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Home By Meal Breakfast

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

★★★★★ 29 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin7/21/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthier peanut butter and jelly bars
healthier peanut butter and jelly bars

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars work as a wonderful grab-and-go bite for desserts, snacks, or even breakfasts! They’re kid-approved and are made with healthy ingredients, making them the perfect option.

stack of peanut butter and jelly bars

The perfect dessert-style PB&J

There’s nothing that can transport me right back to childhood like a good, old fashioned PB&J. An elementary school staple for many of us, those sandwiches were a delicacy. I remember looking forward to lunch at school like it was yesterday!

As I got older, the PB&Js became less of a staple in my life, but I’ve always remembered how delicious they were, and every once in a while whip one together when the craving strikes.

This time, however, I wanted the familiar peanut butter and jelly flavor, but I didn’t want a sandwich. I instead wanting something more dessert-style. I thought about making some sort of peanut butter and jelly brownie, but I quickly realized that probably wouldn’t work.

Finally, I settled on PB&J bars, and the results were exactly as I expected. Crunchy on the outside, and ooey-gooey delicious on the inside. As always, I created these with healthy ingredients to serve as a wholesome dessert, snack, or even quick breakfast.

These healthy peanut butter and jelly bars are totally kid-friendly and make a wonderful filling grab-and-go option!

healthier peanut butter and jelly bars

Ingredients used to make peanut butter and jelly bars

The peanut butter base ingredients make up the majority of our list, with jelly and crushed peanuts reserved for the toppings.

Base:

  • Natural peanut butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla
  • Almond flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Top layers:

  • Jelly
  • Chopped peanuts

Tools used to create PB&J dessert bars

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich dessert bars require only five different kitchen items to make. Here’s a complete list:

  • 8×8 baking dish
  • Nonstick spray or parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stirring utensil
healthy peanut butter and jelly bar on plate

How to make healthy peanut butter and jelly bars

PB&J dessert bars are so easy to make! We will be mixing most of the ingredients to form a tasty peanut butter dough that will be used as a base. Then, we’ll top that with a jelly layer, followed by another layer of peanut butter! Prep time only requires 5-10 minutes.

To start, preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.

In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.

Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until fully mixed to make the peanut butter dough.

Press 2/3 of the peanut butter dough into the bottom of the pan until evenly spread.

Next, add a layer of jelly, then crumble the remaining dough on top. Add crushed peanuts.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden on top.

Let cool for 30 minutes before placing in the fridge to cool for another hour. I recommend letting them sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours before cutting.

Enjoy!

A healthier dessert bar recipe

I am huge on taking desserts and turning them into healthy lifestyle-friendly alternatives! For this recipe, I stuck with that mindset and used ingredients deemed healthier in the food world. These ingredients are all-natural and are great for using in place of their processed alternatives.

Natural peanut butter
As you probably know, I am all about natural ingredients! Since regular peanut butter tends to have a lot of chemicals and preservatives, I always go for all-natural options. My favorites are the drippy kinds, like the Whole Foods or Trader Joes brands. Peanut butter should always separate between uses, as this indicates natural ingredients. Avoid brands whose labels include hydrogenated oils, palm oil, or are labeled “reduced-fat.”

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is always my go-to oil in cooking and baking because it contains so many healthy fats. Go for an all-natural, organic brand.

Maple syrup
Like with coconut oil, you will find maple syrup in pretty much all of my baking recipes. It’s the perfect all-natural sweetener and is so much better than using granulated sugar. Plus, it’s delicious!

Almond flour
Though higher in calories, almond flour is lower in carbs and is my preferred flour type for cooking.

Jelly
When it comes to jelly, I like to stick with natural, organic brands, or I opt to make my own! Processed jelly can be very high in sugar, so choosing wisely is important.

healthier peanut butter and jelly bars

Substitution options for peanut butter and jelly bars

If you find yourself short on maple syrup or are in need of a different oil option, here are some quick hacks! These ingredients are all easy swaps and can be used if you find yourself in a pinch.

  • Peanut butter: You can use any nut butter in this recipe, though I recommend sticking with an all-natural kind.
  • Coconut oil: Like with the butter, you can replace coconut oil with any similar high fat cooking oil.
  • Maple syrup: Maple syrup can be swapped with molasses or honey. You may need slightly different amounts, so start with a smaller measurement and add more to taste.
  • Baking soda: If you find yourself out of baking soda, you can use baking powder! You’ll need 1.5 tsp of powder for this recipe.
  • Jelly: Finally, feel free to use any jelly or jam flavor that you’d like.

Note: I do not recommend using more than 1-2 substitute ingredients, or the bars may not turn out as intended.

Peanut butter jelly recipe tips

Here are some quick tips for making the best PB&J bars ever!

Can I use a different sized pan?
Of course! Though I use an 8×8 pan in this recipe, any pan size should work. You will need to adjust the cooking time, as different pan sizes will cook at different rates. Be sure to check your bars frequently to prevent overcooking.

Can I add extra toppings?
Oh, yes! Feel free to add whatever you’d like to the top. Some fun ideas include chocolate (or white chocolate) chips, mini M&Ms, crushed KitKats or Twix bars, crushed Reece’s Cups, coconut flakes, or even fruit slices that go with the jelly flavor! It’s your recipe, so go crazy.

