Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine classic flavors in a deliciously soft and crumbly treat. Featuring a buttery peanut butter crust layered with sweet strawberry jam and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for dessert or a snack. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they bake to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cup creamy peanut butter
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then add the pure vanilla extract and mix well to combine all the wet ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, evenly distributing the leavening agent throughout the flour.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Form Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer for the bars.
- Spread Jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the dough base to add a flavorful layer of sweetness and moisture.
- Add Topping: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the jam layer to form a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to help the batter combine evenly.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve a light and fluffy texture in the dough.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and clean-up.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with your favorite jelly or preserves.
