Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

A stack of peanut butter jam bars with jam and crumble layers visible.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars taste like your favorite school lunch baked into a soft, chewy dessert bar. Sweet strawberry jam melts into a rich peanut butter cookie base and gets a golden, buttery crumble on top.

Course baked goods, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 275kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup white sugar white
1 cup peanut butter creamy
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups flour all-purpose
3/4 cup strawberry jam

Instructions

Get prepped: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.
Cream the butter and sugar: Add the 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup white sugar to a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in 1 cup peanut butter, 1 large egg, and1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon baking powder then add1 1/2 cups flour. Mix on low to medium speed just until combined.
Assemble: Press about 3/4 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Add jam: Spread 3/4 cup strawberry jam evenly over the dough, reaching the edges.
Add the topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
Cool and slice: Place on a cooling rack. Once completely cool, lift the slab out and cut into 16 bars.

Notes

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and neat slices.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour goes in or the bars will be tough.
Warm the jam slightly in the microwave so it spreads easily.
Chill the dough for 10 minutes before pressing if it feels sticky.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the cleanest edges.

Nutrition