Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are everyones’ favorite sandwiches turned into a delicious bar. A tasty gluten-free snack with gooey raspberry jelly in the middle and an oat, honey, and peanut butter crust. They make the perfect after-school snack or packed lunch that is both adult and kid-approved!

It’s back-to-school season so what better time to whip up some Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars? This school year is going to be different, no doubt. Luckily, kids are resilient so hopefully, they can adjust quickly to the changes this school year will bring.

My daughter started preschool this year. A week before school started, they came out with another mask mandate stating kids over 2 years old have to wear masks to school. She is not only adjusting to all the new things that come with going to preschool but also has to learn to wear a mask (which she is struggling with). Trying to explain to a 3-year old that they have to cover their nose and mouth all-day is not exactly the easiest. But I am hoping she adjusts and sees other kids doing it.

The inspiration behind these bars came from the PB&J Bars at Trader Joe’s. I had bought them several times for my girls and homemade PB&J Bars sounded really good. So I gave it a shot and success!

I love that they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and sweetened with honey. I am not sure who loves them more, my husband and me, or our girls!

What is the Difference Between Jam, Jelly, and Preserves?

Jelly, jam, and preserves are all made with fruit, sugar, and pectin. The difference is the consistency. Jelly has the smoothest consistency, is often made from fruit juice, and has a gel-like texture. Jam generally is made of crushed or chopped fruit and preserves have chunks of fruit.

For this recipe, I used raspberry preserves. I like the more fruit-filled option for these bars. Use your favorite flavor; strawberry, grape, blueberry, etc. There are so many options! For a healthier option, I suggest using reduced sugar and no high fructose corn syrup if possible.

Ingredients in PB&J Bars

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

1. Start by pulsing the oats until they are a fine, flour-like consistency. Then set them off to the side.
2. Pulse together the peanut butter, oil, and honey. Add the egg and vanilla. Pulse. Add in the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse again until a dough forms. I used almond flour, but you can use any desired type of flour.
3. Spread half of the dough mixture into the greased pan and press the dough down into the bottom of the pan. Spread the jelly evenly over the dough. Top with the rest of the dough. You can have either large or small dough clumps on the top.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden.
5. Cool completely before slicing.

Tips/ Variations

• I recommend using reduced sugar preserves without high fructose corn syrup if possible.
• Drizzle peanut butter over the top for more pb flavor.
• Add crushed peanuts on top.
• Make sure the bars are completely cool before slicing. Otherwise, they crumble apart easily.

Storing PB&J Bars

Store in an airtight container either on the counter or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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