Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF degrees. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl beat together the peanut butter, sugar, and butter until smooth. Add the egg, beat until well blended. Beat in the vanilla.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir with a whisk. Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stir just until blended.

Step 4

Press 2/3 of the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the jelly evenly over the batter. Crumble the remaining batter evenly over the jam and sprinkle with peanuts.

Step 5

Bake for 30-35 minutes until bars are golden brown on top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift the bars out of the pan by the foil overhang. Cut into squares.