How Do You Make a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Better? Blondies.

One of the great flavor combinations ever created is that of peanut butter and jelly. Although, I did recently read a Twitter thread on how the entire world thinks Americans are disgusting for it so, maybe not everyone would agree with me on this.

Regardless, I, like many others, grew up eating PB&J's. I went through multiple phases of it actually. It started out with extreme love. The textures and sweetness yet subtlety of it all was mind blowing I'm sure for a 4 (?) year old.

Then, I entered Pre-K and all of a sudden...screw jelly!

Jelly was so gross. I hated the gooeyness and how slimey it was. This phase lasted a while. I'm not sure when I finally re-introduced myself to it but I can imagine it came with the realization that I don't have to put a pound of jelly on the sandwich. A thin layer would do just fine.

Anyway, fast forward to 2020. These blondies are reminiscent of childhood. I love this recipe because everyone can enjoy them. Adults, kids, teenagers, will all go crazy over these. They're also SO easy and fun to make. Let the kids have fun dolloping and swirling around the jelly into the peanut butter, making all sorts of designs. Or, take turns with friends. Heck, even I, a 27 year old, had fun making these.

Another thing I love about these is that all of the ingredients you probably already have. The jelly can be any flavor you want! Maybe even a combination of a few. Perhaps half your crew doesn't want jelly? Just cover one part of the blondies. Kinda like you're specializing your pizza toppings.

Ideally, you'll enjoy these still slightly warm with a nice cold glass of milk. Maybe slice some bananas or strawberries to have on the side. If you want to go all out, keep them hot a serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on type brownie a la mode style.

Any which way, this is a no fuss recipe perfect for quarantine.

Here is what you need:

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, divided (or chunky if that's what you have)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 TB vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup your favorite jam

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F and flour or line a 9x13inch baking pan with parchment. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with both sugars. Add in 1/2 cup peanut butter, reserving remaining, and combine. Add in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and whisk until fully incorporated. Fold in the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and mix until everything is combined.

Spread the batter out evenly into the prepared tray. Melt the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This just makes it easier to pour out. Using a small spoon, dollop the peanut butter all over the blondie batter. Again, dollop the jam all over so both are evenly spaced. Take a toothpick or small butter knife and gently swirl the dolloped peanut butter and jam together all over the surface of the batter.

Bake for 25 minutes until the edges have begun to turn golden brown. Let cool before cutting. Store in an air tight container at room temperature.