If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate nostalgic treat that tastes like a warm hug from childhood, look no further than Peanut Butter Jelly Bread. Imagine the classic duo of creamy peanut butter and sweet, fruity jam swirling together in a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. From its golden crust to its gooey jammy pockets, this bread wraps all the comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a single, sliceable masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Jelly Bread comes together with a handful of essential ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Each one plays a starring role, building flavor, lending moisture, and giving the bread its irresistible texture and vibrant swirls.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that forms the tender crumb of the bread.
- Baking powder: Lifts the loaf and keeps your bread light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Teams up with the baking powder for perfect rise and a golden hue.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings out the nutty, rich flavor of the peanut butter.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star flavor and what gives this bread its signature richness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and a subtle buttery taste for the best crumb.
- Brown sugar: Infuses the loaf with caramel notes and extra moistness.
- Granulated sugar: Rounds out the sweetness and helps with the bread’s rise.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure, making sure your bread doesn’t crumble.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a wonderful aroma.
- Milk: Keeps the loaf tender and moist, allowing for those lush, swirling textures.
- Fruit jam or jelly: Choose strawberry, grape, or your favorite—these sweet ribbons transform every bite!
How to Make Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to deliver the perfect bake. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—the lining makes for an easy lift-out and even cleaner slices.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures your leaveners are evenly scattered, giving the bread its lift and lovely texture throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Peanut Butter Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mixing until it’s light and fluffy is key—it helps dissolve the sugars and makes your loaf tender and rich.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix the eggs in one at a time, letting each disappear into the batter before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the whole loaf with its cozy aroma.
Step 5: Build the Batter
With your creamed mixture ready, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mixing gently and only until just combined preserves that tender, delicate crumb.
Step 6: Swirl in the Jelly
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Spoon the jam or jelly over the batter in a few hearty dollops or lines, then take a knife and gently swirl it through. Top with the rest of the batter, and, for extra flair, dot on more jelly and swirl again for those signature ribbons.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can wait that long before diving in!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
Garnishes
To step up the presentation, dust your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or even a touch of extra jam over each slice. These finishing touches not only make it gorgeous but invite everyone to guess what’s inside.
Side Dishes
This bread makes any breakfast or snack time feel like an event. Pair with a tall glass of milk, a piping-hot mug of coffee, or some sliced fresh fruit for a wholesome, satisfying plate. If you’re serving this at brunch, a scoop of vanilla yogurt also complements the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not cut the Peanut Butter Jelly Bread into thick cubes and serve skewered with berries for a fun brunch platter? Toast slices lightly and spread with extra peanut butter or jam, or even turn leftovers into dreamy French toast for a next-level breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread fresh, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. It maintains its moisture and flavor so you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a charm. Slice the cooled loaf, then wrap each slice individually to freeze; you can also freeze the whole loaf wrapped well in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight on the counter when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a stored slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. The jelly will become a little gooey again, and the bread’s aromas will perfume your kitchen in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture and little nutty bursts in every bite. Just make sure it’s stirred well so the oils are blended in, and prepare for an extra hearty loaf.
What kind of jam or jelly works best?
Peanut Butter Jelly Bread is adaptable—use any fruit jam or jelly you love. Strawberry and grape are classic, but raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot are delicious, too. Thicker preserves with some texture look especially pretty when swirled.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular flour for your favorite all-purpose gluten-free blend (make sure it has xanthan gum if needed). The bread will be just as moist and flavorful, so everyone at the table gets a taste!
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You sure can. Cut back a couple of tablespoons from each sugar type Snack. Keep in mind your loaf may be a bit less tender, but still tasty.
How should I store Peanut Butter Jelly Bread if it’s really humid?
In a humid climate, it’s best to refrigerate the wrapped bread. Bring it to room temperature or give it a quick toast before serving to refresh the flavors and texture—you’ll still get all the nostalgic magic you love!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever smiled at the memory of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in your lunchbox, this Peanut Butter Jelly Bread will steal your heart. Every bite is pure, playful comfort—so don’t wait! Grab your mixing bowl, swirl in some joy, and share this magical loaf with someone special.
Print
Peanut Butter Jelly Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors with this Peanut Butter Jelly Bread. A moist and tender loaf swirled with your favorite fruit jam, ideal for breakfast or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup fruit jam or jelly (strawberry, grape, or your favorite)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, sugars until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla, then alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
- Layer Batter and Jelly: Pour half of the batter, add jelly, swirl gently, then pour remaining batter. Top with more jelly dollops and swirl.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version.
- Experiment with different jams for varied flavors.
- Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
