Print

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-recipe/