Peanut Butter and Jelly Crunch Bars

Imagine a crunchy PB&J that you can grab any time of day. These easy-to-make bars are truly spectacular. And the recipe couldn't be simpler -- it's a no-bake, "dump and stir" recipe, meaning everything comes together in one bowl.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Dairy Free Diet, Vegetarian

Keyword cereal bars, kid friendly, peanut butter and jelly, puffed rice cereal, snacks

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Cooling Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings Bars

Calories 174kcal

Author Robin Miller

Equipment

8-inch Square Pan

Ingredients

1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3 cups puffed rice cereal
1 cup oats regular or quick-cooking
1/4 cup grape jam or fruit preserves of choice

Instructions

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper (overlap the paper in opposite directions to cover the bottom and sides, with extra paper hanging over the sides - you'll use the extra paper to lift the bars out with ease).
In a small saucepan, combine the butter and honey. Set the pan over medium-low heat and cook until the butter melts, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and fold in the cereal and oats. Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Top with the jam and spread out in an even layer. Press the remaining cereal mixture over the jam and smooth the surface.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Cut into bars and serve. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition