Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Name: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 18 (3-by-1-1/2-inch) bars
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; 1 cup quick-cooking oats; 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup chunky all-natural peanut butter (no salt or sugar added); 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks), cut into small pieces and at room temperature, plus more as needed; 1 cup chunky strawberry jam

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18 (3-by-1-1/2-inch) bars Easy

Total: 1 hr, plus 1 hr 30 mins cooling time

2 Ratings

Ingredients (9)

1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chunky all-natural peanut butter (no salt or sugar added)
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks), cut into small pieces and at room temperature, plus more as needed
1 cup chunky strawberry jam

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Nutritional Information

Calories237
Fat10.76g
Saturated fat4.91g
Trans fat0.26g
Carbs32.41g
Fiber1.66g
Sugar16.92g
Protein3.91g
Cholesterol16.96mg
Sodium91.26mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (18 servings) Powered by

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The classic combo of peanut butter and jelly tastes great in a sandwich, so why not baked into a chewy bar cookie for dessert? Mix rolled oats and chunky peanut butter into a crumble that does double duty as both the bottom crust and a sweet, nutty topping. In between, spread a thick layer of chunky strawberry jam that’ll bake into a bubbly, fruity filling. These sweet comfort-food bars are perfect to wrap up for a lunch box treat or stow in a picnic basket.

See more bar cookie recipes from CHOW.

by Lisa Lavery

Tips for Christmas

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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Instructions

1Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 9-by-9-inch metal baking pan with butter, then flour, tapping out any excess flour; set aside.
2Place the measured flour, oats, sugars, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the peanut butter and, using your fingers, squeeze the oat mixture and peanut butter together until evenly combined. Scatter the measured butter pieces over the mixture and, using your fingers, squeeze the peanut butter–oat mixture and butter together until evenly combined and no large pieces of butter remain.
3Place two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan and, using a measuring cup dipped in flour, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom; set the remaining mixture aside. Bake until the edges start to brown, about 15 minutes.
4Remove the pan from the oven to a wire rack. Dollop the jam over the crust and spread into an even layer, taking care not to disturb the crust. Crumble the reserved oat mixture into pieces about the size of almonds and evenly sprinkle it over the jam. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the jam is bubbling and the topping is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes more.
5Remove the pan to the wire rack and let it cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Cut into 18 (3-by-1-1/2-inch) bars.

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