The Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining rich peanut butter dough with sweet strawberry jam in a chewy, crumbly treat. Perfect for snacks, parties, or a nostalgic dessert, these bars are easy to make and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
6. Step 6: Use about two-thirds of the dough to evenly press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the bottom layer of dough.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before baking.
• Try different jam flavors like raspberry or grape for a unique twist.
• Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly different.
• If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before pressing into the pan.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add a nice texture, but the dough may be slightly less smooth.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, keeping the same quantity.

The Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

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These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine the classic flavors of a PB&J sandwich into a delightful baked dessert. With a buttery peanut butter crust, a generous layer of sweet strawberry jam, and a crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for snack time or a casual dessert.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: In a standing mixer, blend the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, followed by the vanilla extract, to add richness and flavor to the dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a cohesive dough without overworking.
6. Form Bottom Layer: Use about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
7. Spread Strawberry Jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the bottom dough layer, adding a sweet and fruity filling.
8. Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the jam layer to form the top crust.
9. Bake the Bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top turns lightly golden brown, indicating the bars are cooked through.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving for neat slices and better flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to help it cream properly with the peanut butter and sugar.
• Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling and improve texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
• Cooling completely before cutting is important to avoid crumbling and messy bars.
• You can substitute strawberry jam with any other preferred flavor like raspberry or grape for a different twist.

Keywords: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, PB&J Bars, Strawberry Jam Bars, Peanut Butter Dessert, Baked Bars