Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe - Made in USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a classic and delicious treat that combines the flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly in a convenient and portable bar form. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History

The combination of peanut butter and jelly is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. The first recorded instance of peanut butter and jelly being paired together in a recipe dates back to the early 1900s, when it was featured in a cookbook as a sandwich filling. Over the years, this iconic flavor combination has been adapted into various forms, including these delectable Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1.5 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups creamy Smuckers™ natural peanut butter
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 cups raspberry (or other) jam (I use a seedless blackberry jam and it works great)
0.67 cups coarsely chopped salted peanuts

How to prepare

In a KitchenAid mixer fitted with a paddle, cream the butter and sugar until they turn light yellow, which should take about 2 minutes.
Reduce the speed on the mixer to low and add the vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter. Blend the ingredients until they are well combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture and mix until they are just blended. It is normal for the dough to be crumbly.
Grease and flour a 13 x 9" pan. Take approximately 0.67 of the dough and pat it into the pan, ensuring that the dough is spread evenly to all sides of the pan. If you feel that the crust may be too thin, take small amounts of dough and add them to the already patted out dough.
Using a small spatula, spread the jam evenly over the top of the dough. As a reference, 1.5 cups of jam should be approximately 18 oz (510 g).
Evenly distribute small amounts of the remaining dough over the top of the jam. Do not worry if the jam is showing through the dough, as the dough will spread slightly while baking. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Allow the pan to cool completely, then cut the baked mixture into squares.

Variations

Swap out the blackberry jam for your favorite flavor of jelly or jam.
Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top of the bars before baking for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

Using a stand mixer makes all the difference in the world. Using a hand mixer will not give you the "shortness" in the dough that a stand mixer will.
I prefer not to put trans fats into my body, so I do not use any of the major commercial brands of peanut butter. I use Smuckers natural peanut butter because there's 0 trans fat, no sugar or any other additives - the type of peanut butter you use will make a difference in texture and flavor.
Do not use jelly. Use a thick jam or preserves. You may think everything seems runny once it comes out of the oven but once everything cools off, the jam will thicken up. Don't be put off by the jam seeming like it never cooked; it's not supposed to be solid!
These are incredibly rich; cut them into smaller squares for this reason (your yield, therefore, will be higher than 24 bars). However, your family might rip through these incredibly fast so it won't really matter how small you cut them!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the best texture in these bars.

- Be sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean and even cuts.

- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jelly or jam to customize these bars to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars as a sweet treat with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for the best texture in these bars.

- Pat the dough into the pan evenly to ensure that the bars bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the blackberry jam for raspberry, strawberry, or grape jelly for a different twist on these bars.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bars in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.

Alergens

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars contain peanuts and may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a delicious treat that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a great source of energy and make for a satisfying snack or dessert option.

Summary

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a classic and delicious treat that combines the flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly in a convenient and portable bar form. These bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Enjoy the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly in a new and exciting way with these delectable bars.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. It was a cool autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for these delicious bars.

The paper was yellowed with age and the ink was slightly faded, but the words were still clear and legible. It seemed as though the recipe had been well-loved and used many times over the years. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try and see what all the fuss was about.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had watched my own grandmother cook and bake in her cozy kitchen. She was a master in the art of cooking, always adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make the flavors sing. I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven.

The recipe called for simple ingredients – flour, oats, sugar, butter, peanut butter, and jelly. As I mixed them together in a bowl, the familiar scents of home and hearth filled the air. The dough came together easily, and I pressed it into a baking dish before spreading a layer of peanut butter and jelly on top.

As the bars baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The aroma of warm peanut butter and sweet jelly wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the bars out of the oven and let them cool before cutting them into squares.

The first bite was pure bliss. The bars were chewy and sweet, with just the right amount of peanut butter and jelly flavor. I felt a rush of nostalgia as I savored each bite, remembering all the times I had enjoyed similar treats with my family and friends.

From that day on, Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of delicious homemade treats. Every time I make a batch of these bars, I feel a connection to my grandmother and all the wonderful memories we shared in the kitchen.

As the years passed, the recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars became more than just a dessert – it became a symbol of love, family, and tradition. I will always cherish the day I discovered that faded piece of paper in my grandmother's cookbook, and the joy it brought into my life. Cooking is truly a magical art, one that has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am forever grateful.