Heather Tallman
Bargersville, IN
Every time I hear “peanut butter...jelly” I hear my two sons sing that cute song by the same name. Last night was no exception. I told them what I was making for dessert and they serenaded me as I cut up the strawberries. This recipe is pretty easy, I promise.
3/4 c. butter, room temperature
3/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2-1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. strawberry jam
4 c. strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional: lime zest
Line a 13"x9" baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with non-stick vegetable spray; set aside. In a large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in sugars, baking powder and salt until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until blended. Beat in as much flour as possible with mixer; mix in remaining flour with a spatula until a thick batter forms. Spread batter in pan; smooth out with spatula. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool completely in pan; invert onto a serving plate. Spread jam evenly over the top. Layer strawberries on top; sprinkle with lime zest, if desired. Cut into squares. Makes one to 1-1/4 dozen.
If brown sugar has hardened in its bag, tuck a moistened paper towel into the bag and microwave it for 20 seconds. Repeat for another 10 seconds if needed. Soft and ready to use!