Each bite of these peanut butter and jelly bars will immediately take you back to your childhood. These bars have a chewy base loaded with peanut butter that are topped with grape jelly and chunks of dough. These bars can also be frozen.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Bars, Jelly, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
Using bowl for stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars until creamy and light in color - about 3 minutes.
Add in the peanut butter and vanilla beat until smooth.
Beat in eggs until combined.
Add in the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Divide the dough into thirds. Evenly spread ⅔ of dough into pan. Use your hands or spatula to press dough into pan.
Spread the jelly or jam evenly on top.
With the remaining dough, break off pieces and scatter them on top. Top with chopped peanuts, if using.
Bake for 35 - 40 minutes until golden brown. (Check after 35)
Let cool completely on rack then cut into squares.
Notes
Natural peanut butter - where the oil separates from the peanut butter - is not recommended. It will cause the batter to be crumbly and the bars will fall apart.If you have a bottle of peanut butter whiskey - (yes, it exists) - use it. It gives great flavor.