Peanut butter and jelly is an all-time classic that you can’t go wrong with. Especially when you’re talking about super soft bars that are brimming with peanut butter flavor and topped with sweet strawberry spread, peanut butter chips, and a peanut butter drizzle. The peanut butter keeps these easy, no-mixer bars so tender and moist and it’s perfectly complemented by the strawberry spread.
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
To a large, microwave-safe bowl add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
Add 1/3 cup peanut butter and whisk the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and combined.
Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
Add the flour, salt, and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
Turn batter out into prepared pan and smooth the top lightly with a spatula.
Evenly dollop the fruit spread over the pan in small teaspoon-sized ‘blobs’. Using a knife or spatula lightly spread it into an even layer; it will be thin and spotty and you won’t have completely coverage which is okay.
Bake for about 21 to 25 minutes, or until done. Place pan on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before evenly sprinkling the peanut butter chips or they will melt (not bad, but you won’t have the same visual appearance).
Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to a small microwave-safe bowl, heat for about 20 to 30 seconds or until just beginning to melt, stir to smooth it, and lightly drizzle it over the bars before slicing and serving. Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.