Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich we all love. With a buttery crust, creamy peanut butter, and sweet strawberry jam, these bars make a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined; then add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Step 4: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Using about two-thirds of the dough, evenly spread it onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spread the strawberry jam evenly on top of the dough layer.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer to create a crumb topping.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or grape jam for a different taste.
• Chill the dough slightly before spreading to make it easier to handle.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the peanut butter and jam layers.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture might be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner, so the dough may be softer; chilling the dough before baking can help.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

Delight in the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly combined into rich, chewy bars. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars feature a buttery peanut butter crust layered with sweet strawberry jam and a crumbly topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for snacking, dessert, or sharing with family and friends.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup sugar

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Filling

• 2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture in the bars.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the bars tough.
6. Spread Bottom Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base of the bars.
7. Layer Strawberry Jam: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the bottom dough layer, covering it completely without mixing them together.
8. Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough on top of the jam layer, distributing it evenly for a crunchy, crumbly top.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top becomes lightly golden brown, indicating the bars are cooked through.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy this sweet and satisfying treat.

Notes

• Room temperature eggs help to create a more uniform and smooth batter.
• Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
• For a different flavor, swap strawberry jam for raspberry or grape jelly.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Jelly Bars, Peanut Butter and Jelly Dessert, Baked Bars, Strawberry Jam Bars, Classic American Dessert