Description
Delicious and chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars combining the rich flavors of peanut butter, sweet brown sugar, and fruity jam, all baked to perfection in a buttery oatmeal crust. This easy-to-make dessert bar is perfect for a snack, lunchbox treat, or casual dessert, offering a nostalgic twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit jam, jelly, or preserves (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Brown Sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the butter pieces and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base.
- Add Peanut Butter: Incorporate the peanut butter into the butter and sugar mixture and continue to mix until the batter is evenly fluffy and well combined, ensuring a rich peanut flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, old fashioned oatmeal, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until fully combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
- Form Base Layer: Scoop approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly to form a smooth, even base layer that will support the jam topping.
- Spread Jam and Add Top Layer: Spread an even layer of your chosen fruit jam over the cookie dough base. Then, dollop the remaining cookie dough in pieces over the jam layer to create a rustic topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden around the edges and set in the center.
- Add Peanuts and Cool: If desired, sprinkle chopped salted peanuts over the baked bars immediately after removing them from the oven for added crunch and flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 servings.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of jam or jelly you prefer; raspberry, grape, or strawberry work particularly well.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the chopped peanuts lightly before sprinkling.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper overhanging the sides for easy removal of bars once cooled.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep longer.
- To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oatmeal is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
