Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweet, tangy flavors of strawberry jam in a chewy dessert bar. These bars are a fun twist on the classic PB&J sandwich and are perfect for snacks, bake sales, or family gatherings. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you’ll love this dessert! These bars are a delicious combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet strawberry jam, and a soft, cookie-like base. The contrast between the chewy dough and the fruity jam layer adds texture and flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re simple to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and easy to pack for on-the-go snacks.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups strawberry jam
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easy to lift out the bars later. - Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. - Form the Base Layer
Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. - Add Jam
Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving the edges clear. - Top with Crumbled Dough
Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer to create a textured, crumbly top. - Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. - Cool & Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang, then cut into bars.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12–16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Jam Flavor: While strawberry is classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry, blueberry, or grape for a different flavor twist.
- Nuts: Add some crushed peanuts to the dough for an extra crunch, or top the bars with chopped peanuts before baking.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips into the dough for a peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: These bars are delicious at room temperature but can be warmed in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in the bars. It will add a nice crunch!
2. Can I use a different type of jam?
Definitely! You can swap out the strawberry jam for other types like raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a unique twist.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The edges may be slightly crisp.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger baking dish, such as a 10×15-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a little longer to bake through.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is preferred for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
8. Can I add chocolate to these bars?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars once they have cooled for an extra indulgent treat.
9. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature.
10. What can I serve these bars with?
These peanut butter and jelly bars are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat, offering all the flavors you love from the classic sandwich in an easy-to-make dessert form. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, snack time, or a bake sale, these bars will definitely be a hit. With their chewy texture, creamy peanut butter, and sweet jam, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine creamy peanut butter and sweet strawberry jam in a chewy dessert bar, perfect for snacks, bake sales, or family gatherings. These easy-to-make bars offer a nostalgic twist on the classic PB&J sandwich and are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
Form the Base Layer: Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base.
Add Jam: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving edges clear.
Top with Crumbled Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer to create a textured top.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.
Notes
Jam Flavor: Try different fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry for variety.
Add-ins: Add crushed peanuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
