Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors combined with a delightful homemade twist, you are absolutely going to adore these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. They capture the heartwarming comfort of the classic sandwich but elevate it to a chewy, buttery bar that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or indulging anytime your sweet tooth calls. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter, luscious strawberry jam, and a tender cookie-like crust that’s just the right mix of sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of simple ingredients come together to make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars so irresistible. Each component is easy to find and plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love biting into.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a rich, tender crumb and the perfect buttery flavor without overpowering the peanut butter.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bars just enough to complement the jam and chewiness without being cloying.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic depth that ties together the peanut butter and jam beautifully.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the dough while keeping everything tender and moist.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing that unmistakable nutty richness and creamy texture throughout the bars.
• All-purpose flour: The structural backbone, ensuring your bars hold together but remain soft and delightful.
• Baking powder: Gives just the right lift to the dough so it’s not too dense.
• Strawberry jam: The sweet, fruity surprise that perfectly complements the peanut butter with its bright color and tart flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Then, line a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This little extra step is a game changer—it makes lifting out your bars a breeze after baking without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

Next, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and inviting—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is essential for building a tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that warm, comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen and your bars with extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Overmixing here can toughen the bars, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Step 5: Form the Base Layer

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the lined baking dish. This forms the sturdy, flavorful base that will hold all the jam and crumbly topping in place.

Step 6: Spread the Strawberry Jam

Evenly spoon the strawberry jam across the surface of the base layer, leaving a small margin around the edges. This jam layer gives the bars their signature gooey fruitiness and gorgeous pop of color.

Step 7: Add the Crumbled Top

Break up the remaining dough into small chunks and scatter them evenly over the jam. This crumbly topping adds a wonderful texture contrast that’s part cookie, part crumble, and part pure heaven.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the assembled bars for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns a lovely light golden brown. Keep an eye toward the end so you get that perfect bake without drying out the jam.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the whole slab out and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into bars of your preferred size and get ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Garnishes

If you want to add a little flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds an elegant touch. Toasted chopped peanuts sprinkled over the bars bring extra crunch and amplify the peanut flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

These bars are a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. For brunch or a snack spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or lunchboxes. Layer them between sheets of wax paper and pack in snack bags for an on-the-go surprise. For a grown-up twist, pair a bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them moist and perfectly chewy, making them great for weekday snacks or lunchbox treats.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars keep well for up to three months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your bars warm, pop one in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven just until warmed through. This brings out the gooey jam and softens the peanut buttery base, making it even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture and extra nutty bits throughout your bars. Just keep in mind the overall texture will be a bit more rustic and crunchy.

What type of jam works best in Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars?

Strawberry jam is classic and delicious, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like raspberry, grape, or mixed berry. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny to avoid sogginess.

Are Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars gluten-free?

The recipe calls for regular all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make these bars gluten-free, substitute with a certified gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

With a few swaps—like using vegan butter or coconut oil and a flax egg substitute—you can make a tasty vegan and dairy-free version. Plant-based peanut butter and jam are naturally vegan, so those ingredients are already covered.

How do I prevent the jam from seeping into the dough too much?

Leaving a small border around the edges without jam and crumbling the top layer evenly helps keep the jam contained. Also, spreading the jam on a slightly thicker base layer gives it a sturdy foundation and prevents excess seepage.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so instantly comforting about Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars that makes them a must-add to your baking rotation. Whether you’re craving a quick sweet treat, packing snacks for loved ones, or sharing at your next gathering, these bars deliver a perfect combination of nostalgia and homemade love. Give this recipe a try—you might find yourself reaching for them again and again, just like I do!

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