PB J Bars
Craving something sweet and nostalgic? The ultimate comfort food, PB J Bars are a chewy delight that combines creamy peanut butter and fruity goodness. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars will satisfy your cravings tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter 1 stick, melted
- ⅓ cup Peanut Butter Dark Roasted Creamy + 1/4 cup, divided
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- scant 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ½ cup Peanut Butter Chips
- ⅓ cup Fruit Spread Strawberry
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add unsalted butter and heat it in the microwave on high for about 1 minute until melted.
- Once melted, add 1/3 cup peanut butter to the bowl. Whisk the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and fully combined.
- Let the mixture cool for a moment, then add 1 large egg, light brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Carefully incorporate all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Now, dollop fruit spread over the batter in small teaspoon-sized drops. Using a knife or spatula, lightly spread it into an even but thin layer.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 21 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Finally, evenly sprinkle peanut butter chips over the top. If you want them to melt slightly, add them while the bars are still warm.
Notes
- Storage: Once cooled, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze really well! Cut them into squares and wrap each in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: Consider serving these bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit spreads or add nuts into the batter for extra crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or as an after-school snack!