The Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread Strawberry Jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the bottom dough layer, adding a sweet and fruity filling.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the jam layer to form the top crust.
- 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.
- 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
