She Strengthens

Sweet Comfort in a Bar

Peanut butter and jelly, a match made in heaven, takes on a new form in these scrumptious bar cookies. Imagine a chewy, oat-based crust, topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry jam filling, finished with a crunchy peanut butter streusel. It’s the perfect treat to brighten up a lunchbox or picnic basket.

The Perfect Combination

Rolled oats and chunky peanut butter come together to create a delightful crust and topping. Meanwhile, a generous helping of strawberry jam adds natural sweetness and a fruity twist. These comfort-food bars are sure to become a favorite.

Getting Started

To make these tasty treats, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-by-9-inch metal baking pan. Coat the pan with butter, then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.

The Crust and Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add the peanut butter and use your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until well combined. Next, scatter in the butter pieces and mix until the mixture forms a cohesive crumb.

Assembling the Bars

Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan, making sure to evenly cover the bottom. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.

Adding the Filling and Finishing Touches

Remove the pan from the oven and dollop the strawberry jam over the crust. Spread it evenly, taking care not to disturb the crust. Crumble the reserved oat mixture into almond-sized pieces and sprinkle them over the jam. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the jam is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

The Final Touches

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, about 1 1/2 hours. Then, cut them into 18 bars, each measuring 3-by-1-1/2 inches. Enjoy!