13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (2024)

There aren't any white bread sandwiches or brown-bag lunches here. We turned the classic lunchtime peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich into something even better. Whether you decide to serve this classic combo in a brunch-ready casserole or make cookies to put in your lunch box, we know you've never eaten peanut butter and jelly like this before.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Breakfast Rolls

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (1)

Skip the cinnamon rolls. These PB&J rolls are the new sweet treat your breakfast table needs. Each roll has a peanut butter and jam filling, plus an extra dollop of peanut butter frosting on top to make these rolls even more delicious.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Layer Cake

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (2)

This rich, decadent layer cake is the perfect for celebrating the peanut butter and jelly-lovers in your life. Serve up this creamy, fruity cake for a party, or add a few candles on top to make a PB&J birthday cake.

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PB and J Sandwich Cookies

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (3)

This peanut butter and jelly recipe is almost like the classic sandwich. Just add a quick spread of your favorite jelly between two peanut butter cookies (try them with our gluten-free recipe!), and this sweet sandwich is ready to eat.

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Chocolaty PB and J Cheesecake

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (4)

One bite of this decadent cheesecake, and you'll be in love with peanut butter and jelly all over again. Chocolate cookies make a sweet and crunchy crust, peanut butter and cream cheese make a mouthwatering filling, and plenty of jelly on top completes this dessert masterpiece.

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Peanut Butter Jammin' Bars

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (5)

Creamy peanut butter, strawberry jam, and chocolate-covered peanuts. Do we need to say any more? As an added bonus, these jammin' bars can be stored in your freezer for up to one month, so your child's lunch box (or yours!) will never be missing a sweet treat.

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PB and J Thumbprints

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (6)

The combo of peanut butter cookies and jelly is so obvious (and so delicious!), you'll wish you'd started making these cookies years ago. Start with peanut butter cookie dough, then turn normal cookies into PB&J thumbprints with a spoonful of jelly in the middle.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (7)

If you already love peanut butter and bananas, why not introduce jelly to the mix? This dressed up banana bread has swirls of peanut butter and strawberry preserves throughout the quick bread loaf, so there's a burst of PB&J flavor in every bite.

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Peanut Butter, Banana & Bacon Oatmeal

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (8)

Your bland bowl of oatmeal is about to get upgraded in a major way. Sure, we added peanut butter and a drizzle of jelly. But we also mixed in crunchy bacon and a handful of fresh strawberries to take your breakfast to the next level. You can thank us later.

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PB and J Ice Cream Sandwiches

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (9)

Who knew PB&J sandwiches could be a sweet, chilly treat? Simply spread a fruity filling of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of your favorite jam between mini peanut butter cookies.

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Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (10)

Instead of your usual PB&J breakfast combo, give this quinoa bowl a try. Trade in your morning oatmeal for quinoa, then mix in creamy peanut butter, banana slices, and your favorite jelly or jam.

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PB and J Crepe Cake

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (11)

Layers and layers of crepes spread with a mix of jelly, cream cheese, and whipped topping would make a mouthwatering dessert all on its own. But when you drizzle peanut butter sauce on top, you've got a rich, show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone at your table.

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Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Brownie Cookies

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (12)

Sometimes you just can't decide between cookies and brownies. Luckily, with this recipe you can have both! Two peanut butter cookies filled with a smashed brownie and a schmear of jelly make this sandwich into a decadent PB&J dessert.

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Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

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13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (13)

These peanut butter and jelly treats have a sweet and chocolaty surprise in the middle: peanut butter cups. You don't have to make a batch of frosting to spoon onto the tops, either. All these cupcakes need is a spoonful of fruity jelly.

13 Peanut Butter and Jelly Recipes That Aren’t Just Sandwiches (2024)

FAQs

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in 3 steps? ›

Directions
  1. On one slice of bread, spread peanut butter evenly over the bread.
  2. On the other slice of bread, spread the jelly evenly over the bread.
  3. Put the two slices of bread together with the peanut butter and jelly facing in.
  4. Serve and enjoy!
  5. Optional: Remove crusts, cut diagonally.

