Wanted: Delicious Bakes to Utilize a Surplus of Homemade Jam

My pantry is overflowing with an abundance of jam crafted from all kinds of seasonal fruits – are there any bakes that would help me use it?
A home cook, Holland

“Jam is at the heart of numerous great traditional desserts,” says a baking consultant. The first thought would be pour of the sweet stuff into a buttered baking tray and cover it with fluffy mixture: “Whip up a traditional, equal-parts blend adjusted for your dish by mixing say 180g butter and 180g granulated sugar, adding an egg and a touch of citrus zest or extract, and mixing through 180g self-rising flour.” Pour the batter on top of the jam and bake at 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 until the sponge “is firm to the touch” and it’s fully cooked. Enjoy hot with cream or custard, and it’s perfection.

Another great use is jam to decorate cakes. “Obvious things are a traditional layered cake, but that doesn’t use much jam,” says a celebrated pastry chef, who would be more inclined to layer icing over the top of a flavorful bake, to illustrate, create a well in the middle with the back of a spoon and add your preserves in there: “That’s a nice way to add flair and it also makes use of a good quantity of jam.” Another idea is to use fruit preserves to top a nostalgic communal bake: “After baking, top with jam then dust with toasted flakes.” Otherwise, you can’t go wrong in a nostalgic jam tart or European-style jam pie.

Additionally, jam is a great friend of tea-time treats, with enthusiasts agreeing that thumbprint cookies are an excellent choice. Try making jamaretti: “Beat whites only with sugar, almond meal and lemon zest until holdable to roll into balls, then toss in powdered sugar.” Press a thumb in the centre, fill with the jam and bake: “You’ll get delectable, chewy and keep well in a sealed container.” Meanwhile, shortbread are another winner: “Prepare a straightforward shortbread by beating icing sugar and butter, then incorporate all-purpose flour – try a blend of white and wholemeal – starch, a pinch of salt and natural flavoring.” Shape the dough, create a dip, spoon in jam and bake until the sides are golden-brown.

A spoonful of jam also gives breakfast an instant zhoosh. In many households, that means breakfast bowls, while anyone with a sweet tooth ever passed up a enriched croissant. “Cut croissants in half and cover with jam. Cream 80g soft butter and 80g white sugar, incorporate an egg and 80g ground almonds, then fill your flavored croissants, and top it off, too.” Sprinkle with flaked almonds, then get them in a 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 oven for 20 minutes for a truly excellent morning.

There are, of course, only so many pastries you can eat (of course), so also consider spreading the love: “Put a nice bow on the jars and give them away,” suggests a cook. “Who doesn’t appreciate an edible gift.” Another option, host a gathering, blend a dash of jam into refreshments – “paired with citrus and spirits,” – and enjoy the taste of sunshine.