Enjoy the comforting flavors of a PB&J sandwich in a fun way with these peanut butter and jelly bars.
These desssert bars combine the taste of creamy peanut butter with fruity grape jelly for a classic flavor combination that is a favorite.
Make PB&J Bars Because….
- They will bring back childhood memories of delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- It’s a well loved flavor combination that both kids and adults love.
- These bars are perfect for any occasion. No matter if it’s a quick snack, a sweet and sharable potluck treat, or even a post dinner dessert.
- The preparation time is short and easy. These delicious bars can be ready in under an hour.
- With basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for even the most novice baker.
Ingredients and Variations
Peanut Butter: Use crunchy or smooth peanut butter, and any brand will do.
Sugar: Brown sugar helps give these bars a sweet flavor and moist texture.
Butter: Use real butter for best flavor. But in a pinch use marjarine.
Flour: An all purpose flour is perfect, but for dietary restrictions use a gluten free flour at a 1:1 ratio. Be sure the other dry ingredients are gluten free if this is necessary.
Jelly: Grape jelly is my go to! But feel free to use your favorite jelly or jam instead. Try strawberry, Saskatoon or Blueberry, raspberry, peach or apricot jelly.
Variations
Looking for a more crunchy texture? Add chopped peanuts on top of PB&J bars. Experiment by adding some white chocolate chips or dried fruit in the batter for a tasty combination of flavors.
Feeding a larger crowd? Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 baking dish.
How To Make Peanut Butter And Jelly Bars
- Preheat oven and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, peanut butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
- Reserve about ⅔ cup dough and spread the rest into prepared pan.
- Spread jelly over dough, then drop remaining dough over the jelly. Bake then cool completely in pan.
Tips For Success!
Line pan with parchment paper that hangs over the sides of the pan for easy clean up and removal from the pan.
In step 6, microwave jelly for 20 seconds to make the jelly easier to spread.
Cover bars lightly with foil while cooling to keep them moist.
Just like brownies, don’t over bake these PB&J bars. Bake until just golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. A few crumbs can remain on the toothpick and still be done.
Using the parchment paper, remove bars and place on a cutting board. This will make it super easy to slice. Be sure to use a sharp knife to slice.
How To Store PB&J Bars
Store peanut butter and jelly bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place in a zippered bag for quick grab and go snacks.
Bars can also can be refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to a month. Wrap individually, as previously suggested, before freezing.
More Tasty Hand Held Treats
Did you make this recipe Peanut Butter And Jelly Bars? Leave a comment and rating below.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Set oven to 350˚F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, and grease lightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl and using a hand mixer, cream together the butter, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, and mix again.
- Add flour, baking powder and soda. Mix gently on low speed, or fold in with a rubber scraper to incorporate until fully blended and smooth.
- Fold the mixture, except for about ⅔ cup, into prepared pan and spread so that it reaches the sides evenly.
- Spread jelly over entire base, then add the remaining dough randomly over the jelly.
- Bake for 20 minutes, check. If it is browned nicely remove. If not, set for 5 more minutes and cover with foil so it will not brown too much. Remove and set on cooling rack.
- Once cooled, use parchment to remove from pan to slice. Wipe knife in between each slice.
Notes
- Be sure to line pan with parchment paper for easy clean up and removal from the pan.
- When spreading the jelly over the dough in step 6, microwave jelly for 20 seconds to make it easier.
- Cover bars lightly with foil while cooling.
- Don’t over bake.
- Place cooled bars on a cutting board (using the parchment ‘handle’) for easier slicing.
- Store PB&J bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
- Freeze individually, wrapped in plastic and placed in a zippered freezer bag, for a quick grab and go treat.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Loved the PBJ sandwich- love the bars even more. Candace’s husband