Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

If you adore the classic combo of sweet and nutty flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe. These bars capture everything you love about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but in a rich, buttery, and crumbly dessert form. Thick layers of creamy peanut butter dough cradle a luscious strawberry jam center, creating a treat that is both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether for a casual snack, a potluck hit, or cozying up with a cup of tea, these bars make every bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—from the creamy peanut butter that gives richness and moisture, to the strawberry jam adding that fruity pop, and the flour and baking powder providing just the right structure.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides creamy richness and helps bind the dough together for that tender crumb.
• Sugar (1 1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden color in the baked bars.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and depth to the peanut butter mixture.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help with structure and keep the bars moist and tender.
• Creamy peanut butter (2 cups): The star of the show – lends a luscious, nutty flavor and creamy texture throughout.
• Flour (3 cups): Provides the body and chewiness in the bars, creating a perfect balance with the filling.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a light lift to prevent the bars from being too dense.
• Strawberry jam (2 cups): The fruity and sweet heart of the bars that contrasts deliciously with the peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it prevents sticking and makes for easy removal and cleanup later—trust me, you’ll want those bars to come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugar

Using a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for those tender yet crumbly bars you want.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and bring richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This simple step ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your bars rise just enough to be soft and chewy.

Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mix. Stir until combined, making sure there are no streaks of flour but be careful not to overmix. The dough should hold together nicely but still be soft enough to spread.

Step 6: Form the Bottom Crust

Take about two-thirds of the dough and evenly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer forms a sturdy but tender base for the jam, so spread it with your hands or a spatula to get it as even as possible.

Step 7: Spread the Strawberry Jam

Now for the best part—spread the strawberry jam evenly over the bottom layer of dough. The jam adds a bright, fruity sweetness that perfectly offsets the rich peanut butter flavor.

Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping

Crumble the remaining third of the dough over the jam layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect—those little clusters give the bars wonderful texture and visual appeal once baked.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns a lovely golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is simply heavenly.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This step ensures the filling sets and the bars hold their shape when you cut them into squares—patience totally pays off here!

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence. Toasted chopped peanuts sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and enhance the peanut flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, making snack time feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares for a party platter or stack triangular pieces for a rustic dessert board. For an unexpected twist, serve them with fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the fruity jam center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months, so you can enjoy a taste of nostalgia whenever you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore that freshly baked softness. Be careful not to overheat, or they may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, though the texture might be slightly different because it tends to be less creamy and more oily. Just stir it well before measuring to get the best consistency.

Is it possible to substitute the strawberry jam?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with raspberry, grape, or even apricot jam. Each will give a unique twist to the bars, but strawberry remains a timeless favorite in the classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This adaptation keeps the texture close to the original while accommodating dietary needs.

What’s the best way to cut these bars evenly?

Using a sharp knife chilled in cold water between cuts helps create clean, even slices without crumbling the bars. Cooling them completely before cutting also makes this much easier.

Are these bars suitable for a lunchbox treat?

They sure are! The Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe is a perfect grab-and-go snack that kids and adults alike will enjoy anytime during the day.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about this Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe that it’s hard not to smile after every bite. Bringing together familiar flavors in a new form, these bars are quick to make and spread happiness with minimal effort. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it!

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