This article is in honor of our upcoming Spread the Love Event, where we ask those participating to donate peanut butter and jelly for those facing food insecurity. Peanut butter and jelly are great for long-term storage, and some of the most requested items at food banks! 

Whether you are getting PB&J from a food bank, buying some to donate, or have some in your pantry these are all fun recipes that you can try! While you can always make a classic PB&J, here are some of the best recipes that go beyond a typical PB&J sandwich. 

Grilled PB&J

Here is a classic PB&J with a crunchy twist! Not only does this recipe only require four ingredients, but the amount of each ingredient is also up completely up to you, below is just a guideline! ​​​​​

Recipe

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 slices white bread
  • 1 teaspoon peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons any flavor fruit jelly


For the Full Recipe Head to All Recipes Blog

 
PB&J French Toast

This recipe is a bit closer to the PB & J sandwich we all know and love, however, this one has a fun twist that makes it into the perfect breakfast food! This recipe is beyond simple and makes a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a warm, buttery, and delicious comfort meal!

Recipe
For French Toast:

  • 2 slices French Bread or bread of your choice
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • pinch cinnamon
  • pinch brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. butter

For Sandwich:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Strawberry Jelly
  • Powdered Sugar (optional)
  • Syrup (optional)

 

For the full recipe head to the Macaroni & Cheesecake blog

PB&J Smoothie

This smoothie is so quick and easy to make for those busy mornings. It would also make for a great pre-workout shake due to the protein in peanut butter!

Recipe

  • 1 medium banana
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (I use unsweetened) (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (I like creamy natural-style + more for topping if desired)
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes


For the Full Recipe head to Dexoinista Blog

 
Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut 

Peanut butter and jelly seems to be meant for breakfast food! This recipe takes a fun twist on a jelly stuffed donut with the addition of peanut butter! For the perfect sweet treat check out this peanut butter and jelly donut recipe! 

Recipe
For The Donuts:

  • 1 ½cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • donut pan

For The Jelly Part:

  • 2/3 cup jam or jelly

For The Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ¾–1 cup powdered sugar (begin with 3/4 and use more as needed)


For the full recipe head to Broma

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars 

Peanut butter and jelly bars are the type of dessert that can be eaten at any time, even for breakfast! With its limited ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this is the perfect recipe for those that are just starting to get into baking!

Recipe

  • ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature and more for greasing the pan
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy (18 ounces)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1½ cups raspberry jam or other jam (18 ounces)
  • 2/3 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

 

For the full recipe check out the Barefoot Contessa

PB&J Overnight Oats

Regular old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can get old after a while, that is why you have to switch up what form you eat them in! Try out this healthy and delicious option of PB&J overnight oats! Overnight oats are the perfect meal prep option for those that have busy mornings! Just combine all the ingredients below stir and enjoy in the morning!

Recipe

  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup of old fashion oatmeal (Depends on how hungry you think you’ll be)
  • 3/4 -1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (Less if you want it thicker)
  • 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
  • sprinkle of cinnamon
  • A large scoop of chunky peanut butter
  • A spoonful of jelly

 

For the full recipe head to the blog of Rachel Mansfield

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

Do you have a special occasion coming up, and have extra peanut butter and jelly in your pantry? If so this is the cake for you! It is a peanut butter cake with a sweet strawberry jam filling, with a peanut butter buttercream.

Recipe
For the Peanut Butter Cake:

  • 2 ¼ cup cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

 

For the Full Recipe head to The Cake Blog

 
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

For a fun twist on a household, favorite try these classic peanut butter cookies with a gooey jam center!

Recipe

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp. Milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grape jelly
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

 

For the Full Recipe head to Pip & Ebby

These recipes make a great sweet treat for breakfast or dessert! Additionally, the Spread the Love Food Drive will give peanut butter and jelly to food-insecure families so consider spreading the love to your local food bank or hosting your own! If you don't want to host your own food drive consider making a donation!