Name: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups peanut butter; 3 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam; 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

The classic flavor combination of Peanut Butter and Jelly are combined to make this super rich and delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly dessert bar.

Imagine a buttery, peanut butter crust, topped with your favorite jam then topped again with more peanut butter goodness. This is a symphony of flavors that will definitely have your fam coming back for more.

cookie bars made with peanut butter and jelly cut into squares

It might be a bit of an obsession, but I would always rather eat a cookie in bar form! These peanut butter and jelly bars are just so rich and delicious, you might need a glass of milk while enjoying these. Just like my recipe for Monster Cookie Bars or even these No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.

This peanut butter dessert is towards the top as one of my favorites. It is pretty easy to make and you can really customize it with your favorite fruity flavor; grape, raspberry or even try a homemade strawberry jam.

glass pan with cookie bars made with peanut butter crust, a layer of jelly and pieces of peanut butter cookie dough on top

Peanut Butter Jelly Bar Ingredients

Let’s jump right in on making these amazing peanut butter and jelly bars. To make this recipe you will need the following:

1 cup butter– I prefer to use unsalted when baking so I can adjust the salt in the recipe as needed.
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups peanut butter– smooth peanut butter is what I use, but chunky could be used as well
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fruit jam
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

⭐️ Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

peanut butter, sugars, butter, baking powder and vanilla mixed in a glass mixing bowl

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Step 1: just like making a peanut butter cookie dough, start by creaming together room temperature butter (so it is soft) and the brown sugar and white sugar. Mix them with an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer for about 1 minute, until well combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Add in the eggs (also room temperature), vanilla and peanut butter. Mix until a smooth batter is formed.

peanut butter cookie dough in a glass mixing bowl

Step 3: next, add in the flour, baking powder and salt. Continue mixing with mixer until the dough becomes like a thick cookie dough. The dough will be crumbly, but when pressed together, it sticks together and will form a ball.

peanut butter cookie dough pressed into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish

Step 4: press 2/3 of the peanut butter bar dough into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Use the back of a measuring cup, drinking glass or a spatula.

glass baking dish with peanut butter dough on the bottom and a layer of raspberry jam on top

Step 5: after the bottom layer of peanut butter dough is evenly pressed into the bottom of the pan, spread the 1 1/2 cups of jam over the top of the dough. To help with easy clean up, try not to go all the way to the edge of the pan, keep the jam on the dough.

peanut butter cookie dough pressed into a glass 9 x 13 inch baking dish with a layer of raspberry jam and pieces of peanut butter cookie dough on top

Step 6: next, spread the chopped salted peanuts over the top of the jam layer, then take the remaining dough and break it up over on top as the last layer before baking.

Step 7: lastly, bake the peanut butter bars at 350º F for 25-30 minutes, until the edges and top pieces are browned.

Allow the peanut butter bars to cool completely before slicing.

baked peanut butter and jelly bars in a glass 9 x 13 inch baking dish

How to Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Peanut butter and jelly bars can be stored in an air tight container on the counter for up 3 days, or up to five if stored in the refrigerator.

The peanut butter bars will soften over time, they are most crunchy on the first day.

Other Cookie Bar Recipes You Should Try:

squares of peanut butter and jelly cookie bars

If you are looking for other Family Friendly meals or desserts follow along with me on YouTube or Facebook where I share simple recipes to help you with Feeding Your Fam! Make sure to subscribe so you will be notified when a new recipe is shared.

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