This Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s a throwback to childhood with a grown-up twist. You’ll love the balance of sweet and salty flavors, the satisfying crunch of the crumble topping, and how effortlessly it all comes together. It’s great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even chilled from the fridge the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Creamy peanut butter
Unsalted butter
Your favorite fruit jam or jelly (strawberry, raspberry, or grape work well)
Vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the peanut butter and melted butter to the dry mixture. Stir until crumbly and well combined.
Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base.
Spread your favorite jam or jelly evenly over the base layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the jam layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbling slightly at the edges.
Let it cool completely before cutting into squares for clean slices, or serve warm for a gooier texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 9 squares and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with a baking time of 30–35 minutes. Including cooling time, the total time is around 1 hour.
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Different Jam Flavors: Try apricot, blackberry, or blueberry jam for a fun twist.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Mix in chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the crumble for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture, or enjoy straight from the fridge if you prefer them firm.
FAQs
What kind of jam works best in this recipe?
Any jam or jelly you love will work, but strawberry, raspberry, and grape are the most classic choices for that familiar PB&J flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day or two in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving or reheat slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sugar and jam are vegan-friendly.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give a heartier, chewier crumble.
How do I keep the crumble from getting soggy?
Allow the bars to cool completely before covering or storing them to prevent steam buildup, which can make the crumble soggy.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, cohesive crumble, but crunchy adds texture if that’s your preference.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Not necessarily if eaten within a few days, but refrigeration extends their shelf life and helps them firm up for cleaner slicing.
Can I freeze these crumble bars?
Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap tightly and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Can I serve this with ice cream?
Absolutely. Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey bars and enhances the nostalgic flavors.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble is the perfect combination of classic flavor and home-baked comfort. Whether you’re serving it as a casual dessert, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this simple and satisfying recipe is sure to become a favorite. With endless ways to customize and easy prep, it’s a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dessert that combines a buttery peanut butter oat crumble with a sweet jam center. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, it’s a cozy treat that’s great for sharing or enjoying with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup fruit jam or jelly (e.g., strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add peanut butter, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the base.
Spread the jam or jelly evenly over the base layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the jam.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the jam is bubbling at the edges.
Let cool completely in the pan for clean slices or serve warm for a softer, gooier texture.
Notes
Let the crumble cool fully before slicing to help the bars set and avoid sogginess.Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.Try different jam flavors like blueberry, blackberry, or apricot for variety.Add chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the crumble for extra flavor and crunch.Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan if serving a crowd.
