Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat that transform your favorite childhood sandwich into a chewy, jammy, and irresistible dessert you can share with everyone. Every bar is layered with creamy peanut butter dough and a glossy spread of strawberry jam, finished with a golden, crumbly topping that crackles when you bite in. Whether you’re after a lunchbox surprise, a comforting snack with a tall glass of milk, or a sweet party addition, these bars bring a smile to any occasion—and you might just catch yourself reaching for a second (or third) slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars lies in their simplicity; each ingredient plays its own delicious role in building that perfect chewy, gooey, and crumbly texture. Here’s what you’ll need and how each item helps bring this classic combination to life.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb; be sure to soften for easy mixing.
• Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Gives a sweet backbone to balance the salty peanut butter and tangy jam.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and brings out the peanut and berry flavors.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and add richness—room temperature eggs incorporate better for a fluffier texture.
• Creamy peanut butter (2 cups): The soul of the bars, it ensures silky texture and robust peanut flavor in every bite.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): Structure and chewiness—it holds up to the gooey jam without becoming dense.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a bit of lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
• Strawberry jam (2 cups): Classic and bright, it melts into the dough for that trademark PB&J flavor. Feel free to substitute with your favorite jam if you like a twist!

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step might seem small, but it guarantees easy clean-up and helps the bars lift out effortlessly, so you can get those perfect, bakery-style slices.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

In a standing mixer, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar on medium speed. Let it whip until the mixture is visibly lighter and completely fluffy—this aeration is key for those delightfully chewy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract, which turns the dough from merely sweet to irresistibly aromatic. You’ll love the subtle nutty scent at this stage!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, preventing uneven rising and promoting even texture throughout your bars.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low just until everything’s combined. Stop once you see no more streaks of flour—over-mixing can make the bars tough instead of tender!

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

Scoop about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan to form the bottom layer. Spread the strawberry jam smoothly over the dough, right to the edges—it should look like a thick, glistening layer of red. Lastly, crumble the remaining dough over top for texture and contrast. Don’t worry if some patches of jam peek through; that’s the beauty of a rustic, homemade bar.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and your kitchen smells like pure, nostalgic heaven. Remove from the oven and, this is the hardest part, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up perfectly, so every slice is neat and satisfying.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Garnishes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are fabulous on their own, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted peanut butter over the top can add visual appeal and extra indulgence. For a playful brunch, toss on a few sliced strawberries or a pinch of flaked sea salt to heighten the flavor.

Side Dishes

Enjoying your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars with a cold glass of milk is eternally classic, but they also pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. If you’re serving these at a party, consider a platter of cheese and grapes to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into handy bite-sized squares for a potluck platter, or stack them in tall towers tied with ribbon for a standout bake sale treat. For kids’ parties, serve atop mini paper liners and pop a toothpick in each for easy grab-and-go snacking. You can even create a PB&J dessert board with different jams and nut butters for fun mix-and-match bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain that iconic chewy-soft texture and the jam remains glossy, so you can nibble throughout the week without worry.

Freezing

Want to save some for later (if you can resist eating them all)? Once cooled and sliced, layer the bars with parchment in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, and you can thaw a few at a time for a quick PB&J fix.

Reheating

If you prefer your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars slightly warm, just pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds. This little burst of heat makes the peanut butter aromatic and brings the jam back to that just-baked gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little bits of texture for a fun variation, and your bars will hold together nicely. Just be aware that the dough may be a touch more crumbly.

What other jams work well in Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars?

Feel free to experiment with grape, raspberry, or even apricot jam depending on your crowd’s favorites. Each gives a subtly different twist, making this recipe endlessly adaptable.

Do I need a mixer, or can I make these by hand?

A stand mixer makes whipping up the dough a breeze, but vigorous mixing with a sturdy spoon or spatula will work just fine. Make sure to cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugar really well for that tender texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. The result will be just as delicious and chewy, letting more people in on the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars fun.

Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?

Letting them cool is key to neat, clean slices that don’t fall apart—plus it makes the flavors meld together perfectly. It’s worth the wait, I promise!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars a try—there’s just something magical about turning a lunchbox favorite into a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re baking for a party, school treat, or just to satisfy a homespun craving, you really can’t go wrong with this treat. Make a batch, share the love, and get ready for plenty of happy smiles!

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