Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars bring the comforting nostalgia of a classic PB&J sandwich into a chewy, buttery dessert bar. With a soft peanut butter cookie base and a sweet, fruity jelly layer topped with crumbles, these bars are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or casual snacking. They’re simple to make and loved by kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butterpeanut buttersugarbrown sugareggvanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking powdersaltfruit jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or raspberry work well)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.

Spoon the jelly evenly over the dough, spreading it gently with a spatula.

Drop the remaining dough in small clumps over the jelly layer.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.

Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesCooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes

Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough.

Switch up the jelly flavor with apricot, blackberry, or blueberry jam.

Make a swirl effect by mixing peanut butter and jelly before layering.

storage/reheating

Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, microwave a bar for about 10 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but ensure it’s well stirred and not too oily or dry for best texture.

What type of jelly works best?

Any smooth fruit jelly or jam works well—grape and strawberry are classic choices.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not unless you’re keeping them for more than a few days.

Why are my bars crumbly?

They may be slightly overbaked or have too much flour. Measure carefully and don’t overmix.

Can I use a smaller pan?

Yes, but the bars will be thicker and may need a slightly longer bake time.

Are these good for school lunches?

Absolutely! They’re a kid-approved favorite and easy to pack.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking pan or make two batches.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

It’s best to stick with sugar for structure, but a small amount of honey can be added for flavor.

Do these freeze well?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are the perfect fusion of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors packed into a satisfying handheld treat. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, they offer a fun twist on a childhood favorite that’s ideal for any occasion.

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