No-Bake PB&J Bars Recipe

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

All the flavors of your favorite childhood sandwich made into a bar, leveled up with a pretzel crust that brings just a hint of saltiness to counter the sweet. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to choose any type of nut butter or fruit preserves, such as grape or raspberry. The combination of sweet and salty will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 9 servings.

• Pretzel Crust: 3 1/2 cups mini pretzels
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Peanut Butter Filling: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip)
• 1 (13 ounce) jar strawberry preserves

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. For the pretzel crust, process the pretzels in a food processor until small crumbs form, about 15 to 30 seconds.
3. Add the sugar, melted butter, and salt to the pretzel crumbs, and pulse until everything is evenly combined, about 5 pulses.
4. Transfer the pretzel mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer to form the crust.
5. Chill the crust, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until it firms up.
6. For the peanut butter filling, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, confectioner's sugar, and salt in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
7. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, mixing until evenly distributed (about 1 minute).
8. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
9. Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the peanut butter filling layer.
10. Cover and chill the bars until set, at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.
11. Once chilled, slice into 9 equal portions and serve cold.

Test Kitchen Tips:

• Gently fold in the whipped topping in batches to preserve the air bubbles for a lighter texture.
• If you prefer, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making your own pretzel crust. You can also cut the bars into pie slices for a different presentation.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	698
Total Fat	41g
Saturated Fat	21g
Cholesterol	56mg
Sodium	548mg
Total Carbohydrate	76g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	47g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	4mg
Calcium	59mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	286mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind No-Bake PB&J Bars

The No-Bake PB&J Bars are a modern twist on a classic American favorite: the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The traditional PB&J has been a staple of American childhood since the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the 1920s and 1930s when commercially prepared peanut butter and fruit preserves became widely available. The idea of transforming this beloved sandwich into a dessert bar emerged as part of a trend to simplify preparation while retaining the nostalgic flavor combination. By combining a pretzel crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and sweet jam topping, these bars deliver all the comfort of a PB&J without the need for bread or toasting.

Regional Variations

While PB&J sandwiches are ubiquitous across the United States, certain regions influence the choice of ingredients and textures in these bars. In the Midwest, for example, peanut butter is often paired with grape jelly, reflecting regional pantry preferences, whereas on the East Coast, strawberry preserves are more commonly used. Southern adaptations might include a layer of crushed pecans or a hint of honey for added richness. Despite these variations, the core concept of combining peanut butter, jelly, and a crunchy base remains consistent nationwide.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

No-Bake PB&J Bars stand out from other dessert bars and layered treats due to their unique combination of textures and flavors. Unlike traditional peanut butter bars, which often rely solely on a cookie or graham cracker base, these bars incorporate a salty pretzel crust, providing a counterbalance to the sweet filling. Unlike standard no-bake cheesecake bars, the inclusion of fruit preserves adds a fruity tartness reminiscent of the classic sandwich. This layered approach makes them both visually appealing and texturally complex.

Where They Are Typically Served

These bars are versatile and appear in a variety of settings. They are popular at family gatherings, potlucks, and school events where easy-to-serve, handheld desserts are preferred. Cafs and bakeries also feature them as a nostalgic treat for adults seeking childhood flavors with a gourmet touch. Due to their no-bake nature, they are especially convenient for summer parties or outdoor events, as they require only chilling rather than oven baking.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The combination of peanut butter and jelly was first popularized in the U.S. military rations during World War II because it was nutritious, shelf-stable, and easy to prepare.
• The use of pretzels in the crust is a nod to the growing trend of salty-sweet desserts, which balances flavors and adds crunch without traditional baking.
• These bars are easily customizable: swapping the type of nut butter or fruit preserves allows for a variety of flavor profiles while keeping the iconic PB&J essence.
• No-bake recipes like this became particularly popular during the mid-20th century as convenience foods and refrigeration became more widespread, reducing reliance on ovens.
• Despite their simplicity, the bars can be served as a decadent dessert, a snack, or even a portable breakfast for busy mornings.

FAQ about No-Bake PB&J Bars Recipe