Peanut Butter Jelly Bread Recipe
If you grew up loving classic PB&J sandwiches, you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: Peanut Butter Jelly Bread. This quick bread captures all the nostalgia of childhood lunches, then turns up the coziness with a tender, peanut buttery crumb and gorgeous jelly swirls throughout. Whether you serve it for breakfast, pack it as a snack, or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf always delivers big smiles and satisfying flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Jelly Bread comes from a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that perfect, crave-worthy texture and flavor. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for a loaf that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it a soft, tender crumb that holds up beautifully to the jelly swirls.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the peanut butter and jelly flavors.
- Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, infusing every bite with nutty richness—use your favorite brand for best results.
- Whole milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender; you can substitute with your preferred milk if desired.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift to the loaf.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and brings warmth to the bread.
- Grape or strawberry jelly: For those iconic swirls—feel free to mix and match your favorite flavors!
- Melted butter (optional): Brushing the top gives a lovely shine and a hint of extra richness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous greasing—either with butter, nonstick spray, or a parchment paper sling—so your bread releases effortlessly when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite of Peanut Butter Jelly Bread is just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Don’t be shy—give it a good stir so the peanut butter blends evenly!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Jelly
Spoon half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. Dollop half of the jelly over the batter in little spoonfuls, then use a knife to gently create gorgeous swirls. Repeat with the remaining batter and jelly, swirling the top layer for that signature Peanut Butter Jelly Bread look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set up—before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touch
If you love a glossy, extra-flavorful top, brush your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread with melted butter while it’s still warm. This simple step adds a bakery-style finish you’ll adore.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra jelly, or even a scattering of chopped peanuts on top. These simple additions elevate the bread’s look and add little pops of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair a thick, warm slice with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a breakfast or snack that hits all the right notes. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with granola.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into cubes and stacking them on a platter for a fun brunch spread, or toast slices and spread with more peanut butter and jelly. For a lunchbox treat, cut the loaf into mini sandwiches—kids (and adults!) will love the surprise PB&J twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Peanut Butter Jelly Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week—just bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm slices in the toaster or microwave for that fresh-baked taste. If you’ve brushed the top with butter, the reheating will bring out even more flavor and aroma—delicious for breakfast or a quick snack!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little nutty bits throughout the bread, which can be a delightful twist on the classic Peanut Butter Jelly Bread.
What other jelly flavors work well in this recipe?
Grape and strawberry are traditional, but raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jams bring a fun, fruity burst. Feel free to use what you love or mix two flavors for a colorful swirl!
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The bread may be slightly more delicate, but it should still turn out delicious.
Can I make Peanut Butter Jelly Bread vegan?
You sure can! Use a plant-based milk, a flax or chia egg substitute, and ensure your sugar and jelly are vegan-friendly. The results will be just as tasty and satisfying.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the bread is underbaked or if the batter was overmixed. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and mix the batter only until combined for the best rise.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the flavors of Peanut Butter Jelly Bread—it’s homey, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try and share a loaf with someone you love. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter Jelly Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist and flavorful Peanut Butter Jelly Bread combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a soft, swirled quick bread. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make loaf offers the nostalgic taste of a PB&J sandwich in every slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup grape or strawberry jelly (plus more for swirling on top if desired)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the creamy peanut butter, whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Layer Batter and Jelly: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the jelly over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the mixture for a marbled effect.
- Repeat Layering: Spoon the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining jelly, swirling again to create a pretty jelly swirl pattern on top of the loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Optional Butter Brush: For added flavor and a shiny crust, brush the top of the warm loaf with melted butter before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite jelly or jam flavor; mixing different flavors can add an interesting twist.
- This bread is especially tasty toasted with extra peanut butter spread on top.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
