Sweets, barsJulius RamirezPeanut butter, bars, sweets

Ultimate PB&J Bars

Sweets, barsJulius RamirezPeanut butter, bars, sweets
Ultimate PB&J Bars

I know I’m not alone when I say that I grew up eating peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. So much of these favors remind me of my childhood, where worries weren’t a thing and our imaginations took us to places that filled us with happiness and joy. Although we all have to grow up sometime, these PB&J bars definitely take you back to those good ole’ days.

I’m not kidding when I say that these PB&J bars have a melt in your mouth peanut buttery cookie as the base with a layer of strawberry jam, then finished with a thin crumbly peanut butter cookie top. When I first put this recipe together, I thought it might be too much peanut butter (btw: is there ever too much?), but after a few trials to tweak the recipe, this ratio provides the perfect balance that is surprisingly not too sweet - which I love!

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What you need:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter - make sure it’s at room temperature

  • 1½ cups sugar

  • 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 large eggs (keep outside fridge for at least 30 mins)

  • 1 container (18oz) of peanut butter (I used natural creamy peanut butter)

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 jar (18oz) jam of your choice 

  • 2/3 cups unsalted peanuts roughly chopped - I put these in a ziplock bag and crushed equal to a rough chop

The Deets:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  

  • Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan or pyrex with butter, making sure all edges and sides are greased.

  • Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened room temperature butter and sugar on medium speed until light yellow (about 2 mins). 

  • With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter. Make sure to combine. 

  • In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt.  

  • With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture.  Mix just until combined.        

  • Spread two thirds of the mixture in the baking pan, using a spoon to spread evenly.  

  • Spread the jam evenly over the dough.  

  • Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam.  Don’t worry if all the jam isn’t covered as it give it a rustic look. The dough will spread slightly as well. 

  • Sprinkle with the roughly chopped peanuts on top 

  • Bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown.  

  • Cool and cut into squares and ENJOY!