Description
Delight in these classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, combining a buttery, tender base with a sweet strawberry jam filling and a crumbly top. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or an easy dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- 2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Form the Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming a solid base layer.
- Add Jam: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the pressed dough base, leaving the edges clear to avoid spilling during baking.
- Top with Crumbled Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer, creating a textured and rustic topping.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out and slice into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with any jam or preserve of your choice, such as raspberry or grape.
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes, watching closely to avoid raw dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Softened butter helps achieve the perfect texture when creaming with sugar and peanut butter.
- Make sure to cool completely before cutting to prevent the jam from running.
