Baking has always been my way of expressing creativity, and few treats bring me the simple joy that Peanut Butter Jelly Bread does. I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something comforting yet quick to prepare. The warm, soft bread filled with rich peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly immediately reminded me of childhood afternoons spent enjoying classic sandwiches, but with a fresh homemade twist. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, and I love how it combines nostalgia with the satisfaction of baking from scratch.
You will love this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also versatile. The fluffy bread pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter and your choice of jelly, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a comforting dessert, it fits every occasion. Its soft texture makes it ideal for kids and adults alike, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible.
Another reason this recipe is so appealing is its versatility. You can easily swap flavors, use different types of nut butter, or even experiment with various jams and preserves. Want a richer taste? Try adding a touch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. The recipe adapts beautifully to your personal preferences, ensuring that every loaf feels uniquely yours.
Affordability is another great advantage. The ingredients are common pantry staples—flour, sugar, yeast, peanut butter, and jelly—so you don’t need to make a special trip to a specialty store. This makes it easy to bake at any time, even on a budget, without compromising on flavor or quality.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Jelly Bread:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup warm milk
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup fruit jelly of your choice
This recipe promises a comforting, affordable, and adaptable treat that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
Preparing Peanut Butter Jelly Bread is simple, and with clear step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready in no time. This recipe is quick, easy, and highly customizable, making it a favorite for many people. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the perfect balance of soft bread, creamy peanut butter, and sweet jelly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures your bread will rise properly.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to evenly distribute the ingredients.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Once combined, slowly add the frothy yeast mixture, mixing continuously until smooth.
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Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for a light, airy bread texture.
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Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of your preferred fruit jelly in a small bowl. Ensure both are at room temperature for easier spreading.
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Shape the loaf: After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches. Spread the peanut butter evenly over the dough, followed by the jelly, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough from one short side to the other, forming a tight log. Pinch the edges and ends to seal the filling inside.
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Second rise: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise for another 30–40 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
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Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the filling from spilling out.
Quick and Easy Tips:
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For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
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You can swap the jelly for honey, fruit preserves, or even chocolate spread to customize flavors.
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Adding chopped nuts or cinnamon before rolling gives the bread extra texture and aroma.
This Peanut Butter Jelly Bread is popular with all age groups because it combines the nostalgia of classic flavors with the freshness of homemade bread. Its creamy, sweet, and soft layers make it irresistible.
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Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
This Peanut Butter Jelly Bread is a soft, flavorful loaf filled with creamy peanut butter and your favorite fruit jelly. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it combines nostalgic flavors with the satisfaction of homemade baking. Its versatile nature allows customization while remaining simple and affordable.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly of your choice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk with 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 3 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- In another bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1/4 cup melted butter. Add the yeast mixture gradually, mixing until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients, stirring until sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter with 1/2 cup jelly at room temperature.
- Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread peanut butter evenly, then jelly, leaving a border.
- Roll dough tightly from a short side, pinching edges to seal.
- Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown, covering with foil if needed.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust.
Substitute jelly with honey, preserves, or chocolate spread.
Optional: add cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
FAQs – Peanut Butter Jelly Bread
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well. Make sure it’s smooth to spread easily, and you may need to mix it well to combine the oils before using.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Note that the texture may be slightly denser, so add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of liquid if needed.
3. How should I store the bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month.
4. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise for up to 12 hours. Bring it to room temperature and allow a second rise before baking.
5. Can I substitute the jelly?
Absolutely. You can use any fruit preserves, honey, or even chocolate spread as a filling. The bread remains soft and flavorful with alternatives.
6. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Ensure you leave a small border around the edges when spreading the peanut butter and jelly. Roll the dough tightly and pinch the ends to seal.
7. Can I add extra flavors?
Yes, sprinkle cinnamon, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips over the filling before rolling the dough for added flavor and texture.