Bake PB&J Bars

By Youcipe

1 week ago

Description

A nostalgic twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, these no-bake bars are creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious! With a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a velvety peanut butter filling, and a vibrant strawberry preserve topping, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or wowing friends at any gathering. No oven required—just pure, chilled indulgence! 😋🥨

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust:

✅ 3½ cups mini pretzels 🥨
✅ ¼ cup white sugar 🍬
✅ 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈
✅ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 🧂

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

✅ 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature 🧀
✅ 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Skippy, Bega) 🥜
✅ 1 cup confectioner's sugar 🍬
✅ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 🧂
✅ 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip) 🍦
✅ Substitution: For homemade whipped topping, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

For the Topping:

✅ 1 (13 ounce) jar strawberry preserves 🍓
✅ Substitution: Use raspberry, grape, or mixed berry preserves for a different flavor.

Equipment

✅ Food processor
✅ 8-inch square baking dish
✅ Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
✅ Spatula
✅ Mixing bowl

Quick Steps

1️⃣ Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Process 3½ cups mini pretzels in a food processor until small crumbs form, about 15-30 seconds. Add ¼ cup white sugar, 9 tbsp melted butter, and ¼ tsp kosher salt; pulse until evenly combined, about 5 pulses.

2️⃣ Form the Crust:
Transfer the pretzel mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Press firmly into an even layer. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator until firm, about 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a large bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup confectioner's sugar, and ¼ tsp kosher salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4️⃣ Add Whipped Topping:
Stir in 8 oz thawed whipped topping until evenly distributed, about 1 minute. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

5️⃣ Add the Topping:
Spread 13 oz strawberry preserves evenly over the peanut butter filling.

6️⃣ Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours, until fully set.

7️⃣ Serve:
Slice into 9 equal bars (3x3). Serve chilled for the best texture. Pair with a cold glass of milk or fresh fruit for extra yum! 😍

Tips

👉 Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture.

👉 Cutting: For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts.

👉 Substitutions: Swap pretzels for graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different crust vibe. Try different preserves like grape or raspberry for a fun twist!