Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are everything you love about the classic sandwich—only better. With a soft, buttery peanut butter crust, a gooey layer of your favorite jelly or jam, and a crumbly topping to finish it all off, these bars are nostalgic, satisfying, and totally irresistible. Perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

The first time I made Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, it was a rainy Saturday, and my daughter asked for a snack that “tastes like school but feels like dessert.” I had peanut butter and a jar of homemade strawberry jam, so I turned that lunchbox combo into a batch of chewy bars. My husband walked in, took one bite, and said, “Now this is grown-up PB&J!” They’ve become a family favorite ever since—especially when we want a sweet treat with a little old-school charm.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

• Classic PB&J Flavor in a fun, shareable form

• Soft & Chewy Texture with a slightly crisp top

• Perfect for All Ages – kids and adults love them

• Customizable with Your Favorite Jam

Ingredients Notes For Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Use traditional, not natural, for best texture

• Butter: Softened for richness and chew

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor

• All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the bar

• Baking Powder & Salt: For balance and a slight lift

• Eggs & Vanilla Extract: To bind and flavor

• Jelly or Jam: Strawberry, grape, raspberry—whatever you love

• Oats (Optional): Add to the topping for extra texture

Recipe Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Dough: Cream butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Assemble: Press about ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Spread jelly evenly over the top. Crumble the remaining dough over the jelly—don’t worry if some jam peeks through.

4. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.

5. Cool & Slice: Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Storage Options

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 1 week

• Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment for up to 2 months

Variations & Substitutions

• Use Crunchy PB for added texture

• Swirl It: Swirl the jam and peanut butter together for a marbled look

• Mix in Nuts or Chocolate Chips for a twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s not recommended—natural varieties separate and can make the bars oily or crumbly.

What kind of jam works best? Any kind! Just avoid overly runny or very chunky types.

Can I make them gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your jam for additives.

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are sweet, nostalgic, and guaranteed to bring a smile to every face at the table. A little slice of childhood, all grown up! 🥜🍓🍪

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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Course: Dessert, Snack

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ ½ cup 1 stick / 0.25 lbs unsalted butter, softened
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs creamy peanut butter
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs brown sugar, packed
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.13 lbs granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs all-purpose flour
• ▢ **½ teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ **¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¾ cup 0.38 lbs strawberry, grape, or raspberry jam or jelly
• ▢ ¼ cup optional chopped peanuts or rolled oats for topping

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.
• Make the Peanut Butter Dough:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
• Assemble the Bars:
• Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Spread the jam or jelly over the base layer, leaving about ¼ inch from the edges.
• Crumble the remaining dough on top in small chunks. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped peanuts or rolled oats.
• Bake:
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
• Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.