Just think of a delicious peanut butter sandwich magically transformed into a decadent pb & j cake that has no gluten or dairy. Now imagine that in bar form, which is what you’ll get with these… ever so popular, kid-approved peanut butter & jelly cake bars.

And when I say ever so popular, that includes kids. I first made these in Kansas and brought them to a neighborhood playground. If I remember correctly, 5 kids tried them. All loved them. I mean a 5/5 on a scale that measures kids liking food is a huge win for me! If you have kids, make them! But also if you don’t have kids, make them because they’re super tasty and make for a great snack or treat.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake Bars

{Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free}

 

Makes 16 bars

 

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all natural organic peanut butter
• 1 egg
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons almond milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (optional – see note)
• ¾ cup coconut sugar
• 2/3 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup fruit jelly ( or jam, any flavor will do – see note)
• 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped

 

Method

1. Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat together peanut butter, egg, coconut oil, & almond milk.
3. Slowly stir in remainder of ingredients, except peanuts and jam, until well combined.
4. Press 2/3 of the dough onto the baking pan until it fully covers the bottom of pan.
5. Evenly spread the jelly over the 1^stlayer of dough.
6. Drop small globs of the remaining dough over the jelly, pressing down gently, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
7. Bake in the oven for 28-34 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool then cut into 16 squares.

 

Notes

• If you choose to use protein powder, select one with minimal ingredients and shoot for a kind with no artificial flavors or colors, like this plant-based organic vanilla protein powder. Unless you use a dairy-free option, the recipe will no longer be free of dairy.
• If you don’t want to use protein powder, replace it with an additional ¼ cup oat flour and ¼ cup coconut sugar.
• Select a fruit jelly or jam that’s made with natural ingredients and unrefined sugar (I try to find one with no added sugar). This fruit spread is a good option.