Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt with these Healthier Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars! Perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert, these bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll be tempted to dive into this delicious treat before it even cools! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that's not only easy to make but also packed with goodness. Trust us, once you try these bars, you’ll never look at traditional PB&J the same way again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or jelly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the natural peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- Spread the fruit jam or jelly evenly over the base layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the jam layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 12 even squares.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Choose Your Jam Wisely: Opt for a fruit jam or jelly that’s lower in sugar or made with natural ingredients to keep your bars healthy. You can even use homemade jam for a personal touch!
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for a unique twist. Each nut butter brings its own flavor profile to the bars.
- Let It Cool: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them set properly and prevent crumbling when you slice them.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the crumble mixture. They’ll add a delightful crunch to every bite!
- Storage Secrets: Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for a quick grab-and-go snack on busy days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
