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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delightful twist on a classic PB&J sandwich, featuring a chewy peanut butter blondie base topped with luscious strawberry jam and drizzled with melted peanut butter. These bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a nostalgic touch, perfect for a satisfying treat or dessert.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch sea salt

Topping

  • 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
  2. Melt butter and mix wet ingredients: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until fully melted. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in 1/3 cup peanut butter and vanilla extract. Add brown sugar and the egg, whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour these dry ingredients into the wet mixture bowl and stir until just combined with no dry flour visible.
  4. Prepare the baking pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray for easy removal.
  5. Assemble the base layer: Spread the peanut butter batter evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
  6. Add toppings: Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the batter, then spoon small dollops of strawberry or raspberry jam across the surface. Optionally, use a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter and jam without over mixing to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bars should be cooked through, with a slightly hardened top and golden brown edges.
  8. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into 9 squares. If the jam has sunk into the bars during baking, add a little extra dollop of jam on top of each square for presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure the melted butter is cool before mixing to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make removing the bars easier.
  • Do not over swirl the peanut butter and jam topping to keep a beautiful marbled look.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-recipe/