Almond Butter and Jelly Bars by @phxvegandietitian

If you love the nostalgic flavor of a classic PB&J, these Almond Butter and Jelly Bars by @phxvegandietitian are the perfect summer treat.

This delightful summer dessert offers a tasty twist on a lunchtime classic, PB&J. You can use either fresh or frozen berries, though cooking down frozen berries will take a bit longer. To save time, the jam can be prepared up to 4 days in advance.

Made with a soft almond butter crust, a naturally sweet chia berry jam, and a golden crumble topping, these bars offer a delicious twist on the beloved lunchtime classic. Each bite has the perfect balance of rich, nutty almond butter and bright, tangy berries.

Don’t have time to make jam from scratch? You can use your favorite Spread The Love Artisan Jam for a quick and delicious shortcut.

Spread The Love UNSALTED CRUNCH Almond Butter gives these bars a rich almond flavor and a satisfyingly hearty texture. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients, it helps create a soft, flavorful dough without needing traditional butter or oil.

The almond butter pairs especially well with raspberries and strawberries, balancing the sweet and slightly tart berry layer with a warm, roasted nuttiness. Its natural creaminess also helps bind the crust and crumble topping together.

Whether you are baking a summer dessert, preparing an afternoon snack, or looking for a new way to enjoy almond butter and jelly, these bars are simple, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

For Chia Berry Jam:

• 3 cups raspberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen).

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice 

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

For the Almond Butter Crust and Crumble:

• ¾ cup Spread the Love UNSALTED CRUNCHAlmond Butter

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup 

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons soy milk (as needed) 

Optional:

Instead of preparing the homemade chia jam, substitute your favorite Spread The Love Artisan Jam.

✔ Step 1 -

In a small pot, combine the 3 cups of raspberries or strawberries, fresh or frozen, 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for jam), 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook down until the mixture thickens to a jam-like texture, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly and thicken further.

✔ Step 2 -

Preheat your oven to 350F. Line or lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.

✔ Step 3-

In a bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup Spread the Love Crunch Almond Butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup (for dough), 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Add the 2 tablespoons of soy milk, a little at a time, until the mixture comes together into a soft dough ball.

✔ Step 4-

Press all but about ¼ cup of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8x8 pan to form a crust and bake for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. 

✔ Step 5-

Remove the pan from the oven and spread the slightly cooled chia jam evenly over the warm crust. Crumble the reserved dough into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over the top of the jam layer.

✔ Step 6-

Bake for another 20 minutes at 350F until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the jam is bubbling slightly at the edges.

✔ Step 7-

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then enjoy. 

These Almond Butter and Jelly Bars by @phxvegandietitian prove that a few simple ingredients can transform a nostalgic flavor combination into a delicious homemade dessert.

With a tender almond butter crust, a vibrant berry filling, and a lightly golden crumble topping, they are perfect for summer gatherings, meal-prepped snacks, afternoon treats, or whenever an almond butter and jelly craving strikes.

Make the chia jam from scratch using your favorite berries, or save time by reaching for a jar of Spread The Love Artisan Jam. Either way, these bars are sure to become a new favorite.