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Ina Garten Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars Recipe

Ina Garten Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are dessert bars made with a peanut butter shortbread crust, layered with jelly or jam, and topped with more crumbly peanut butter dough and chopped peanuts. Ina Garten’s recipe adds her signature touch of elegance and balance, making these bars a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural or freshly ground)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberry jelly or your favorite flavor of jam
  • 2/3 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.
  • Cream the butter and sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • Mix in the peanut butter: Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

  • Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Incorporate the dry mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

  • Press the dough: Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to create an even layer.
  • Add the jelly: Spread the jelly or jam over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent it from seeping out.
  • Crumble the topping: Drop small pieces of the remaining dough over the jelly layer, leaving some of the jelly visible. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly on top.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

  • Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jelly is bubbling slightly.
  • Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.

Step 5: Serve

  • Slice and serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/ina-garten-peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-recipe/