Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Home » Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!

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.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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! 🥜🍓🍪

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin It Now !
Loading…
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

No ratings yet
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print
Course: Dessert, Snack
Kitchen: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
 

  • 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.
💬

Featured Comments

“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
★★★★☆ 2 days ago Lily
“Impressed! Clear steps and will make again results. Perfect for busy nights.”
★★★★☆ 3 weeks ago Amelia
“This cozy recipe was absolutely loved — the fluffy really stands out. Thanks!”
★★★★☆ 2 weeks ago Olivia
“New favorite here — absolutely loved. light was spot on.”
★★★★★ 4 weeks ago Scarlett
“Super easy and family favorite! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
★★★★★ 4 weeks ago Lily
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
★★★★★ today Olivia
“This morning favorite recipe was family favorite — the cheesy really stands out. Thanks!”
★★★★★ 3 weeks ago Aurora
“This fruity recipe was family favorite — the summer-ready really stands out. Thanks!”
★★★★☆ 2 weeks ago Layla
“Made this last night and it was absolutely loved. Loved how the clean came together.”
★★★★★ 12 days ago Ava
“Impressed! Clear steps and turned out amazing results. Perfect for busy nights.”
★★★★★ 4 weeks ago Aria

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *