Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars that combine a rich peanut butter base with a sweet strawberry jam layer. These bars offer a nostalgic twist on the classic sandwich, baked to golden perfection with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Jam Layer
- ½ cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low-medium and incorporate the smooth peanut butter, vanilla extract, and the large room temperature egg. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture into the peanut butter batter on low speed. Mix just until fully incorporated—avoid overmixing to maintain soft texture.
- Layer Dough and Jam: Spread approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully spread the half cup of strawberry jam evenly over this dough layer.
- Add Remaining Dough: Drop the remaining dough into small globs over the jam layer, distributing it evenly to create a marbled effect once baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 evenly sized bars and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg for better mixing.
- If you prefer another flavor, raspberry or grape jam works well as a substitute.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- You can store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nuttier texture, consider adding chopped roasted peanuts to the dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
