Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars-A Twist on a Childhood Favorite

Peanut butter has been a staple in our home since our oldest child, Colton, began toddling around. I still remember the look of sheer delight on his face when he took a bite of his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Colton is now approaching his 14th birthday, and although his culinary tastes have expanded, he still is very fond of peanut butter sandwiches. His two younger sisters are also big fans of peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter is a convenient, economical food that I feel good about serving my kids. It is a terrific source of protein. Plus, peanut butter is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Over the years, I have made hundreds (thousands? millions?) of peanut butter sandwiches and likely dozens of varieties, but I have never baked with the combination of peanut butter and jelly. Here is Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars, a fun after school treat for kids.

These bars are quick to make with only 15 minutes of prep time. A yellow cake mix serves as the base. Butter, crunchy peanut butter, an egg, quick-cooking oats, jam and chopped peanuts round out the list of ingredients.

To start, preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, peanut butter and egg.

Beat the mixture at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until everything is well mixed.

Stir in the oats by hand. The mixture will be a little crumbly.

Measure 1-1/2 cups of the mixture and set it aside for later.

Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the pan.

Spread the jam (use whatever flavor you prefer) over the oat mixture. I found it worked well to spread the jam with a small spatula.

Next, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the jam layer.

Top the bars with chopped peanuts. You can buy then chopped or seal the peanuts in a small bag and pound them with a mallet or rolling pin.

Bake the bars for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set. Then allow the bars to cool.

Cut the bars and enjoy! This recipe yields 32 delicious bars.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars were a hit at our house. My daughter, Ella, never strays from her after school snack of 2 Clementines, 1 fruit leather, and 1 string cheese, but she was happy to put her favorites aside for one day to try these bars. And Colton? We’ll just say he started with one bar and ended up eating a few more. We are pleased to have a new way to enjoy peanut butter and jelly!

Do you love the combination of peanut butter and jelly? If so, give Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars a try, and make sure to come back and rate and review the recipe.

Come back in a few days when Alex will share a fun shrimp tostada recipe.

Tami is paid to write for the Land O’Lakes Recipe Buzz® Blog.