Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars
Delicious Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars combining creamy and chunky peanut butter with sweet strawberry preserves.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan For baking the bars.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 jar (18 ounces) strawberry preserves approximately 1 ½ cups
- 0.5 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to cream together both types of peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well and scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed peanut butter mixture until just combined.
- Spread ⅔ of the peanut butter dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Carefully spread the strawberry preserves over the layer of dough, ensuring an even distribution.
- Dollop the remaining peanut butter dough over the top of the preserves, spreading it gently to cover as much as possible.
- If using, sprinkle the coarsely chopped salted peanuts on top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a fun twist, try using different fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat!