Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars

There are few flavor combinations as beloved as peanut butter and jelly. This classic duo brings back memories of childhood lunches, picnics, and lazy weekends. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that celebrates this timeless pairing in a delightful new way: Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars. These bars are a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet fruit spread, and a crunchy oat topping. They make for a fantastic snack or dessert, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why It’s My Go-To

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars are my go-to treat for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Secondly, the layers of flavors and textures create a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more. And finally, they store beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars have got you covered!

Ingredient Rundown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bars so delicious:

• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, melted. This forms the base and adds richness.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – 1 cup, melted. Choose your favorite brand for a smooth texture.
• Large Egg – 1. The egg helps bind the ingredients together.
• Light Brown Sugar – 1 cup, packed. This adds sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon. A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup. This is the main dry ingredient that provides structure.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Balances the sweetness.
• Old-Fashioned Whole-Rolled Oats – 1 cup. Do not substitute with quick cook or instant oats as they can alter the texture.
• Granulated Sugar – 1 cup. Adds sweetness to the crumble topping.
• 2 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar – for added flavor in the crumble.
• Smuckers Fruit and Honey Strawberry Fruit Spread – one 9-ounce jar. This provides the jelly layer.

Essential Tools for Success

Before we start baking, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Mixing Bowls – for combining the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – accuracy is key in baking.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan – to bake the bars in.
• Parchment Paper – for easy removal of the bars.
• Rubber Spatula – perfect for mixing and spreading the batter.
• Whisk – to blend wet ingredients smoothly.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars: From Prep to Plate

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help you lift the bars out cleanly once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, melted creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Then, add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Create the Base Layer

Pour half of the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will serve as the base layer for your bars.

Step 6: Add the Fruit Spread

Spread the entire jar of Smuckers Fruit and Honey Strawberry Fruit Spread evenly over the peanut butter layer. This fruity layer adds a delicious contrast to the rich peanut butter.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a new bowl, combine the remaining peanut butter mixture with the old-fashioned rolled oats, the remaining all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit spread.

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy!

Substitutions by Diet

Not everyone has the same dietary needs, so here are some substitutions you can make without compromising on taste:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Nut-Free: Use sun butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
• Low Sugar: Substitute the sugars with a sugar-free alternative, adjusting to taste.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• For optimal texture, ensure that your butter and peanut butter are melted but not too hot when mixing.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Feel free to experiment with different fruit spreads, like raspberry or grape, to switch up the flavor.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Save It for Later

If you love these Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars, you can always double the recipe and freeze half for later! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my crumble topping is too dry?

If your crumble topping feels dry, you can add a little more melted butter to help bind it together. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Why did my bars crumble when I tried to slice them?

This can happen if the bars weren’t cooled completely before slicing. Make sure to let them cool in the pan for at least an hour, and then in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes for easier slicing.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to avoid quick oats for this recipe, as they can make the mixture too dry. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect texture.

What’s the best way to store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Try These Next

If you enjoyed making these bars, you might also love these recipes:

• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls – A perfect bite-sized treat!
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites – For those who crave chocolate and peanut butter.

Save & Share

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a way to bring a little nostalgia into your life. Happy baking!