Are you looking for a quick and easy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are here to save the day. With a deliciously creamy peanut butter base topped with a swirl of jam, these dessert bars will have you reminiscing about childhood memories of PB&J sandwiches.
But don't let their simplicity fool you, these bars pack a flavorful punch that will leave you wanting more. So let's gather our baking supplies and get ready to whip up this mouth-watering dessert recipe today!
The Perfect Dessert for All Ages
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are more than just a dessert; they're a trip down memory lane with a gourmet twist that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Kids will adore the familiar, comforting flavors of peanut butter and jelly, evoking the classic PB&J sandwiches they love.
Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the sophisticated balance of sweet and salty, along with the rich, satisfying texture of these bars.
Perfect for family gatherings, school snacks, or a nostalgic treat, these bars are a surefire way to bring smiles to faces, regardless of age. Easy to make and even easier to love, they're a versatile option for any occasion.
Dessert Bars
One of the standout qualities of dessert bars, including our star Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, is their incredible versatility, ease of preparation, and undeniable deliciousness.
They're the perfect blank canvas for experimenting with different flavors, meaning you can tailor them to any occasion or palate.
Dessert bars can be made with many flavors and fillings like Banana Bread Cheesecake Cake Bars, Black Forest Brownie Bars, Peach Almond Bars, and you can even make Crescent Roll Desserts like my Cheesecake Lemon Curd and Berry Crescent Bars.
Their simple, no-fuss recipes make them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're whipping up a batch for a family gathering, a friendly get-together, or just as a treat for yourself, these bars promise to deliver a mouthwatering experience with minimal stress in the kitchen.
Jelly Flavors
One of the best things about these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars is how versatile they are—especially when it comes to choosing your jelly flavor. Here's a quick rundown of flavors and what they bring to the party:
- Strawberry Jam: A classic choice that brings a sweet and slightly tart flavor, complementing the richness of the peanut butter perfectly.
- Grape Jelly: For a touch of nostalgia, grape jelly offers a pure, fruity sweetness that will take you straight back to your childhood lunches.
- Raspberry Jam: If you're after a bit more tang, raspberry jam adds a wonderful sharpness that cuts through the peanut butter, giving a delightful contrast.
- Apricot Preserve: For a slightly exotic twist, apricot preserve lends a mild, subtly sweet flavor with a hint of tartness, adding a layer of sophistication.
- Blueberry Jam: Go for blueberry if you love a mix of sweet and tart with an added depth of flavor, plus a gorgeous color swirl.
- Blackberry Jam: This offers a deep, wine-like sweetness with a hint of acidity - perfect for those who love a richer, more intense fruit flavor.
Each of these flavors can add a unique dimension to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, making the recipe customizable to your taste or mood!
I used homemade strawberry vanilla jam. I also sprinkled some almond slivers and dried cranberries over the top before baking. Wow they were good. My favorite was the strawberry vanilla bars with almonds and cranberries!
Finding Your Perfect Jelly Flavor
The beauty of these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars lies not only in their delicious taste but also in their ability to be tailored to personal preference or whatever you have on hand in your kitchen.
Whether you stick with the classics or venture into new jammy territories, these bars promise to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, mix and match, and find your family's new favorite combination. Happy baking!
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1-¼ cups sugar
- ¼ cup Light Corn Syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Filling
- 1 ⅓ cups strawberry vanilla jam or jam of choice
Garnish
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ⅛ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. degrees
- Cream butter, sugar and corn syrup in a large bowl with mixer at medium speed 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs and peanut butter to the bowl and beat in.
- Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a small bowl. Add to peanut butter mixture; mix on low speed until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half. If using two different flavors of jelly divide one the dough between two 8x8 square baking pans. Or use the entire amount for one 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the jam over dough. Drop small pieces of remaining dough over the top of the jam. (Dough will spread during baking and cover jam.) Sprinkle top with almonds and dried cranberries.
- Repeat directions if using two pans using a different flavor of jam.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes until light golden brown.
- Cool in pan on wire rack at least 30 minutes to allow the jam to cool. If pan is lined with parchment lift from the pan to cool. Cut into bars. Delicious served with a glass of cold milk!
Recipe Expert Tips
- This recipe will make two 8 x 8 square pans of dessert bars or one 9 x 13 inch pan.
- I made two different flavors using two types of jelly. One flavor per 8 x 8 pan.
- Line the pan with parchment paper leaving 2 inches extending over edges of the pan for easy removal.
- Makes about 18 servings.
Apu
They look wonderful!
Flour On My Face
Apu
Thank you so much!