Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

It think I will quote my friends hubby, "These things are off the hook and I don't even like peanut butter and jelly". Yes, they are seriously off the hook! Imagine if you actually like PBJs, then you are really in for a real treat. PBJs are strangely one of my favorite foods, they are the ultimate comfort food for me. Especially with good bread, natural peanut butter and some homemade jam. These bars are hearty, and have a fantastic peanut butter cookie crust and crumble sandwiched between a sweet layer of raspberry jam. If you are a salty-sweet lover, this is a must try!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1 jar (18 ounces) creamy peanut butter
1 jar (18 ounces) Raspberry jam
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13 pan and line with parchment paper, grease paper as well.
Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, add vanilla, eggs and peanut butter and mix until combined. In a small bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.
Spread 2/3 of the dough into prepared cake pan, using the bottom of a knife or a spatula to create an even crust. Spread jam evenly over the dough. Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam. Don't worry if all of the jam isn't covered, the dough will bread while baking in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let bars sit for a good 20 minutes before cutting, they are kind of messy, so the longer you let them sit, the more they set.