If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly combines nostalgia and indulgence, look no further than this Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe. These blondies are a rich, buttery treat swirled with creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, capturing the essence of the classic sandwich in a gooey, chewy bar. Each bite offers a delightful balance of salty and sweet flavors with a golden, tender crumb—making it an absolute winner for anyone who loves comforting, handheld sweets with a twist.

The image shows a stack of three square bars placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two visible layers: the bottom layer is thick and light brown with a smooth and dense texture, while the top layer is a lighter golden-brown with a marbled pattern featuring swirls of dark red jam spread unevenly throughout. The sides of the bars are clean and straight, showing the distinct separation between the solid base and the swirled topping, and the bars appear soft and slightly moist. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create the magic of these blondies. Each item plays a crucial role, ensuring the perfect texture, moisture, and that signature peanut butter and jelly flavor burst in every square.

Butter, 1/2 cup melted: Adds rich, creamy moisture that helps create a tender crumb.
Creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup melted + 1/4 to 1/3 cup for marbling: Brings that unmistakable nutty flavor and luscious texture inside and swirled on top.
Light brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Gives sweetness and a subtle molasses note that complements the peanut butter.
Egg, 1 large: Acts as a binder to hold everything together with a soft chew.
Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: Provides structure—be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Jelly, 1/4 to 1/3 cup (strawberry, grape, raspberry, or cherry): Adds juicy sweetness and the iconic fruity swirl that makes this blondie shine.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to ensure your blondies come out cleanly. This step sets the stage for easy baking and cleanup.

Step 2: Melt and Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 60 seconds. Stir in 1/4 cup of peanut butter and heat for an additional 30 to 45 seconds until soft. Mix until smooth and fully combined. This creates a luscious base that carries the peanut flavor beautifully throughout the blondies.

Step 3: Combine Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the packed brown sugar to the peanut butter and butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth and glossy. These ingredients build the sweet and rich body of the blondies.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Overworking the batter can make your blondies tough instead of tender and chewy.

Step 5: Assemble and Marble the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. Dollop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of peanut butter in 4 or 5 tablespoon-sized mounds across the top. Do the same with your chosen jelly. Using a knife, gently swirl the peanut butter and jelly in a zig-zag pattern until beautifully marbled—just enough to create distinct ribbons without muddying the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22 to 27 minutes or until the edges start pulling away from the pan, the top is golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the blondies cool completely for at least 45 minutes before slicing to ensure they set perfectly. Patience here rewards you with clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe

The image shows a single square bar with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a thin, light brown crust that looks firm and slightly crumbly. The middle layer is thick and smooth with a light beige color, appearing dense and soft. The top layer is a golden-brown baked dough with swirls of shiny, deep red jam creating a marbled effect on the surface. The bar sits on a piece of white parchment paper, placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these blondies are stunning on their own, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few crushed peanuts on top to amplify their nutty charm. A drizzle of melted peanut butter or jelly just before serving adds an irresistible glossy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness and bring an extra layer of indulgence. Fresh berries also complement the fruity jelly swirls wonderfully and brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the blondies into bite-sized squares for parties or platter presentations. You can also layer them into dessert parfaits with whipped cream and extra jelly. Another fun idea is to sandwich two squares with a thin spread of peanut butter or jam for a playful take on the classic sandwich concept.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, your peanut butter and jelly blondies will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect to enjoy over time.

Freezing

You can freeze these blondies for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and enjoy that fresh-baked flavor all over again.

Reheating

Reheat your blondies briefly in the microwave or warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This helps restore their soft, gooey texture and enhances the flavors, as if they were freshly baked moments ago.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works wonderfully and provides a richer, more authentic peanut flavor, though it may affect the batter’s consistency slightly. Just be sure your natural peanut butter is well stirred before melting.

What kind of jelly works best in the Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe?

Strawberry, grape, raspberry, or cherry jelly all deliver fantastic flavor. Choose your favorite, or even mix varieties for a unique twist. The jelly you pick will influence the sweetness and tartness, so feel free to experiment.

Can I add mix-ins to the blondie batter?

Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or toffee bits boosts texture and flavor. For an extra indulgent treat, stir in peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, or your favorite candies into the batter before baking.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. This recipe adapts beautifully and still yields tender, chewy blondies that everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to slice these blondies cleanly?

Wait until the blondies are completely cooled—ideally for 45 minutes or more—then use a sharp knife to cut. For extra clean edges, wipe the knife between slices and consider chilling the blondies briefly before slicing.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe is such a joyful way to revisit a beloved childhood flavor with an adult twist. They’re easy to make, incredibly comforting, and so irresistibly delicious that I promise you’ll want to keep a batch stashed away for when the craving hits. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll fall in love with these blondies from the very first bite!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Recipe

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These Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, featuring a rich, buttery blondie base marbled with creamy peanut butter and fruity jelly. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a sweet, moist treat with a perfect balance of nutty and fruity flavors. Ideal for snack time or dessert, these blondies are easy to prepare and customizable with various mix-ins.

Author: Ava
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 generous squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Blondie Base

1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping and Swirls

1/4 to 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 to 1/3 cup jelly (strawberry, grape, raspberry, cherry)

Instructions

Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray for easy removal of the blondies later.
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 60 seconds. Add 1/4 cup peanut butter and microwave for an additional 30 to 45 seconds to soften it. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Combine Sugar and Wet Ingredients: Add the packed light brown sugar to the melted butter and peanut butter mixture and stir well. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is evenly incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the blondies remain tender and soft.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula or offset knife.
Add Peanut Butter and Jelly Mounds: Dollop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter onto the batter in 4 or 5 tablespoon-sized mounds. Then add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your choice of jelly in similar-sized dollops.
Marble the Top: Using a knife, gently swirl the peanut butter and jelly in a zig-zag pattern across the surface to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-swizzling to keep a nice contrast of swirls instead of a muddy blend.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 27 minutes, or until the edges start to slightly pull away from the pan and the center is set and golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan for at least 45 minutes before slicing into 9 generous squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigeration for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For gluten-free blondies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Customize the blondies by adding 1 cup of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, nuts, fresh or frozen fruit, or candies.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies soft and tender rather than tough.
Be careful not to overbake; the blondies should be golden and set but moist inside.
Marbling the peanut butter and jelly gently prevents a muddy appearance and maintains the swirl effect.
Allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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