Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars offer a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, featuring a buttery peanut butter crust layered with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a crumbly dough. Perfect for dessert or a snack, these bars are easy to prepare and bake into golden, chewy squares that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- 2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of bars.
- Cream Butters and Sugar: In a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will create a smooth, creamy base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
- Form the Bottom Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and evenly spread it across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Add Strawberry Jam: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the bottom dough layer, making sure to cover the surface fully.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining one-third portion of dough over the jam layer, distributing it evenly for a crumbly top crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares. Enjoy these bars as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Feel free to swap strawberry jam with any other favorite jelly or jam flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and check jam ingredients for allergens.
