Wanted: Scrumptious Bakes to Utilize a Abundance of Homemade Jam

I have an abundance of fruit spreads made with all kinds of seasonal fruits – what are some recipes that would use some of it up?
A home cook, Gouda

“Preserves are central to numerous great baked treats,” notes an expert pastry chef. Their first thought involves pour of your homemade jam into a greased ovenproof dish and add a layer of cake batter: “Prepare a simple, balanced combination scaled to your dish by mixing for example 180g softened butter and 180g granulated sugar, gradually incorporating one large egg and a touch of flavoring, and finishing with 180g leavened flour.” Spread this on top of the jam and bake it at 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 until the sponge “is firm to the touch” and a skewer comes out clean. Enjoy hot with whipped cream or pouring custard, and it’s perfection.

You’ll also want jam to decorate cakes. “Obvious things are a Victoria sponge, but that isn’t very generous with jam,” adds a well-known food writer, who suggests spread icing over the top of a flavorful bake, as an idea, hollow out a spot in the middle with the back of a spoon and drop a spoonful in there: “This is a lovely method to add flair and it also makes use of a sizable portion of jam.” Another idea is to use fruit preserves to finish a nostalgic school dinner traybake sponge: “After baking, top with jam then dust with toasted flakes.” If you prefer, there’s delight in a retro jam tart or traditional pastry.

Of course, jam is a great friend of cookies, with experts suggesting jam-filled cookies are a classic option. Try making nutty meringues: “Whisk whites only with icing sugar, almond meal and orange peel until holdable to form small spheres, then toss in icing sugar.” Press a thumb in the centre, spoon in the jam and bake: “They’re delicious, tender and store nicely in a airtight jar.” For a different twist, shortbread are another winner: “Prepare a straightforward shortbread by mixing fine sugar and soft butter, then incorporate flour – try a blend of white and wholemeal – cornstarch, seasoning and natural flavoring.” Pipe that, press a well, add jam and bake until the edges are lightly golden.

A spoonful of jam also elevates your morning meal. For some, that means porridge or yoghurt, while anyone with a sweet tooth ever refused a twice-baked croissant. “Cut croissants in half and spread with jam. Beat together 80g butter and 80g white sugar, add an egg and 80g crushed almonds, then fill your jammy croissants, and top it off, too.” Scatter sliced nuts, then get them in a 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 oven for 20 minutes for a very good morning.

There are, of course, only so many pastries you can eat (well, in theory, anyway), so also try gifting extras: “Add a ribbon on the jars and share them,” says one expert. “People adore an homemade present.” Alternatively, get a gang over, stir a spoonful of jam into refreshments – “in a fruity mixed drink,” – and enjoy the taste of sunshine.