If nostalgia came in bread form, it would look and taste exactly like this Peanut Butter Jelly Bread. Imagine a soft, buttery loaf swirling with ribbons of your favorite jam and pockets of creamy peanut butter, then baked golden to perfection. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or with your afternoon coffee, this bread is pure comfort in every slice. Best of all, it delivers the classic PB&J flavor you love, but with a grown-up, homemade twist sure to make everyone smile.

Peanut Butter Jelly Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Peanut Butter Jelly Bread irresistible is how effortlessly its simple ingredients create a loaf bursting with both flavor and texture. Each item plays its own delicious part, so every bite is a trip down memory lane—only better.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb that lets the swirl of jelly shine.
Baking powder & baking soda: These two partner up for a lovely, light rise and the perfect airy texture.
Salt: A tiny amount that balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that infuses every bite with rich, nutty goodness—use your favorite brand!
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and a subtle, luxurious tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right and adds that golden crust.
Brown sugar: Lends a hint of caramel flavor for depth and extra softness.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, ensuring a moist loaf that holds together perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a cozy, sweet aroma.
Milk: Keeps the bread moist and blends all the ingredients smoothly—for best results, use whole milk.
Your favorite jelly or jam (grape or strawberry work beautifully): Pick one you’d happily eat by the spoonful, since it creates those gorgeous, fruity swirls.

How to Make Peanut Butter Jelly Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you want it ready and waiting. Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or, for easiest cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread comes out smoothly and keeps the beautiful swirl intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Giving these a good stir ensures your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread bakes evenly and rises just the way it should.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and light. This step is key for creating that tender crumb you’ll crave in every slice.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle flavor warmth that makes Peanut Butter Jelly Bread sing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry—With Milk!

Now, gently add the dry mixture to the wet base in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until blended. Don’t overmix! This step ensures your bread bakes up soft and light, never dense.

Step 6: Swirl the Jelly

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Dollop spoonfuls of your chosen jelly or jam across the surface, then grab a knife and gently swirl it in. Pour the remaining batter on top and level it out—don’t worry about being fussy, just let the magic happen!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the loaf for 50 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean (a little jelly is okay!). Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely for perfect slicing.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Jelly Bread

Garnishes

Brighten up each slice with a shower of chopped roasted peanuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of warm peanut butter on top. For a berry burst, add fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of extra jam alongside each serving.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot mug of coffee, or even a tangy Greek yogurt. For brunch, set it beside fresh fruit or a light green salad for a sweet-and-savory combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread into a playful dessert by warming slices and topping with vanilla ice cream. Or, serve it toasted with an extra swipe of creamy peanut butter and a sprinkle of sea salt to really elevate that nostalgia factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Peanut Butter Jelly Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

The bread freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic and foil, then stash in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a tasty grab-and-go option.

Reheating

For best results, warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave until just heated through. This revives the bread’s soft texture and brings the peanut butter aroma right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a satisfying texture and little bits of peanut throughout your Peanut Butter Jelly Bread for extra fun in every bite.

What’s the best type Breakfast, Snack

Any thick jelly or jam works well, but grape or strawberry are classic picks. Just make sure your jelly isn’t too runny so the beautiful swirls stay intact during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check the texture and adjust as needed for a great crumb.

Do I need a mixer or can I make it by hand?

You can absolutely make this by hand using a sturdy whisk and spatula—while a mixer makes creaming the butters and sugars quicker, a little elbow grease gets the job done just as well!

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with only a bit of jelly sticking (but no raw batter). Keep an eye on it around the 50-minute mark, as ovens can differ.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Peanut Butter Jelly Bread, you’re in for a real treat! With its dreamy swirl, comforting flavors, and total ease, this is one recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Share a slice with family, friends, or just treat yourself—because you deserve to enjoy the simple, sweet pleasure of Peanut Butter Jelly Bread made fresh in your own kitchen.

Peanut Butter Jelly Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly in a delightful bread form with this easy-to-follow recipe for Peanut Butter Jelly Bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk

Additional:

1/2 cup your favorite jelly or jam (such as grape or strawberry)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Prepare wet mixture: Beat peanut butter, softened butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
Combine ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Layer batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, add spoonfuls of jelly, swirl, then top with remaining batter.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.