Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares are a delicious and nostalgic treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a convenient and portable square form. These squares are perfect for snacking, dessert, or even a lunchbox treat.

History

The combination of peanut butter and jelly is a classic American flavor pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares take this classic combination to the next level by incorporating them into a convenient and easy-to-eat square form.

Ingredients

Cookie dough

0.5 cup of butter
0.25 cup each of sugar and light brown sugar
1 large egg
0.5 tsp + 0.25 tsp of vanilla
0.5 tsp + 0.13 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt
1.13 cup of flour

Filling

0.33 cup of unsalted dry roasted peanuts, chopped
0.25 cup of creamy peanut butter
0.5 cup of raspberry preserves

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the ingredients for the cookie dough (except flour) until fluffy.
Reduce the speed and gradually add the flour, beating until well blended.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, allowing the foil to extend above the pan.
In a separate bowl, combine the dough, peanuts, and peanut butter, stirring until well blended.
Press 1.33 cups of the dough mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.
Spread the preserves on top, leaving a 0.5-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle heaping 0.5 tsp of the remaining dough mixture over the preserves.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
Allow to cool in the pan.
Using the foil ends, lift the baked mixture onto a cutting board.
Cut into squares.

Variations

You can use different flavors of jelly or preserves, such as strawberry or grape, in place of the raspberry preserves.
For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped peanuts and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to line your baking pan with foil and allow it to extend above the pan. This will make it easier to lift the baked squares out of the pan for cutting.

- Be sure to leave a border around the edges when spreading the raspberry preserves to prevent them from leaking out during baking.

- For a more intense peanut flavor, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.

- Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares are perfect for serving as a snack, dessert, or even as a lunchbox treat. They pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for making Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares include beating the cookie dough until fluffy, pressing the dough evenly into the pan, and spreading the preserves carefully to ensure even coverage.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have raspberry preserves on hand, you can use any other flavor of jelly or preserves that you prefer. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter in place of the peanut butter.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

To make Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares look more appealing, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares pair well with a variety of beverages, such as milk, coffee, tea, or even a glass of red wine for a more sophisticated treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares are a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and manganese.

Alergens

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

Summary

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares are a delicious and nostalgic treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a convenient and portable square form. With a perfect balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, these squares are a satisfying and tasty snack or dessert option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited some friends over for an afternoon tea party in my backyard. I wanted to impress them with a new dessert, something that would be both delicious and unique.

As I rummaged through my recipe collection, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in an old cookbook. It was a handwritten recipe for these delectable squares, passed down to me by my own grandmother many years ago. I remembered her telling me stories of how she learned to make them from a dear friend who had visited her from far away.

Excited to try out this new recipe, I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. The recipe called for a simple crust made of flour, sugar, and butter, which I mixed together until it formed a crumbly dough. I pressed this mixture into a baking pan, creating a sturdy base for the filling.

The filling itself was a creamy blend of smooth peanut butter and sweet raspberry jelly, mixed together until it was light and fluffy. I spread this mixture over the crust, making sure to cover every inch with the delicious combination of flavors.

As the squares baked in the oven, the scent of warm peanut butter and raspberry jelly filled the air, tantalizing my taste buds and making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I carefully removed them from the oven and let them cool on the countertop before cutting them into neat, bite-sized squares.

As my friends arrived for the tea party, I proudly presented them with my creation. They oohed and aahed over the squares, marveling at the perfect combination of flavors and textures. One friend even declared them the best dessert she had ever tasted, prompting me to share the story of how I had come to learn the recipe.

I recounted the tale of my grandmother and her friend, their shared love of cooking and baking, and the special bond they had formed over the years. I told my friends how this recipe had been passed down through the generations, bringing joy and sweetness to all who tasted it.

As we enjoyed our tea and squares in the dappled sunlight of my backyard, I felt a deep sense of connection to my past and to the women who had come before me. I realized that cooking and baking were not just about following a recipe, but about creating memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

And so, whenever I make these Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Squares, I think of my grandmother and her friend, and I am filled with gratitude for the love and knowledge they passed down to me. The joy of discovering this recipe will always stay with me, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds of friendship and love.