The classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly combine in these healthier crumble bars. A whole-grain brown sugar oat crust, jelly, and a sweet and salty peanut crumble. Enjoy for breakfast, snack or dessert.
¾cupnatural creamy peanut butterwell stirred and at room temperature
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1cupJam, jelly, or preserves
3tablespoonschopped roasted salted peanuts
Instructions
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.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt (if using). Set aside.
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.
Scoop out 1 ½ 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 jam, 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.
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.