Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars have always been a cherished treat in my family, evoking memories of summer afternoons spent in the kitchen with my kids, blending together the rich, creamy peanut butter with the sweet, fruity jelly. I remember the first time we made these together; the entire kitchen was a glorious mess, but the laughter and joy made every splash and spill worth it. There's something so nostalgic about the classic peanut butter and jelly combo, and turning it into a chewy dessert bar makes it even more special.

These bars are perfect for any occasion — whether it's a birthday party, a simple family gathering, or just a cozy night in. With the comforting taste of peanut butter melting into jelly, they bring a sense of warmth and happiness that feels like home. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal treat for busy days when you want to share something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love "Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars"

Quick and easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have.
Perfectly chewy texture that kids and adults alike can't resist.
Freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy later.
Versatile recipe; easily customizable with different flavors of jelly or nut butter.
Ideal for sharing at gatherings, school lunches, or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (258 g) crunchy peanut butter
¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups (227 g) all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup (255 g) grape jelly or jam, or any other flavor you prefer
½ cup (73 g) salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

For the peanut butter, I always go for a crunchy variety to give those delightful little bits of texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using natural peanut butter for a slightly different taste. Just make sure it’s well stirred! As for the jelly, grape is the classic choice, but feel free to explore raspberry, strawberry, or whatever flavor makes your taste buds dance. And don’t skimp on those chopped peanuts on top — they add a perfect crunch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while we prepare our delicious mixture.

Make the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of crunchy peanut butter, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter.
Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is nice and smooth. You want to see that creamy goodness coming together!
Next, add in 1 large egg (make sure it's at room temperature for the best results) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. This will ensure that your bars have the perfect rise and texture when baked!

Combine Mixtures

Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture. I like to do this in batches; it helps everything blend nicely without any lumps. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s just how it should be!

Assemble the Bars

Grab your greased baking dish (an 8x8 inch works great) and spread half of the batter evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and smooth; this will be the base for our jelly!
Now, take ¾ cup of grape jelly (or your preferred flavor) and spoon it over the batter. Feel free to spread it out a bit, but don’t worry about it being perfect.
Next, drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the jelly. It doesn’t have to cover every inch — those little jelly peek-a-boos are part of the charm!
Finally, sprinkle ½ cup of coarsely chopped salted peanuts over the top for that extra crunch. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Bake

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to turn golden brown!
When it’s done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a bit before cutting it into bars. This waiting period is crucial for getting those perfect slices!

Variations

Try using almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
For a seasonal twist, add pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the batter in the fall.
Use a sugar-free jelly or jam for a lighter version.
Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add a layer of sliced bananas for a fruity boost!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are best served warm or at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, making them perfect for sharing. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a bit more brown sugar to the mixture.
For allergy-friendly options, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
These bars can be made dairy-free by using a vegan butter substitute.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

How can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

You can certainly make substitutions! If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works beautifully in place of peanut butter. For a dairy-free version, swap in vegan butter for the unsalted butter. Additionally, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that these changes might slightly alter the texture or sweetness.

What other flavors of jelly can I use?

The beauty of these bars is their versatility! While grape jelly is a classic, you can use any flavor of jelly or jam that tickles your fancy. Raspberry, strawberry, or even peach jelly would work wonderfully. Feel free to get creative and mix flavors or even combine two different jellies for a fun twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars as I am! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a sweet reminder of carefree days and family fun in the kitchen. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and whip up a batch together, letting the laughter and joy fill your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, these bars are bound to bring smiles to your table. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful treat — you won’t regret it!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a sweet treat combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a chewy dessert bar.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, and butter until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture.
Spread half of the batter in a greased baking dish.
Spoon jelly over the batter, then drop remaining batter on top.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Use any flavor of jelly you prefer.
For extra crunch, add more chopped peanuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, dessert, baking