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.

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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

What else to put on peanut butter and jelly? ›

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

What to eat with 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.

What is a savory equivalent to PB&J? ›

For a savory twist, opt for a ham and cheese sandwich with a smear of grainy mustard. The combination of salty ham, Gruyère cheese, and the zing of mustard creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Our findings show that choosing rye bread over other bread types adds a hearty, earthy note to this scrumptious creation.

How to level up a PB&J? ›

Punch up your tastebuds — and give your teeth a workout — by adding some texture. Make your sandwich as usual, then top it with chopped nuts or granola. Make homemade granola to customize your upgrade even more. Another way to give your sandwich some texture is by adding potato chips or crushed pretzels.

What does peanut butter and jelly do to your body? ›

It's power packed

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 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.

What pairs with peanut butter? ›

Ideas to Try:
  • Add into a bowl of oatmeal.
  • Dip apple slices in peanut butter.
  • Add banana slices to a toasted PB&J.
  • Spread on a rice cake or cracker.
  • Add to a smoothie.
  • Dip celery or carrots in peanut butter.
  • Mix with yogurt.
  • Top a stir fry with peanut butter sauce (see Peanut Noodles with Tofu recipe below).

What's the best jelly with peanut butter? ›

When it comes to the classic peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich, there's no doubt that grape jelly reigns supreme.

Can I make a PBJ the night before? ›

Frequently asked questions. How far ahead can you make the sandwiches? These are great to make the night before, or they are so quick to put together in the morning to take to work or school. If you want to make them further ahead of time, keep them covered and refrigerated and consider toasting the bread.

What can I use instead of peanut butter for PB&J? ›

PB&J Peanut Butter Alternatives
  • Top 5 Sandwich Ideas for Kids. With peanut allergies on the rise, more schools dictate what parents can put in kids' lunches. ...
  • Cream Cheese and Jelly. ...
  • Sunflower Butter and Jelly. ...
  • Sesame Butter and Sour Cherry Jelly. ...
  • Chocolate-hazelnut Spread and Jelly.

What is it called when peanut butter and jelly are in the same jar? ›

Goober PB&J Stripes combines the best of Smucker's all in one jar — fresh-roasted peanuts paired with Smucker's fruit spreads.

Is strawberry or grape better for PB&J? ›

"Grape jelly is not as strong and the tart flavor goes well with almost everything." Cooking blogger Helen Merritt says grape is the clear choice because it's not as prevalent. "Strawberry flavors are everywhere and grape flavor feels like something fresh and untypical," she tells Yahoo Life.

What tastes closest to peanut butter? ›

Sunflower Seed Butter

The closest spread to peanut butter I've found in terms of flavor and texture is sunflower seed butter. It's also relatively easy to find; I've seen it in large chain grocery stores right next to the peanut butter.

What compliments peanut butter? ›

Fruits and nuts are a classic combination and would taste just right on peanut butter toast. Some ideal ingredients are berries, slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, and banana slices. You can also sprinkle on chia seeds and ground flaxseeds for added crunch and nutrition.

What goes well with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch? ›

Jam: Strawberry jam works so well with peanut butter, but you could also use grape or raspberry if you prefer. Veggies: Add in some celery sticks and baby carrots for some vitamins and minerals. Snap peas or sliced bell peppers are great additions too. Dip: Add in a little ranch dip to dip the veggies in.

What can I put jelly on besides bread? ›

10 Uses for Jams and Jellies
  1. Yogurt. Stir jams and jellies into plain yogurt to create a delicious and easy dessert. ...
  2. Salad Dressings. Sometimes you might add a little sugar or honey to a salad dressing for sweetness. ...
  3. Grilled Cheese. ...
  4. Barbecue. ...
  5. co*cktails. ...
  6. Pancakes. ...
  7. Oatmeal. ...
  8. Biscuits.

How to make PB&J more filling? ›

Smash a handful of M&Ms or chocolate chips into the peanut butter.. Put sliced bananas between the PB and J. My personal favorite: whole wheat bread, M&Ms, bananas, and potato chips. I make one with good-quality whole-grain bread, organic peanut butter, sugar-free strawberry jam, and sliced strawberries.

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