Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars

These Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars were created as part of a shop that has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are my own. #Welchs #WelchsChia #CollectiveBias

The classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly combine in these healthier crumble bars. A whole-grain brown sugar oat crust, Welch’s Chia Concord Grape Fruit Spread, and a sweet and salty peanut crumble. Enjoy for breakfast, snack or dessert.

Will I ever tire of peanut butter and jelly?

Nope. Never.

Nothing brings back the nostalgic warm fuzzies of childhood like the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly. Today I’m bringing you something even better than two slices of bread smeared with PB & J. I’ve got three sweet, salty, buttery, crumbly and crunchy layers that are loaded with the flavors of peanut butter and jelly.

Classic peanut butter and jelly crumble bars are often loaded with a fair amount of butter, sugar, and processed peanut butter. They are delicious (no argument there), but I knew I could make them better for us. A few simple ingredient swaps makes these a wholesome and hearty treat that your whole family will love.

Let’s talk about what’s in these beauties…

• They are 100% whole grain thanks to a combination of oats and white whole wheat flour.
• They contain natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt); none of those nasty hydrogenated oils.
• They are filled with Welch’s Chia Concord Grape Fruit Spread.

Did you know Welch’s now makes Chia Fruit Spread? They offer natural grape or strawberry fruit spreads with added chia seeds. They’re made with real sugar and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors or preservatives. It’s an easy and delicious way to incorporate nutritious chia seeds into your diet.

I’ve made a couple different batches of these bars for, let’s call it, recipe development. Wink wink. I should note that in my extensive “research” I’ve found that these bars are a fantastic snack/meal/nibble any time of day. I was sure to sample them all throughout the day just to make sure. 😉

Slightly indulgent meets balanced and wholesome. PB & J perfection.

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5 from 2 votes

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Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars

The classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly combine in these healthier crumble bars. A whole-grain brown sugar oat crust, Welch’s Chia Concord Grape Fruit Spread, and a sweet and salty peanut crumble. Enjoy for breakfast, snack or dessert.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 331 kcal

Author Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• salt if needed, see note
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter well stirred and at room temperatusee note
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Welch's Chia Concord Grape Fruit Spread or swap for Strawberry
• 3 tablespoons chopped roasted salted peanuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 square baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides (this will allow easy removal). Lightly grease the foil or parchment.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt (if using). Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add egg, peanut butter and vanilla and beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined; the mixture will be crumbly. 

4. Scoop out 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and set aside for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tightly pack it into an even layer (I used a measuring cup to press it in). Top with fruit spread, spreading into an even layer. Crumble the reserved topping over the top of fruit spread. Press the mixture between your fingers to form clumps.

   Bake for 20-25, until the top is light golden brown and the fruit spread is bubbling slightly around the edges. Cool to room temperature and then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely. I found that these hold their shape best when chilled.

Recipe Notes

For this recipe I use natural peanut butter; the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. If your natural peanut butter does not contain salt, add a fat pinch of salt to the dry ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 331 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14g 22%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Cholesterol 29mg 10%

Sodium 93mg 4%

Potassium 200mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 46g 15%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 27g

Protein 6g 12%

Vitamin A 3.6%

Vitamin C 3%

Calcium 4.4%

Iron 6.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.