Relive your childhood with these rich peanut butter and jelly bars. They deliver an indulgent PB&J experience in every bite.
I binged on peanut butter and jelly throughout preschool and kindergarten, then spent years avoiding the combo. In high school I rediscovered that simple joy—and last night I fell in love with it again.
These bars are seriously stacked and satisfying.
The thick peanut butter layer melts in your mouth. These bars are not for the faint of heart—you must love peanut butter to fully appreciate them.
My partner agreed they were extremely peanut-buttery. After calling them merely “okay” at first, we each snuck several more pieces. When he disappears into the kitchen silently I know he’s shoveling cookies or bars into his mouth—usually with a drink nearby. Last night I joined him.
The final verdict: these bars are amazing.
Initially we wondered if they needed more jam, but after several tastings we agreed the balance of peanut butter and jelly is just right.
A third of the dough is crumbled on top of the jam before baking, creating a pleasant crumbly texture that contrasts the dense base.
Finished with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, these bars are a must-try for peanut butter lovers.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups jam (grape works well)
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and peanut butter, mixing until combined, about 2 minutes.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined. Stir in the vanilla.
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the jam over the dough to cover.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the jam and sprinkle the peanuts on top.
- Bake until golden brown, 45–60 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after about 20 minutes. Allow the bars to cool for a few hours before cutting.
If you have a chance this week, give these bars a try. Kids will likely adore them, and adults who love peanut butter certainly will. My partner—who behaves like a big kid—loved them too.
And yes, there was some playful talk about facial hair and crumbs, but ultimately the bars disappeared fast. Enjoy baking and sharing these nostalgic peanut butter and jelly bars.