Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a fun twist on the classic sandwich!
PB&J bars have a peanut butter cookie base topped with your fave jelly, jam, or preserves for a tasty, protein rich treat.
This easy recipe is so quick to make and is a family favorite at school, on the sports field, and at home!
Easy PB&J Bars!
- The options for mix-ins are endless! It’s like a new recipe every time.
- Protein-packed peanut butter is a healthy fat that provides energy and goes with any jelly!
- Peanut butter and jelly bars are hard to resist fresh from the oven, but also stay chewy even after they’ve cooled!
Ingredients and Variations
Peanut Butter – Choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter.
Jelly – Use up homemade jelly, jam, or preserves! Use two of your favorites side-by-side in Step 6 or blend them together (ex: blueberry and orange marmalade).
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
The classic sammie is reimagined as a dessert bar!
- Cream sugars, peanut butter, and butter together. Add egg and vanilla, as per the recipe below.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together and slowly incorporate them into the batter until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough into a prepared pan.
- Drop dollops of jelly over the dough and drag a butter knife through the jelly in a swirl.
- Bake until the edges are brown and the cookies are set. Cool completely before slicing.
PB&J Cookie Bar Tips!
- Check the expiry dates on the baking soda to be sure it’s fresh.
- For faster blending, let the butter and egg come to room temperature before using in Step 2.
- Delish served with a steaming hot latte or cool sweet tea.
Simple Storage Solutions
Keep leftover peanut butter and jelly bars in a covered container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy to bake and freeze, pop one or two out and they’ll be thawed in minutes!
Perfect Peanut Butter Treats!
Did you enjoy this quick and easy recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars? Leave a comment and rating below!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup strawberry jelly or jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease, or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or by hand), cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, and butter. Mix in the egg and vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a thick dough forms.
- Press the peanut butter dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Drop small dollops of jelly over the peanut butter mixture and then gently drag a butter knife through the jelly to create a swirling effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center of the bars are firm.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure baking soda is not expired.
- Bring butter to room temperature for easier blending.
- Store PB&J bars in an airtight container, at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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I made these with my kids at day care this week. They LOVED them! But, I did have to cook them longer than 20 minutes. My cooking time was almost 40 minutes and they were still moist & gooey.
My son would love this! Thanks for sharing!
Visiting from Delicious Dish Tuesday 🙂
This is such a sweet idea! My kiddos love a good pb & J, so we will have to try this one! Thanks for sharing with us this week at the Monday Funday link party!
Take care,
Trish