This easy bar cookie recipe is a twist on the nostalgic peanut butter and jelly flavor combination, but made nut-allergy friendly with SunButter.
SunButter and jelly bars are about to become your new go-to bar cookie recipe! These easy bars are soft and chewy and make a perfect lunch-box treat. I love that I can safely pack these treats to my daughters' schools.
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ARE YOU WONDERING...WHAT IS SUNBUTTER?
SunButter has the consistency of peanut butter, but is made with roasted sunflower seeds. The brand has several different varieties, but I like using the No Sugar Added version. I love that it only contains two ingredients - roasted sunflower seeds and salt! SunButter is free of peanuts and tree nuts, which makes it a nice alternative to nut butters. This post is not sponsored, I am just a fan of the SunButter products! You can learn all about SunButter on their faq page.
WHAT DOES SUNBUTTER TASTE LIKE?
You might find this shocking, but SunButter tastes just like sunflower seeds! It sounds silly to actually write this out, but I was shocked the first time I tasted SunButter. I don't know what I was expecting, but I love how the flavor of the roasted sunflower seeds just shines.
HOW TO MAKE SUNBUTTER AND JELLY BARS
First you will whisk your dry ingredients and set them aside. Then you will cream the butter and sugar together before adding an egg, the vanilla and the SunButter. Once the wet ingredients are fully combined you will add in the flour mixture.
Next, you will place â…” of the SunButter cookie dough into a parchment lined 8x8 baking pan. The mixture isn't overly sticky so a rubber spatula works well for pressing it into the bottom of the pan.
Then you will top the base with a layer of your favorite jam before covering with the remaining â…“ dough. You will crumble the dough over the jam and lightly press the dough into the jam layer. Don't worry if there are some small jam spots showing through.
Finally, bake the SunButter and jelly bars for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool, cut into bars and enjoy!
HERE ARE SOME OTHER NUT-FREE RECIPES TO ENJOY
Recipe shared with Meal Plan Monday and Weekend Potluck
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Sunbutter and Jelly Bars
recipe created and tested by:
I highly recommend using weight (metric) measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.
Please note
When using 2x or 3x ingredients, the grams DO NOT adjust, you will have to manually do that.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 188g
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113g, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar 150g
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sunflower seed butter
- ¾ cup raspberry jam or other jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour (1 ½ cups/188g), baking powder (½ teaspoon) and kosher salt (1 teaspoon). Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, cream the butter (½ cup/113g) and sugar (¾ cup/150g) on medium until light, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg (1 large), vanilla (1 teaspoon) and sunflower seed butter (¾ cup) and mix until well combined. Scrape up and down the sides of the mixer bowl.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Spread ⅔ of the dough in the prepared pan. Use your clean fingers or a spatula to get it even. Spread the jam evenly over the dough (¾ cup). Top with the remaining dough, crumbling the dough and covering most of the jam while lightly pressing the dough into the jam layer. Don't worry if there are some small jam spots showing through.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool and cut into bars.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.
Britt B says
I just love the twist on PB&J bars!! Absolutely love SunButter too, this combo is perfect!
Tasia says
Thank you Britt! I know you will love these easy bar cookies!
Leanne says
I love sunbutter and I'm actually posting a recipe tomorrow using it! I'm a huge fan of PB and jelly desserts, so I love that you made these nut-free with the sunbutter! They also look like they have the best texture. Wishing I had one with my cup of coffee right now!
Tasia says
Thank you Leanne! Sunbutter is such a fantastic nut butter alternative. I love the flavor and texture it gives to this cookie bar recipe. I am looking forward to seeing your new recipe!
Jenna Barnard says
That texture is perfect! These look so delicious and LOVE baking with SunButter 🙂
Tasia says
Thank you Jenna! I love the flavor and texture the SunButter gives this cookie bar recipe.