Lost Boys Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Our Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars recipe is a sweet, savory, and crunchy treat that was inspired by the youthful spirit of Neverland and the Lost Boys. The first ever reference to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was in 1901, and its subsequent rise in popularity over the next two decades occurred at the same time that J.M. Barrie was crafting his stories of Peter Pan, Wendy, and the Lost Boys. We feel these cookie bars are a fitting teatime tribute to the boys of Neverland who never grew up. Pair them with a cup of our English Breakfast tea swirled with whole milk.

Lost Boys Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Makes about 24 bars

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¹ ⁄₄ cup malted milk powder
• ¹ ⁄₂ tsp. salt
• ¹ ⁄₄ tsp. baking soda
• ¹ ⁄₂ cup butter

Wet Ingredients:

• ¹ ⁄₃ cup creamy (or crunchy) peanut butter
• ¹ ⁄₂ cup packed brown sugar
• ¹ ⁄₂ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¹ ⁄₄ tsp. vanilla extract

Toppings:

• ³⁄₄ cup strawberry jelly (homemade strawberry freezer jam if you have it!)
• 1 cup coarsely crushed pretzels

Glaze:

• ¹ ⁄₂ cup powdered sugar
• ¹ ⁄₄ cup creamy peanut butter
• Pinch of salt
• 3 – 4 Tbsp. milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, malt powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and sugar. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
4. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Stir in the flour mixture, just until combined.
6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, until baked through and beginning to brown around the edges. Allow to cool.
7. To make the glaze, stir together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk until the mixture is a consistency that can be drizzled.
8. Spread the strawberry jam over the top of the baked bars. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the strawberry jam.
9. Drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top of the bars. Cut into 24 bars and serve.

Enjoy!