PB&J Bars

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.

Calling all PB&J lovers! These bars pack all the nostalgic flavor of your favorite childhood sandwich into a fun, snackable treat.

What You’ll Need to Make PB&J Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and puff up, and gives them a light texture.
• Butter: Lends richness and moisture to the dough, and gives the bars a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Add sweetness and helps give the bars a lovely golden color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
• Peanut Butter: The key ingredient that gives the bars a rich, nutty flavor that defines the classic PB&J taste. Use a traditional supermarket brand, like Skippy, as natural peanut butter isn’t ideal for baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the flavor of the bars with warm, aromatic notes.
• Raspberry Jam: The other key ingredient, right alongside the peanut butter. It’s important to use jam as opposed to traditional jelly because jam is made from chunks of fruit, which gives it a more intense fruity flavor. (Jelly is made from fruit juice and tends to be milder.)
• Salted Peanuts: Add a crunchy, salty pop of flavor that contrasts so well with the sweetness of the bars. I love Virginia peanuts for both cooking and snacking—they are large and extra crunchy.
• Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang, and lightly coat with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, add the butter and sugar.

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. 

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time.

Beat the mixture after each addition.

Add the peanut butter and vanilla.

Continue mixing and scraping down the bowl as necessary, beating until evenly combined, about 30 seconds.

Scrape down the bowl again and add the flour mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.

Set aside about 1½ cups of the dough for the topping. Spread the remaining dough evenly into the prepared cake pan using an offset spatula or your fingers, lightly dusted with flour, to press it in.

Spread the jam evenly over the dough, maintaining a ¼-inch border around the edges.

Add the chopped peanuts into the reserved dough and stir to combine.

Using a teaspoon and your finger, drop the dough in clumps over the jam, allowing some jam to peek through.

Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Lift the dessert out using the foil edges, transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares. The bars can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container; freeze for longer storage.

You May Also Like