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These peanut butter jelly bars are an easy dessert that combines the classic flavors of a PB + J. The bars consist of a soft and chewy base with swirls of strawberry jam throughout!
If you’ve tried our blondies or cookie bars before, these PB+J versions should be next on your list!
They were inspired by peanut butter blondies, but I wanted something a little sweet to balance out the sweet and salty notes of the peanut butter. Adding a swirl of strawberry jelly throughout completely transformed it!
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
This recipe transforms our favorite classic sandwich into a decadent treat. If you are still on the fence about trying it, here are a few reasons.
- PB&J flavor in each bite. Unlike a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that has layers, this bar features a mixture of jelly and peanut butter that creates an even richer flavor.
- No flour. If you have always wished to enjoy the peanut butter and jelly flavor without bread, then this flourless bar recipe will surely be your favorite (you may also like our flourless brownies and cake!).
- A make-ahead treat. Unlike a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that gets soggy rather quickly, these bars are good for up to a week.
Making these bars does require more ingredients than making a PB&J sandwich. But the result is certainly worth it.
- Peanut butter. I recommend using all-natural unsweetened peanut butter. You can make it yourself by blending the peanuts with a little bit of salt.
Substitution idea
While these bars *are* focused on peanut butter, you can easily swap it out for almond butter, cashew butter, or a nut free alternative, like tahini.
- Maple syrup. Always use pure maple syrup as it has a richer flavor and doesn’t contain any added sugar.
- Jelly. I enjoy the combination of peanut butter and strawberry jelly best. You can use the jelly of your choice.
- Strawberries. While this is optional, adding fresh diced strawberries to the bar mixture adds a bright burst of strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate chips. If there is one thing that can make the combination of peanut butter and jelly better, it’s chocolate. Use any chocolate chips you like.
- Eggs. Bring the eggs to room temperature before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients.
Substitution idea
Not a fan of eggs or can’t eat them? Try an egg substitute instead.
- Baking soda. It reacts with the natural acidity of the eggs and helps create lighter bars.
- Salt. Helps balance all flavors.
How to make peanut butter jelly bars
These peanut butter and jelly bars may not be as quick to make as a PB&J sandwich but the process of making them is very easy. Additionally, it’s worth taking 30 minutes to make them as you will have some to enjoy for an entire week.
Step 1 – Prepare the bar mixture
Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, baking soda, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined. Stir in the strawberry jam and gently fold the chocolate chips and sliced strawberries.
Step 2 – Bake
Pour the bar mixture into an 8×8-inch pan. The pan should be greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Bake the peanut butter and jelly bars in the oven preheated to 350F degrees for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is fully set and golden brown on top.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Flavor variations
This recipe is all about achieving the PB&J flavor and texture of your dreams. Here are a few ways to customize this bar recipe.
- Jelly and fruit variations. Use any jelly you like to make this peanut butter bar. Blueberry, red plum and grape jelly are some of your best bets. If you like to experiment, use mango jelly. The same goes for fruits. Feel free to switch them up.
- Peanut butter variations. Use chunky peanut butter to add some texture to the bars. If you are allergic to nuts, feel free to use other nut butters.
- Add quick oats. Adding a handful of quick oats to the bar mixture will result in a chewier texture.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract. This flavor enhancer always takes baked goods to the next level, creating depth of flavor and adding a delicious aroma.
- Use defrosted strawberries. If you are using frozen strawberries, defrost them fully in the fridge, strain them if needed, and pat them dry using paper towels.
- Add chopped peanuts. Coarsely chopped peanuts will add more texture to the bars and enhance the peanut flavor. Other nuts will work too, including almonds and hazelnuts.
- Make it sugar-free. You can easily make this recipe refined sugar-free by using sugar-free jelly and chocolate chips.
To store. Place these peanut butter and jelly bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
To freeze. You can make a double batch of these bars and freeze some for later. Free the bars in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Wrap the bars with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.
More peanut butter desserts to try
Cheesecake
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
No Bake Desserts
Peanut Butter Mousse
Cookies
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Grape, strawberry, and raspberry jellies are the classic jelly flavors used with peanut butter. But you are free to use the jelly of your choice.
Yes, these bars are gluten-free. But we do recommend you read the ingredient list of store-bought peanut butter and jelly to make sure they don’t contain wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients.
Whether you are making a PB&J sandwich, bars, or another peanut butter and jelly-flavored treat, a great way to elevate its flavor is to use homemade peanut nutter. Adding spices to the jelly or jam is another easy way to create a deeper flavor for PB&J.
Peanut Butter Jelly Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry jelly
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup strawberries diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the peanut butter, maple syrup, and eggs. Add the baking soda and salt. Fold through the strawberry jam, chocolate chips, and sliced strawberries.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden and crisp on top.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Can I use sugar free syrup
I’m sure it will be fine.
Do you think you could make this without the sugar?
I made these the day prior to our monthly meeting and have to say they were delicious. They refrigerated well and were tasty without being reheated. The crew loved them and I loved the fact they are gluten free.
Making these again tomorrow, but per crew request, I’m going to add some swirls of the strawberry jam on top.