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    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Bars + Brownie Recipes » Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

    Published: Jul 24, 2023 · Modified: Aug 4, 2023 by Kristen Massad · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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    Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, are so similar to the classic PB&J sandwich but a whole lot sweeter!! Three layers of the softest peanut butter cookie, grape jelly and another layer of peanut butter cookie crumbled on top is the perfect way to celebrate back to school.

    A square cut into nine pieces of peanut butter and jelly bars with flowers sprinkled around.

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    Back to school is all about getting back to a routine, packing lunches, after school activities and all the snacks. I am really here for the snacks but totally thankful for the routine. It is always fun to start the new year with a back to school treat that our kids will love and be so excited to come home to after their first day.

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a take on a classic peanut butter jelly sandwich, but even sweeter. Three layers of goodness, peanut butter cookie batter and grape jelly, baked into a square cake pan, cut into individual squares and making sure that every bite is enjoyed! Chocolate chip cookies are always a fun addition to your back to school treat line up or adding some color and fun with our Mini M&M Cookies or Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars.

    Ingredients

    Bowls of flour, peanut butter, grape jelly, brown sugar, an egg and baking powder.

    Butter- Unsalted butter is preferred in this recipe since there is additional salt added and be sure that it is at room temperature.
    Light Brown Sugar- Light brown sugar creates a really soft cookie full of flavor because of the molasses in the brown sugar.
    Peanut Butter-Only use creamy peanut butter for these bars. It is also important to use jiffy or skippy brands and do not use peanut butter that has to be stirred or a dryer texture.
    All Purpose Flour- Traditional all purpose flour is the best option for the PB&J Bars but can be converted to be gluten free using All Purpose Gluten Free Flour.
    Grape Jelly- Really any jelly will be great but i do love a classic grape jelly sandwich which is why I chose grape jelly for the bar. Strawberry is also a great alternative to grape jelly.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A nine inch square of peanut butter and jelly bars sitting on parchment paper with  three purple flowers around it.
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside 
    • In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar and vanilla extract; cream together until smooth and then add in the peanut butter and continue mixing until smooth
    • Add the egg into the butter mixture and mix until fully combined
    • Slowly add in the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix just until all ingredients are combined 
    • Press ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepare square pan, spread the grape jelly over the peanut butter dough and then add the remainder of the dough crumbled to cover the layer of grape jelly
    • Bake the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars for 25-28 minutes or until the top starts to turn a light golden brown in color 
    • Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pan
    • Cut the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars into 9 three inch squares or the desired shape and size Enjoy or store in an airtight container until you are ready to serve! 
    A stack of four peanut butter and jelly bars.

    Expert Tips and FAQ'S

    • Room Temperature Ingredients- It is important to have the ingredients at room temperature before using because it will allow every to mix and bake evenly
    • Refrigerate Before Cutting- Once the bars are baked, refrigerate the bars before removing the bars from the pan to ensure that the bars don't fall apart and will give you a very clean cut.
    • Storing The Bars- Store the PB&J Bars in an airtight container for up to four days. If you are not going to eat them all freeze the bars for up to two months in an airtight container.
    Can these bars be GF?

    Yes! This is a very easy conversion just using All Purpose Gluten Free Flour instead of the regular flour.

    Can I change the jelly flavor?

    Any flavor of jelly can be used for these bars. Grape and strawberry are the most popular, but you pick your favorite.

    Can I add chopped peanuts for extra crunch?

    If you and your kids love the texture of chopped peanuts, this is a great addition to be added to the top layer of the peanut butter cookie batter.

    A close up of four peanut butter and jelly bars with one flower in the background.

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    A square cut into nine pieces of peanut butter and jelly bars with flowers sprinkled around.

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, are so similar to the classic PB&J sandwich but a whole lot sweeter!! Three layers of the softest peanut butter cookie, grape jelly and another layer of peanut butter cookie crumbled on top is the perfect way to celebrate back to school.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Dessert
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Resting Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 9 Bars
    Calories: 491kcal
    Author: Kristen Massad

    Ingredients

    • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter Room Temperature
    • ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar
    • ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
    • ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
    • ½ Teaspoon Salt
    • ¾ Cup Grape Jelly

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9x9 inch square pan with non stick baking spray and parchment lined on the bottom and side of pan
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside
    • In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar and vanilla extract; cream together until smooth and then add in the peanut butter and continue mixing until smooth
    • Add the egg into the butter mixture and mix until fully combined
    • Slowly add in the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix just until all ingredients are combined
    • Press ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepare square pan, spread the grape jelly over the peanut butter dough and then add the remainder of the dough crumbled to cover the layer of grape jelly
    • Bake the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars for 25-28 minutes or until the top starts to turn a light golden brown in color
    • Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pan
    • Cut the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars into 9 three inch squares or the desired shape and size
    • Enjoy or store in an airtight container until you are ready to serve!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 9g | Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JoyandOliver or tag #JoyandOliver!

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