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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a nostalgic, delicious twist on a classic sandwich—creamy peanut butter, sweet jam, and a buttery crust in every bite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bars, Comfort Food, Easy, Jam, Peanut Butter
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ cups jam your favorite flavor
  • 1 cup salted peanuts coarsely chopped (optional)
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.
  • Add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated into the batter.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour half of the peanut butter batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Spoon your favorite jam over the peanut butter layer, spreading it gently to avoid disturbing the batter.
  • Spoon the remaining peanut butter batter over the jam layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped salted peanuts on top if desired.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Spatula
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric Mixer
  • Parchment Paper

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix batter until just combined to keep bars tender.
  • Use Quality Jam: Choose a good-quality jam for the best flavor impact.
  • Cooling is Key: Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Storage Tips: Store airtight at room temp for 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.