Peanut Butter And Jelly Time Squares Recipe

The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has gotten us through childhood, college, and an occasional craving for something sweet and nostalgic. These bars are an amped up version of our beloved PB&J, and with the addition of chocolate, moves these from a lunch course to a dessert item. The sweet and salty chocolate base blends perfectly with the layer of grape jelly and peanut butter filling. If you're looking for a no-bake treat that brings you back to your younger years, then these peanut butter and jelly time squares are just the thing for you.

Before You Get Started Making Peanut Butter And Jelly Time Squares

Measure/Weigh all of the ingredients

Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil - leaving an overhang on each side for easy removal of the bars

Peanut Butter And Jelly Time Squares Ingredients And Amounts (Yields: Varies based on size of squares)

Base Layer

1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter

1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar

1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 (50g) egg - lightly beaten

1 sleeve (~40 crackers) saltines - finely crushed

3/4 cup (96g) roasted peanuts - chopped

2nd Layer

1/4 cup (80g) grape jelly

3rd Layer

5 tbsp + 1 tsp (75g) unsalted butter - softened at room temperature

1/3 cup (83g) peanut butter - creamy

1/2 cup (58g) confectioners sugar - powdered

Top Layer

2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter

4 oz (112g) milk chocolate

Peanut Butter And Jelly Time Squares Step-By-Step Directions

1) Prepare a double boiler or simmer about an inch of water in a medium saucepan, placing a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan (bowl should not touch the water).

2) Put the butter in the heatproof bowl and melt it completely. Once melted, add in the sugar and cocoa powder, mixing everything together well.

3) Whisk in the egg, whisking slowly but continuously, until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5-6 minutes.

4) Remove the heatproof bowl from the saucepan or double boiler and stir in the saltine crumbs and chopped peanuts.

5) Press the crust in the bottom of an 8-inch lined pan and set aside.

6) Spread the grape jelly over the crust, and place in the freezer while you make the peanut butter filling.

7) In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or mixing bowl if using a handheld mixer) combine softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.

8) Remove pan from freezer, spread on the peanut butter filling, and place back in freezer while you prepare the top layer.

9) In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Microwave in intervals on low power until completely melted, making sure not to burn the chocolate.

10) Once the chocolate is melted and cooled slightly, remove the pan from the freezer and pour the chocolate layer on, spreading and smoothing as needed.

11) Place the pan back in the freezer for about 30 minutes till set.

12) Remove the pan from the freezer. Grabbing the overhang lining, pull the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares while the bars are cold.

13) Best served cold. Keep the bars in the refrigerator, in an air-tight container.

Peanut Butter And Jelly Time Squares Sweet Notes

Use the flavor of jelly or jam that you prefer

Cut these bars as soon as you take them out of the freezer. The peanut butter and jelly do ooze out a little if the bars start to warm up

Recipe adapted from FoodNetwork.com