PB & J Bars

These delicious bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a bakeable treat with a creamy peanut butter base, jam middle, and crunchy peanut topping.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Grease a 9 x 13 by 2-inch cake pan
3. Line it with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan
4. With the paddle attachment of an electric stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light yellow, about 2 minutes
5. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter
6. Mix until all ingredients are combined
7. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt
8. On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture
9. Mix just until combined
10. Spread, with an offset spatula or knife, 2/3 of the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan
11. Spread the jam evenly over the dough
12. Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam
13. The dough topping will spread in the oven
14. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown
15. Cool and cut into squares