PB&J Bars
These crumbly, buttery PB&J Bars have a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly swirl in the middle, and are really fun for bake sales!
When I get a craving for something, one of two things happens:
1. I eat that certain something, like a smart little lady should, and go on with my day.
Or 2. I decide to ignore my craving and stupidly end up eating everything else in the house–chocolate, chips, candy, and still feel unsatisfied (does anyone else do this?)
Fortunately, I’ve learned over time that I need to deal with the craving straight away.
So the other day when I really wanted peanut butter and jelly, I sat down with my notepad and thought, what do I want to make?
I didn’t want just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This craving demanded more than that.
I thought, what if you put peanut butter and jelly with shortbread?
And this recipe was born.
This is some serious peanut butter and jelly satisfaction.
You make one shortbread dough, then divide it in half. Take half of the shortbread, and press it into your pan:
Then take the other half, and add some oats to it (ya know, because you can).
Throw the shortbread pan in the oven for 25 minutes to give it a little head start, then spread on your jam. Add little dollops of peanut butter:
Then go to town with your spatula and swirl them together:
On goes the oat shortbread crumble:
And then into the oven until bubbly and slightly crisp. Cut into bars:
And you’ve got childhood nostalgia shortbread bar buttery deliciousness. Mmm.
And if you like milk, this is totally a “sit down and eat with a big glass of ice cold milk” kind of situation.
PB&J Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 6 oz almond flour, by weight (1 cup, packed)
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup of your favorite jam
- 6 tbsp creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar for a minute or two, until the granulated sugar is no longer visible. Add the almond extract and salt and mix briefly. Add the flour and almond flour, and mix until the dough is crumbly. Split this dough in half. Take one half of the dough and mix in the old fashioned oats, and place it in the refrigerator. Take the other half of the dough and press it out into an 8×8 baking dish with your fingertips. Partially cook the dough by baking it for 25 minutes, then remove the shortbread from the oven.
- Spread the jam evenly over the top of the partially baked shortbread, then add the peanut butter by spooning on dollops. Swirl the two lightly with a spatula, then take out the reserved shortbread oat crumble, and sprinkle it all over the top. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the bars are lightly browned on top. Let the bars cool completely, then cut into squares. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
19 Comments on “PB&J Bars”
Making these right now. Only thing I might do different is to partially bake the bottom layer for only 15 min instead of 25. The edges were browning when i pulled it out of the oven. So far it’s a super easy recipe and it smells so yummy!
I used to suppress my craving but then I totally cave and over eat. The bars look wonderful.
I MADE THESE WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND THEY WERE REALLY, REALLY DELICIOUS!!!!!
YAY! That’s so great Norma =)
Oh so true, eating everything in site. Can’t wait to make these. They look delicious!!
Why do I always end up seeing something like this right after I think I’ve got a handle on the number of “got to try” recipes? Adding one more…oh, does that look good.
Delish and very creative! And yes, I totally know what you mean about not indulging your craving and subsequently tearing through the entire house . . . I’ve been on my best Meg behavior lately, trying to avoid too many sweets and other things I love but shouldn’t eat constantly, and skipping the ice cream often leads to me eating about 47 granola bars, a bag of chips and . . . whatever else I can dig up.
I think I would be craving these bars 24 hours a day! 🙂
Love PB and J’s and it is almost just as easy thanks to your easy to follow directions. I hope you are doing well! Take Care, BAM
That swirly business looks delicious. I agree with you – don’t deny one’s cravings or you will end up eating more than you would have if you had indulged a little in the first place.
This is BRILLIANT, Joanne! I have the cravings just like you….eat up everything while I’m ignoring it. I’ve learned, too. I don’t always have what I’m in the mood for, but if I do….POW! I’m there! PB&J is a favorite of mine, too! I can’t wait to try this!
This looks delicious! And I think you’re wise to listen to your cravings. If I ignore mine, I end up consuming way more calories trying to satisfy the craving with something else. If you crave chocolate, don’t eat carrots. I mean, by all means eat carrots ‘cuz they’re good for you, but don’t expect them to curb your craving for chocolate.
Oh, love this!
Just curious….what is that fabulous looking jelly/jam that you are using ? Do I see Blueberries in there ?
I’m like you. I use to eat everything else to avoid my cravings and would put on weight in the process. Now I eat what I want in moderation and am fine.
These look amazing. My husband will gobble them up and then get upset that I made them. Self control is the name of the game. Great recipe!
I really want peanut-butter and jelly now… really really bad. 😉
-Madi
http://www.acreativeadventure.blogspot.com
PS I totally do the same thing, where I eat everything but what I’m craving for! hahaha
This seems like the best craving stopper ever! I bet it’s really good using Nutella, instead of jelly, as well!!
MARIANNE!!!!
WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!!
THANK YOU FOR COMING UP WITH THIS!!!
SUPER EXCITED TO MAKE THESE!!!! 😀