Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delicious spin on the classic PB&J sandwich. Made with items you already have on hand – peanut butter, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and jelly – you can whip up this easy dessert bar anytime!
These Dessert Bars have all the familiar flavors of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich but in dessert bar form. They remind me of thumbprint cookies – only better! The crumble topping is literally the best!
If you’re a fan of my easy desserts like Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, or Oreo Dessert, you’re going to FLIP for these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
I can’t get enough of these rich and peanut buttery bars, slathered with strawberry jam that makes the perfect lunch box or after school treat!
And if you’re at home doing school right now, I say you just go ahead and have snack time in the morning AND afternoon. You have my permission. Anything goes right now! Right, moms?!
These PB & J bars are basically the most comforting sandwich of all time – peanut butter and jelly in soft, buttery, cookie bar form. Salty meets sweet – they’re perfect!
Simple to make from scratch with just a few ingredients you already have on hand, you can justify this sweet treat any time of day!
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients needed to make jam and peanut butter bars
- butter
- sugar
- vanilla
- eggs
- peanut butter (you can use creamy or chunky peanut butter – your choice!)
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
- jam (change up the flavors of the jelly to change up the taste!)
Directions to make PB&J Bars
- Grease a 8×8 or 9×9 inch cake pan. Line it with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Turn the mixer on low and add in the egg, vanilla, and peanut butter just until combined.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture with the mixer on low just until combined.
- Spread about 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan and press into the bottom with your hands or an offset spatula.
- Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Then with the remaining dough, drop small dollops over all of the jam.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool and cut into squares.
PB&J Snack Bar FAQS
What kind of jam goes best on Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars?
I personally like strawberry the best because that’s my favorite jelly to have with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But, I think any kind of jam would be great!
- blackberry
- grape
- raspberry
- blueberry
- cherry
How do you store leftover jelly and peanut butter bars?
The main thing that you need to remember is that you need to store them in an airtight container. Keeping the air out is key for keeping this dessert fresh.
Alternatives to using instead of peanut butter
You can also make this recipe with almond butter and even cashew butter as well. Just use what you have at home and I think that you’ll find it’s a good choice in terms of different types of nut butter.
Tender and gooey on the inside, yet crispy on the edges – these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are insanely delicious!
If you like this simple peanut butter recipe, make certain to check out these other delicious recipes containing peanut butter:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry jam or your favorite flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven for 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 inch cake pan. Line it with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Turn the mixer on low and add in the egg, vanilla, and peanut butter just until combined.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture with the mixer on low just until combined.
- Spread about 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan and press into the bottom with your hands or an offset spatula.
- Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Then with the remaining dough, drop small dollops over all of the jam.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool and cut into squares.
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These were a big hit! Delicious! I made them with strawberry preserves.