What's healthier than a PBJ? ›

For a protein-packed alternative, assemble a turkey, lettuce, tomato, and hummus sandwich on whole grain bread. The turkey provides lean protein, while hummus adds a creamy, satisfying texture. With the crunch of fresh lettuce and tomato, every bite is a burst of freshness and flavor.

How do you eat peanut butter and jelly without bread? ›

Yes, you can enjoy peanut butter and jelly without carbs by using lettuce wraps instead of bread or by simply spreading the peanut butter and jelly on celery sticks or apple slices for a low-carb snack.

How to make a triple decker peanut butter and jelly? ›

Recipe for Triple Decker PB&J:

Spread another layer of butter on the sandwich so from bottom to top it goes: bread, peanut butter, butter, bread, butter. Spread jelly on one side of the last slice of bread, placing that face down on the butter to make a triple decker sandwich. Cut in half and serve.

What does PB&J do to your body? ›

A PB&J has 15 grams of protein per serving, 13 grams of plant-based unsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber. That keeps you full and helps build muscle. Plus 12.5 grams of sugar provides the quick release of energy that athletes need.

Is strawberry or grape better for PB&J? ›

Is strawberry better? It's hard to resist the nostalgia of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with grape jelly, but overall more prefer strawberry. Samuel Campbell, owner of Indianapolis-based restaurant PB&J Factory sees this in action daily. "Grape is a classic flavor," admits Campbell.

Is a turkey sandwich or PBJ healthier? ›

What's the better sandwich option: peanut butter and jelly or turkey and cheese? A: Peanut butter and jelly. Processed ingredients in the turkey sandwich have more sodium and saturated fat. Plus, most nut butters have a good amount of protein plus some fiber to keep you fuller longer.

How to jazz up a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

10+ Ways to Switch Up a PB&J
  1. Make a regular PB&J, then toast the whole thing. ...
  2. Swap the jelly for romaine lettuce and honey. ...
  3. Make a triple decker: bread, jelly, peanut butter, bread, peanut butter, jelly, bread. ...
  4. Add Nutella OR smoked almonds OR mini chocolate chips OR cereal. ...
  5. Go for an open-faced treatment.
Sep 22, 2023

How do you make peanut butter and jelly taste better? ›

Insider asked four chefs about their biggest tips for making the perfect PB&J sandwich. Homemade bread and peanut butter are great, but you can also use high-quality store ingredients. Adding a little spice, salt, or balsamic syrup can easily elevate your simple meal.

What goes first in peanut butter jelly? ›

Always put the peanut butter on first. Peanut butter is thicker than jelly so once you spread the peanut butter its easier to spread the jelly over the peanut butter. If you spread the jelly first, all you've done is lubricate the bread and the peanut butter won't spread as well.

What can I eat instead of peanut butter and jelly? ›

Creamy brie is the perfect alternative to your traditional PB&J. This cheese is rich, mild and soft enough to spread easily on crackers or bread. Pair it with a fig or apricot jam for an extra savory treat.

Can I eat peanut butter and jelly and still lose weight? ›

The nutritional value of a PB&J does allow this sandwich to be a part of a well-balanced diet, and it may help with weight loss. Research from Purdue University found that people better managed their weight loss regimens when nuts were included. Andrews also agrees that peanut butter and jelly can support weight loss.

Is peanut butter and jelly not healthy? ›

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be a nutritionally balanced meal filled with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and key nutrients. However, the nutrient value of your PB&J depends on the types of bread, peanut butter, and jelly chosen.

How to make a sandwich step by step? ›

How to Make a Sandwich
  1. Gather all the ingredients you need for your sandwich. ...
  2. Take two slices of bread. ...
  3. On one or both slices of bread, spread your desired condiments. ...
  4. Add vegetables of your choice on one of the bread slices.
  5. Add your chosen meat if you want to have a non-vegetarian bite.
Nov 1, 2023

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