Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

If you love the nostalgic flavors of a classic PB&J sandwich but crave something a little more decadent and shareable, this Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe is exactly what your dessert table needs. Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberry jam, all nestled between buttery, crumbly layers, these bars capture comfort and indulgence in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these bars is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Every ingredient is chosen to enrich the experience, from the buttery base to the luscious jam topping.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the bars and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter and peanut butter.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth that enhances both peanut butter and jam flavors.
• Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Binds the ingredients together while contributing to a soft, cakey crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter (2 cups): The star of the show, delivering that irresistible nutty creaminess expected in every bite.
• Flour (3 cups): Builds the structure of the bars, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle lift agent that keeps the bars from becoming too dense.
• Strawberry jam (2 cups): Bursts with fruity sweetness and balances the richness of the peanut butter layers beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a perfectly warm environment for baking. Then, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this little step means your bars will come out effortlessly, keeping their shape and making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

Using a standing mixer, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture looks lighter and more fluffy. This creaming process is essential as it incorporates air, making your bars soft and tender instead of dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle, aromatic sweetness that complements the peanut butter and jelly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This not only mixes the leavening evenly but also aerates the flour for smoother incorporation.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture into your creamy peanut butter batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the bars, so keep it gentle to maintain a tender crumb texture.

Step 6: Layer the Dough and Jam

Using about two-thirds of the dough, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will be your sturdy, golden base that supports the jam layer beautifully.

Step 7: Spread the Strawberry Jam

Generously spread the strawberry jam over the dough base, making sure to cover it fully. This fruity layer is what makes the bars burst with classic jelly flavor and keeps the peanut butter layers balanced.

Step 8: Add the Crumbled Top Dough

Crumble the remaining one-third of dough evenly over the jam. These crumbles will bake into a delightful, slightly crisp topping that contrasts with the smooth jam beneath.

Step 9: Bake until Golden Brown

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden brown color on top, signaling perfectly baked bars that are set but still tender.

Step 10: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly, making clean cutting and serving much easier and more appealing.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Garnishes

These bars are wonderful on their own, but for an extra special touch, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few fresh strawberry slices on top. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts can elevate the texture and add a bit of sparkle to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar. If you’re enjoying them as a snack, a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee pairs beautifully, balancing the richness and sweetness in each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter alongside fresh berries or mini sandwiches. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for adorable portable treats that your friends will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe, keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars maintain their soft and crumbly texture, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To warm frozen bars, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. The bars regain their softness and the jam’s flavor shines just like freshly baked, making them a comforting treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your bars, giving each bite a nutty crunch. Just be aware it might affect the smoothness of the final crumb slightly, but many people find that extra texture enjoyable.

Is it possible to substitute the strawberry jam for another flavor?

Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite jams like raspberry, grape, or apricot. Each jam flavor will bring a unique twist to the bars while still complementing the peanut butter beautifully.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bars cohesive. Baking times should remain similar, but keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?

Cooling allows the jam layer to set and the bars to firm up, which prevents them from falling apart or becoming crumbly when sliced. Cutting too soon could lead to messy edges and uneven bars.

Are these bars good for meal prep or lunchboxes?

Definitely! These bars are sturdy enough to hold up well in lunchboxes and make a nostalgic, tasty treat that kids and adults will both appreciate. They’re a great homemade alternative to store-bought snacks.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of peanut butter and strawberry jam, especially in a dessert bar that’s easy to bake and share. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe brings together the best of both flavors in a way that’s nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to for any occasion, filling your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Happy baking!

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