Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 67 reviews

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and jam in a delightful bar form. A rich peanut butter dough forms the base and topping, with a sweet and tangy jam layer in the middle, all finished with a crumbly oat topping for texture. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and chilled before slicing to ensure thick, clean bars that satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Dough

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural/drippy)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Jam Layer

  • 1 ¼ cups jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, grape, or mixed berry work)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but great if jam is very sweet)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (only if jam is thin or runny)

Crumble Topping

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Get Prepared: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the bars out later.
  2. Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The resulting dough should be thick and soft, similar to peanut butter cookie dough or blondie batter.
  4. Press Dough Into Pan: Take about two-thirds of the peanut butter dough and press it evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use slightly damp hands or a spatula to compact the dough into a flat layer.
  5. Prepare and Spread Jam Layer: In a small bowl, blend the jam with lemon juice if it tastes very sweet. If the jam is thin or runny, also stir in the cornstarch to thicken. Spread the jam evenly over the pressed dough base, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges to prevent bubbling over while baking.
  6. Add Remaining Peanut Butter Dough: Dollop the remaining peanut butter dough over the jam layer in small pieces, distributing it evenly but not spreading it flat.
  7. Make Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and creamy peanut butter and mix until clumpy. Stir in chopped peanuts if using for an extra crunch.
  8. Scatter Crumble Over Bar: Spread the crumble topping over the jam and peanut butter dollops, ensuring some jam pockets remain visible for a rustic look.
  9. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–42 minutes. The top should turn golden, edges set, and the center puffed with no wet batter showing. A toothpick inserted into one of the peanut butter sections should come out with moist crumbs but no raw dough. Avoid testing in jam pockets to get accurate results.
  10. Chill Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing to help them set firmly and cut into clean, thick bars without collapsing.

Notes

  • Use creamy peanut butter (not natural or runny) for best texture and binding.
  • If your jam is very sweet, adding lemon juice balances the flavor.
  • Add cornstarch only if your jam is thin or runny to prevent seepage during baking.
  • Chilling the bars before slicing is crucial for clean cuts and proper texture.
  • Optional chopped peanuts in the crumble add a nice crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-crumble-bars-recipe/