Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a nostalgic and indulgent dessert that takes the classic sandwich and transforms it into a delicious, easy-to-make bar. With a buttery, crumbly crust, a rich peanut butter filling, and a sweet layer of jam, these bars are the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty. They’re great for snacking, dessert, or even a lunchbox treat. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you love the combo of peanut butter and jelly, these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Jelly Layer:

1/2 to 3/4 cup fruit jam or jelly (strawberry, grape, or your favorite flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Crust:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well mixed.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and peanut butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
Press the Dough into the Pan: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the peanut butter filling.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Peanut Butter Filling: Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

For the Jelly Layer:

Add the Jelly: Spread a thin layer of your favorite fruit jam or jelly over the peanut butter filling. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Add the Topping: Crumble the reserved crust dough over the top of the jelly layer. This will create a crumbly, topping layer.
Bake the Bars: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly browned.

Cool and Serve:

Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles.
Serve: Serve the bars as a delicious treat for dessert, snack, or even breakfast. Enjoy the delightful combination of peanut butter and jelly in every bite!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free butter. Choose a nut-free jelly or jam.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make the bars gluten-free.
Different Nut Butters: Try almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor twist.
Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Different Jam Flavors: Use any type of jam or jelly you prefer—blueberry, raspberry, or blackberry would all make great alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the filling, or even in the crust if you like a little extra crunch.

2. Can I use homemade jam?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade jam or jelly in place of store-bought varieties. Just make sure the consistency is spreadable.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

4. Can I make these bars without oats?

Yes, you can replace the oats with more flour if you prefer. The oats give the crust a bit of texture, but the bars will still turn out great without them.

5. Can I make these bars without the topping?

Yes, you can skip the topping or just crumble a bit of the crust over the jam for a simpler look. The bars will still taste amazing.

6. Can I add a layer of chocolate to these bars?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the bars before baking or add chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for a chocolatey twist.

7. How do I make these bars more indulgent?

For an extra indulgent treat, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top after the bars have baked and cooled, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8. How do I keep the crust from becoming too dry?

Be sure to use enough melted butter or coconut oil in the crust mixture to bind the dry ingredients together. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter or a splash of almond milk.

9. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free to ensure the recipe is completely gluten-free.

10. How do I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a nostalgic treat with a fun, dessert twist. The combination of sweet jam, creamy peanut butter, and a buttery, crunchy crust makes for an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing with family, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly