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
- Start by pulsing the oats until they are a fine, flour-like consistency. Then set them off to the side.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- 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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More Bar Recipes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Equipment
- 8 by 8 baking dish
- food processor
- medium bowl
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- â…“ cup coconut oil melted
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup gluten-free flour (I used almond flour)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup raspberry preserves or other fruit preserves of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F.Spray baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
- Add oats to a food processor, pulse until oats are a fine, flour-like consistency.Pour into a clean bowl and set aside.
- Add peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey to the food processor. Pulse until mixed. Add eggs and vanilla, pulse again until combined. Add oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until a dough forms.
- Spread half of the dough into the baking dish, smooth out with a spatula or your fingers.Evenly spread jelly over the dough mixture using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining dough over top in small clumps.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Omg! Everything I love all in one bar! Thank you for the recipe!
Kim, haha you are welcome and I hope you enjoy them!
I have a gluten intolerance and LOVE peanut butter so these are PERFECT for me..In fact, I am going to make them right when I get done working. I have all of these ingredients in my kitchen! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Brie, I am so glad you have all the ingredients for this recipe! I try to add gluten-free recipes to my site regularly, I hope you enjoy!
I am making this recipe over the weekend. My husband is a peanut butter lover and I have homemade jelly that will be perfect for these bars. YUM!
Gina, these bars will be absolutely delicious with homemade jelly!
Yum! I am a sucker for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so these bars look amazing! I love how your recipe calls for simple and minimal ingredients that I actually already have in my kitchen. I’ll be trying these out and using them for healthier option snacks. Thank you for sharing!
Cassie, yes they are a perfect healthier snack option. It’s always nice to have healthier versions of the foods you enjoy- thank you!
I make similar bars to these. PB&J is always a killer combination!
Yummy, PB&J combo is the best!
This looks amazing. My partner loves peanut butter so I’ll definitely make these for him this weekend! Lovely pictures too 🙂
Thank you so much, perfect easy weekend baking project! Hope he loves them!
These look so good! I’m definitely going to have to make these – my husband would love them!
Kerry, definitely give them a try. I bet he will love them, my husband does!
this looks so yummy. i love peanut butters
Jeannie, if you like peanut butter, you will love these bars!