How should the bars be stored?
Keep these bars refrigerated in a secure, airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy within 3-4 days.

Try these PB&J recipes next!

Did you love this delicious peanut butter and jelly recipe? If so, you’ll like these as well!

  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Walnut Butter and Strawberry Chia Jam Sandwich
  • Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups
peanut butter and jelly bars

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

stack of peanut butter and jelly bars
★★★★★ 4.9 from 29 reviews

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars work as a wonderful grab-and-go bite for desserts, snacks, or even breakfasts! They’re kid-approved and are made with healthy ingredients, making them the perfect option.

Prep: 10Cook: 40Total: 50 minutes
Yield 12 bars 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Base + crumble topping:

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, a drippy brand like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Top layers:

  • 3/4 cup jelly (I used natural strawberry)
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts *

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line 8×8 pan with non stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, mix almond flour, baking soda and salt.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until fully mixed.
  5. Press 2/3 of peanut butter dough into bottom of pan until evenly spread.
  6. Add layer of jelly, then crumble the remaining dough on top, along with crushed peanuts.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden on top.
  8. Let cool for 30 minutes before placing in the fridge to cool for another hour. I recommend letting them sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours before cutting!
  9. Store in fridge. Enjoy!

Notes

*photos omit peanuts in crumble topping but highly suggest adding them in!

Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dessertMethod: BakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
stack of peanut butter and jelly bars

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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chocolate chip cookies
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Tori says

    Posted on 8/8 at 9:53 pm

    You NEED to make these. They are so fire you’re gonna eat the whole batch in 24 hours. I did half grape and half strawberry jelly and then we decided who was on team grape and strawberry. Ultimately, it didn’t matter because both are absolutely amazing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/9 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Tori, so happy you loved them so much and great idea doing half and half!!

      Reply
  2. Kelly says

    Posted on 5/5 at 10:53 pm

    Absolutely addictive! I make these all of the time for my athletic friends who take them on their endeavors. Haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t love them.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/9 at 12:28 pm

      Hi Kelly, so glad you loved them!

      Reply
  3. Jamie says

    Posted on 4/21 at 11:53 am

    This are excellent!!! They’re not too sweet, they are the perfect amount of sweetness and peanut butter flavor and I appreciate the healthy ingredients.
    I’ve tried many peanut butter and jelly bars these are my favorite. Your recipes never disappoint thank you!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/22 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Jamie, so happy you enjoyed them and thanks for all your support!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Natalie says

    Posted on 10/21 at 10:03 am

    These are SO delicious! I was a little low on ingredients so I cut the recipe in half and used a smaller pan, and but they turned out great. You always have the perfect balance of sweetness in your recipes so they aren’t overly sweet. I can’t wait to try again with other flavors of jelly, and add chocolate chips!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/21 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Natalie, I am so happy you loved them and made them your own! Let me know how they come out next time too!!

      Reply
  5. Colleen says

    Posted on 9/13 at 4:42 pm

    This snack was so easy to make and tasted great!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/13 at 9:09 pm

      Hi Colleen, so glad you loved the bars!!

      Reply
  6. Hannah N says

    Posted on 8/28 at 7:21 pm

    These are delicious!! They remind me of my favorite Christmas dessert – jam thumbprint cookies but with peanut butter added! So so good. Highly recommend to anyone who wants something sweet but not too heavy for a snack! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/29 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Hannah, so so happy you loved them so much! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
  7. Gemma Cook says

    Posted on 7/21 at 2:44 pm

    Hey Erin! Looking forward to trying this recipe out. Curious – could I sub oat flour for almond? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/21 at 8:38 pm

      Hi Gemma, great and should be fine! Just check the ratio in case it isn’t 1:1.

      Reply
  8. Sarah Shaffer says

    Posted on 6/13 at 1:30 pm

    So yummy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:35 pm

      Hi Sarah, so glad you liked the bars!!

      Reply
  9. Hannah J says

    Posted on 6/4 at 4:06 pm

    Loved these! I made up a tray of them and froze them for sweet snacks throughout the month! They freeze wonderfully — kind of like a PB&J ice cream sandwich! So good! Thanks Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/4 at 5:50 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lindsey B says

    Posted on 4/14 at 12:35 pm

    What a fun riff on a pb&j!!! Perfectly salty and sweet. I will definitely make these again

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:12 am

      Hi Lindsey, so glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  11. Rachel Alvey says

    Posted on 4/12 at 10:39 am

    Umm these smell AMAZING coming out of the oven! Delicious warm and gooey over vanilla ice cream. Delicious cut into bars after coming out of the fridge. I’m addicted 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 9:00 pm

      Hi Rachel, I am so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
  12. Courtney says

    Posted on 4/12 at 12:26 am

    So yummy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:45 pm

      Hi Courtney, so glad you liked them!

      Reply
  13. John M says

    Posted on 4/11 at 7:39 pm

    These are a 12/10. Everyone in the family loves them including the kids who are very picky eaters.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:18 pm

      Hi John, so happy everyone loves them!

      Reply
  14. Deanna L Carlson says

    Posted on 3/26 at 9:27 am

    These bars are fantastic. We enjoyed both for after-dinner dessert and a grab-and-go breakfast.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/27 at 7:35 am

      Hi Deanna, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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