Print

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Deliciously rich and easy-to-make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars featuring a buttery peanut butter crust layered with sweet strawberry jam, perfect for a nostalgic treat or casual dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ cups sugar

Other

  • 2 cups strawberry jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This ensures a smooth base texture.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep your bars tender.
  5. Form the base layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the bottom crust layer.
  6. Add the strawberry jam layer: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking.
  7. Create the top layer: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough evenly over the jam layer to form a textured topping that will bake to a golden finish.
  8. Bake the bars: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out easily. Cut into squares and enjoy your peanut butter and jelly bars!

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened butter for smooth batter blending.
  • You can substitute strawberry jam with any other preferred flavor like raspberry or grape.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • To make the bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
  • If you prefer crunch, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter and jelly bars, peanut butter bars, jelly bars, strawberry jam dessert, easy baking recipe, peanut butter snack

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-recipe/