Desserts

PEANUT BUTTER AND PEPPER JELLY BARS

Makes about 10

The sweet heat of the pepper jelly updates this classic combo that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
¾ cup salted peanuts, chopped and divided
½ cup old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 (10.5-ounce) jar red pepper jelly*

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, letting excess extend over sides of pan. Spray with baking spray with flour.

2. In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup peanut butter and butter with a mixer at medium speed until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ½ cup peanuts, oats, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, beating until combined. (Dough will be thick.) Reserve 1 cup dough; press remaining dough into bottom of prepared pan. Spread