Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Have you noticed my obsession with bar desserts?  I can't help myself.  They're easy to throw together, delicious (duh), and they feed a crowd!  It's my go-to dessert when I'm feeling lazy but still wanna bake but don't wanna try very hard.  On a day like that it's not like I'm gonna try tackling homemade croissants.  I need something with one or two bowls, stick it in a pan, bake it and eat it.  

And these may be my best adaptation yet.  I will never not love Peanut Butter and Jelly.  Not only is it just delightful comfort food reminding me of being a kid, but it's just plain delicious.  In terms of flavor combinations, Peanut Butter and Jelly is right up there with Peanut Butter and Chocolate or Peanut Butter and Bacon or Peanut Butter and Fluff.  I've got a thing for peanut butter.
  

These were a huge hit with my coworkers too.  Everybody loved 'em.  I was basically famous for a day.  (<< not even a little bit true).  

But I think the key is, you've really gotta use grape jelly.  I know it's compelling to use strawberry or blackberry or something but you'll do yourself a disservice.  These bars need good ol' fashioned grape jelly.  The masses will thank you.  

Here's the recipe!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Barsyields: 12-16 bars

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packed cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup chopped peanuts (I used salted dry roasted)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:
1 1/4 cups grape jelly
1 Tbsp water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan with cooking spray, set aside.

2. If your jelly needs help loosening up a bit, combine with water in a small bowl and set aside. You can also make the peanut butter easier to work with by mixing it into your melted peanut butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar,salt and baking soda. Stir in the oats and peanuts to combine. Add the butter, peanut butter, egg and vanilla and stir until all dry ingredients are moistened.

4. Lightly press half of the crust mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan to make an even layer. Using a spatula, spread the jelly over the crust. Cover the filling with the remaining crust mixture and gently press to flatten. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Giada DeLaurentiis