There are a few things that I keep in my kitchen at all times. Sure, I have a constant supply of baking supplies, like butter, flour, sugar, and such. But, besides those, I have deemed some other things to be essential as well.
Two of those things are peanut butter and preserves. I always have countless varieties of each, despite our limited storage space. Not only are they excellent sandwich fodder, but I find myself baking with them quite a bit. I especially like to combine them in baking. It’s a pretty magical combination, isn’t it?
And, that magic is deliciously evident in the sweetness and saltiness of these peanut butter and jelly blondies.
The bars themselves are all about the peanut butter. The texture is just lovely, dense and soft. I used creamy peanut butter, but if you want to add a little crunch, use crunchy peanut butter or just stir in some extra chopped peanuts. You can’t go wrong either way.
The subtle sweetness of the peanut butter bars works perfectly with the addition of those dollops of sweet jam on top. I used one of my favorite strawberry preserves for topping these bars, but use whichever flavor you most like paired with peanut butter.
Then, it gets even better with a sprinkling of coarse salt added after they’re baked. We all know I’m a sucker for sweet and salty desserts, so I might have used a bit more salt than some of you might prefer. Or, if you’d like, just omit the extra salt.
Whip up a batch of these when you need a quick and simple dessert or an after-school treat. They’re a sweet way to satisfy a peanut butter and jelly craving!
Salty Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies
Salty Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies turn a favorite flavor combination into a sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons jam or thick preserves*
- 2 tablespoons chopped honey roasted peanuts
- coarse salt**
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and measured salt. Set aside.
- Whisk together the brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Dollop the jam over the top of the dough. Sprinkle the peanuts on top.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
*I used strawberry, but any flavor you like with peanut butter will work just fine.
**Adjust the amount of salt to your taste. I used a couple of pinches.
Recipe slightly adapted from Bon Appetit.
6 Comments on “Salty Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies”
What a great mix of textures these yummy bars have!!
I can’t wait to make these! As an expat living in the Middle East without my usual supply of baking tools, I’m always on the lookout for recipes I can make without a mixer…and PB and J is my fave combo – thank you!
I absolutely love these bars- salty sweet gets me every single time!
These bars take me back to my childhood but in dessert form! Pinned!
Oh my gosh, those are so THICK. And PEANUT BUTTERY. Heaven in bar cookie form.
Peanut butter…the absolute survival food! Love it!