Name: These Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Taste Like Childhood in Every Bite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite)

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If you grew up loving PB&J sandwiches, then you’re going to flip for these Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies. They’ve got that rich, nutty flavor we all adore, swirled with pockets of jammy goodness that turn each bite into something warm, nostalgic, and just downright delicious. These blondies are soft and chewy with golden edges and that perfect gooey center—basically everything you want in a dessert bar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, it’s peanut butter and jelly. That alone should be reason enough. But these bars also come together easily with pantry staples and no mixer required. You can whip them up in one bowl, and they’re perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or just when you’re craving something sweet and familiar. They’re also endlessly customizable with your favorite jam flavors—grape, strawberry, raspberry, you name it.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (you’ll find the full list with exact amounts down in the recipe card):

Creamy peanut butter
Brown sugar
Butter
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Vanilla extract
Salt
Baking powder
Your favorite jelly or jam

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This makes it easier to lift the blondies out later and keeps cleanup simple.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until the batter comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should be thick and a little sticky.

Step 4: Spread and Swirl

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Drop spoonfuls of jelly over the batter and use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the top. Don’t overdo it—you want nice thick ribbons of jelly throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges are lightly browned. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the blondies cool fully before slicing for the cleanest edges
Use natural peanut butter if you want a slightly less sweet, more peanut-forward flavor—but be sure to stir it really well first
If your jelly is super thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to swirl

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different twist
Try other jams—apricot, blackberry, or even fig all work wonderfully
Stir in some chopped peanuts or white chocolate chips for added texture

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these blondies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even alongside your afternoon coffee or tea. They make a fun and unexpected addition to dessert platters and potlucks. And if you want to go all-out, drizzle them with a little warm peanut butter or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy!
To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.
For that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, microwave a blondie for 10–15 seconds.

4 FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, it’ll add a little texture, but the blondies will still bake up soft and chewy.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend the bake time by a few minutes.

My jelly sank—what went wrong?
That can happen if you add too much or swirl too deeply. Just aim for gentle swirls across the surface.

Are these super sweet?
They’re sweet, but not overly so. The salt in the peanut butter and the richness from the brown sugar help balance everything out.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies are a sweet little throwback to the school lunchbox days, but all grown up with a chewy, buttery twist. They’re a breeze to make, perfect to share, and guaranteed to hit that nostalgic sweet spot. Once you make a batch, don’t be surprised if they disappear fast—better stash a square or two just for yourself!

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies Taste Like Childhood in Every Bite

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These Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies taste like a childhood favorite packed into a soft, chewy dessert bar. Rich peanut butter flavor meets sweet jelly swirls in a simple one-bowl recipe that’s nostalgic, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 blondies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Drop spoonfuls of jelly over the top and gently swirl with a butter knife.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and set.
Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

Use natural peanut butter for a deeper peanut flavor, but mix well before adding.
Warming your jelly slightly helps it swirl more easily.
Add-ins like chopped peanuts or white chocolate chips can elevate the texture.