparing the Base: Press the remaining dough evenly into a Swiss roll baking tray. Spread a generous layer of apricot jam over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Creating the Topping: Once the chilled dough is firm, grate it over the jam layer. This grated dough will bake into a delicate, crispy topping.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the tarts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the jam is bubbling.
- Cutting and Serving: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before cutting them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of buttery crust and sweet jam!
Note: This recipe makes a large tart. You can adjust the ingredient quantities if you prefer to make a smaller batch.
These Hungarian Jam Tarts are not just a treat; they’re a cherished tradition in our family. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, they’re sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them. Don’t forget to share the love and let your friends and family experience the deliciousness too!