DESSERT RECIPE: PB & J Bars
 

1/2-lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1/2-cups sugar 1-tsp pure vanilla extract 2-extra-large eggs, at room temperature 2-cups creamy peanut butter 3-cups all-purpose flour 1-tsp baking powder 1 1/2-tsp kosher salt 1 1/2-cups raspberry jam or other jam 2/3-cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350*F
Grease a 9 x 13 by 2-inch cake pan
Line it with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan
With the paddle attachment of an electric stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light yellow, about 2 minutes
Turn the mixer to low speed and add the vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter
Mix until all ingredients are combined
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt
On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture
Mix just until combined
Spread, with an offset spatula or knife, 2/3 of the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan
Spread the jam evenly over the dough
Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam
The dough topping will spread in the oven
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown
Cool and cut into squares.

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