Wanted: Tasty Pastries to Put to Good Use a Glut of House-Made Jam

My pantry is overflowing with plenty of homemade preserves prepared using various summer fruits – are there any baking ideas that would use some of it up?
Anne-Lies, the Netherlands

“Jam plays a key role in countless great British puddings and cakes,” notes a baking consultant. Her first thought involves tip a jar of berry preserves into a prepared baking tray and add a layer of sponge: “Prepare a traditional, balanced blend scaled to your dish by creaming say 180g unsalted butter and 180g sugar, slowly beating in one large egg and a hint of citrus zest or extract, and finishing with 180g leavened flour.” Pour the batter on top of the jam and place in the oven at 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 until the sponge “bounces back” and it’s fully cooked. Plate up with cream or custard, and you’re all set.

Another great use is jam to fill or top cakes. “Think of a Victoria sponge, but that isn’t very generous with jam,” adds a celebrated pastry chef, who would be more inclined to spread buttercream over the top of a flavorful bake, for example, make a dip in the middle with the back of a spoon and drop a spoonful in there: “It’s a great trick to enhance presentation and it also makes use of a sizable portion of jam.” It wouldn’t hurt to use homemade spreads to finish a nostalgic school dinner traybake sponge: “Once it’s out, top with jam then sprinkle with toasted flakes.” Otherwise, joy can be found in a nostalgic jam tart or Italian crostata.

Naturally, jam is a great friend of tea-time treats, with experts pointing out that thumbprint cookies are a classic option. Try making nutty meringues: “Whip egg whites with white sugar, ground nuts and orange peel until holdable to shape, then coat with icing sugar.” Press a thumb in the centre, fill with the jam and bake: “You’ll get delectable, tender and keep well in a closed tin.” Meanwhile, buttery biscuits are a great alternative: “Create a easy shortbread by mixing icing sugar and unsalted butter, then add plain flour – some use plain and spelt – starch, salt and vanilla extract.” Shape the dough, press a well, add jam and bake until the edges are lightly golden.

A generous swipe of jam also brightens up the first meal of the day. As a quick idea, that means breakfast bowls, while anyone with a sweet tooth ever refused a enriched croissant. “Split croissants in half and spread with jam. Cream 80g soft butter and 80g white sugar, incorporate an egg and 80g almond flour, then add to your jammy croissants, and top it off, too.” Top with flaked almonds, then place in a 190C (170C fan)/375F/gas 5 oven for 20 minutes for a absolutely delicious morning.

If baking isn’t enough pastries you can eat (admittedly), so also try spreading the love: “Put a nice bow on the jars and gift them,” says one expert. “Everyone loves an foodie offering.” Another option, invite friends, stir a spoonful of jam into drinks – “paired with citrus and spirits,” – and keep that summer spirit alive.