Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine the classic flavors of a favorite sandwich into a delicious baked treat. These bars feature a soft peanut butter crust layered with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a crumbly dough. Perfect for snacks, desserts, or anytime you crave a nostalgic sweet bite.

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 Fahrenheit and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Using a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Step 4: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the dough layer.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining dough on top of the jam layer.
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 the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite flavor of jam to customize the bars, such as raspberry, grape, or apricot.
• For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped peanuts or oat flakes to the dough mixture.
• If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without impacting texture.
• Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and ensure even baking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, bring refrigerated bars to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work and add an extra texture, but keep in mind it may affect how smooth the dough is.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 69 reviews

Delicious, chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars featuring a buttery peanut butter base layered with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a crumbly dough, perfect for a nostalgic treat or dessert.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Crumble

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

Filling

• 2 cups strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cream Butter Mixture: In a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender bar texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine all flavors.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Form Base Layer: Use about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for the bars.
7. Add Jam Layer: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the peanut butter dough base to add a sweet, fruity layer.
8. Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the jam layer, covering it with bits of dough for a crumbly top.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown, indicating the bars are baked through.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares to serve, allowing the jam to set and bars to firm up.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted to maintain structure of dough.
• For variation, try different flavors of jam such as raspberry or grape.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• If jam is too runny, consider heating it slightly to thicken before spreading.

Keywords: peanut butter bars, peanut butter and jelly bars, strawberry jam bars, easy dessert, baked dessert bars