Peanut Butter 'N Jelly Bars
These Peanut Butter 'N Jelly Bars combine sweet jelly, peanut chips, and a buttery crust for a delightful treat perfect for snacks or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in beaten eggs and mix until smooth.
- Reserve half of the mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Spread grape jelly evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle 1 cup peanut butter chips over the jelly.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the peanut chips.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with remaining 1 cup peanut butter chips.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have peanut butter chips, you can substitute with chocolate chips or chopped nuts. If you prefer a lower-fat version, try using applesauce in place of butter or margarine. Ensure to press the dough firmly into the pan for a sturdy base. Check out Grandma Alexander'S Oatmeal Cake for another delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars warm or at room temperature, perfect as an afternoon snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful twist, consider drizzling with melted chocolate or serving alongside fresh fruit. Browse more American recipes for additional sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter 'N Jelly Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm and gooey, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter 'N Jelly Bars contains roughly 246 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 21g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jelly?
Absolutely! While grape jelly is traditional, feel free to experiment with strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot jelly for a unique flavor. Just ensure the jelly is spreadable so it layers well over the crust.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze Peanut Butter 'N Jelly Bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).