Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delightful blend of two classic flavors that bring nostalgia to every bite. These bars combine the richness of creamy peanut butter with the sweet-tart flavor of strawberry jam, making them a perfect treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you need a quick snack or a sweet dessert, these bars fit the bill perfectly.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, why not turn it into a delicious dessert? Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, and they satisfy sweet cravings with a delightful crunch and creamy texture. Perfect for lunchboxes or as an after-school snack, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy weeks.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars is as easy as pie (or should we say, bar?). With just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, you’ll have a batch of these mouthwatering bars ready to enjoy in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this delicious dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups strawberry jam
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to create the base layer.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the base layer, being sure to leave the edges clear.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer for a textured top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut them into bars.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
These delicious bars can be served in a variety of ways. They make a great snack on their own, but you can also pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For an added touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
How to Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
To keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, these bars freeze well, so you can wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar and peanut butter.
- Use high-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jelly or jam, such as grape or raspberry, to suit your taste.
- Cut the bars into different shapes or sizes for fun presentation, especially for parties.
Variation
Try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for an extra crunch. You can also swirl in some chocolate or peanut butter chips for a delicious twist on the classic recipe. These variations can elevate the flavors and make your bars unique!
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add an interesting texture to the bars and enhance the peanut flavor.
2. Can I substitute the strawberry jam with something else?
Absolutely! You can use any type of jam or jelly you like, such as grape, raspberry, or even orange marmalade.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Enjoy these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars as a sweet treat that brings back fond memories while satisfying your taste buds!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter You can use crunchy for added texture.
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups strawberry jam Use high-quality for best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the base layer, ensuring edges are clear.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift out and cut into bars.
