Ingredients
Scale
Basic Recipe:
- 2 slices bread of your choice (white, whole wheat, multigrain, or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1-2 tablespoons jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite flavor)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ banana, sliced (for a classic upgrade)
- 2-3 fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Small handful of chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon granola
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out both slices of bread on a clean plate or cutting board. Have your peanut butter and jelly containers nearby with clean spreading utensils.
- Spread the Peanut Butter: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, scoop about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and spread it evenly over one slice of bread, covering all the way to the edges. Apply gentle, even pressure and work from the center outward to prevent tearing the bread. The edge-to-edge coverage is important—it creates a barrier that prevents jelly from soaking into the bread.
- Spread the Jelly: On the second slice of bread, spread 1-2 tablespoons of jelly or jam (adjust amount to your preference), again covering edge to edge. Use a clean knife to avoid getting peanut butter in your jelly jar! Spread evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add Optional Ingredients (If Using): If you’re adding banana slices, strawberries, or any other additions, layer them on top of the peanut butter at this point. Arrange them evenly so every bite gets some of the add-ins.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Carefully place the jelly-covered slice on top of the peanut butter slice, jelly side down, so the spreads are touching. Press down very gently to help them adhere together.
- Cut and Serve: If desired, cut the sandwich in half diagonally (for triangles) or straight down the middle (for rectangles). Some people prefer to cut it into quarters for easier eating, especially for young children. You can also cut off the crusts if preferred, though the crusts contain nutrients and fiber!
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve right away, or wrap in plastic wrap, parchment paper, or place in a sandwich container for later. The sandwich is best eaten within 4-6 hours of making for optimal texture.
Notes
- Preventing Soggy Bread: Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread first, creating a barrier, then add jelly in the center. This keeps jelly from soaking through!
- Room Temperature is Best: Peanut butter spreads much easier at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before using.
- Jelly Amount: Start with less jelly than you think you need. You can always add more, but too much makes the sandwich soggy and causes it to squish out when you bite into it.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan bread (most bread is naturally vegan, but check labels) and jelly (most jelly is vegan, but some brands use gelatin).
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, or Wow butter for peanut butter to make it safe for nut allergies.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg