Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combine a buttery, peanut buttery base with a sweet strawberry jam layer, topped with a crumbly dough for a nostalgic, chewy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- 2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal later.
- Cream Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine fully.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Form Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, smooth base layer.
- Spread Jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the base layer, leaving a small border around the edges clear of jam.
- Add Topping: Crumble the remaining third of the dough over the jam layer to create a textured top layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown color.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into individual bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Substitute coconut oil or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Try almond or sunflower butter as alternatives for nut allergies.
- Use almond or coconut flour to make gluten-free versions, but adjust quantities accordingly.
- Any fruit jam can replace strawberry for variety, such as raspberry or grape.
- Check bars during baking to avoid over-browning and adjust time as needed.
Keywords: peanut butter bars, jelly bars, peanut butter and jelly dessert, baked peanut butter bars, chewy peanut butter bars
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-recipe/
