Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free)
- 2-4 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 2-4 tablespoons jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons butter (for spreading on bread first)
- Optional: banana slices, honey drizzle, or cinnamon
Instructions
- Toast the Bread – Place bread slices in toaster, toaster oven, or under broiler. Toast until golden brown and lightly crispy, about 2-3 minutes depending on your method and desired darkness. For oven toasting, use 375°F for 3-4 minutes per side. The bread should be golden with a slight crunch but not burnt or too dark. You want it crispy enough to provide satisfying crunch but not so hard it’s difficult to bite.
- Optional Butter Layer – If using butter, spread a thin layer on the hot toast immediately after toasting (the residual heat will melt it slightly). This step is completely optional but adds extra richness and flavor. Many families have strong opinions about whether to butter first – it’s a personal preference!
- Spread the Peanut Butter – While the toast is still warm (this is important!), generously spread peanut butter over each slice. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per piece of toast, or more if you’re feeling indulgent! Spread all the way to the edges for even flavor in every bite. The warmth from the toast will make the peanut butter slightly melty and easier to spread. If using natural peanut butter that separated, stir it well first!
- Add the Jelly – Spread jelly or jam over the peanut butter layer. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per toast, spreading evenly. You can spread it completely over the peanut butter, or leave some peanut butter visible around the edges for a pretty contrast. Some people like to create a “jelly stripe” down the middle instead of full coverage – totally up to you!
- Add Optional Toppings – If desired, now is the time to add fun extras: sliced bananas arranged in rows, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few chocolate chips (they’ll melt slightly from the warm toast), or fresh strawberry slices. Get creative!
- Slice and Serve – For easier eating, you can cut each toast in half diagonally or into strips (especially great for kids!). Transfer to a plate and serve immediately while the toast is still warm. These are best eaten within 10 minutes while the toast is crispy and the peanut butter is slightly melty.
- Enjoy – Eat with your hands like toast, or use a fork and knife if you’ve added lots of toppings. The combination of warm, crispy bread with creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly is pure comfort food perfection!
Notes
- Peanut Butter Types: Creamy spreads easiest; crunchy adds texture; natural is healthiest but can be harder to spread.
- Temperature Matters: Spreading peanut butter on warm toast makes it easier and slightly melty – don’t skip the toasting!
- Jelly vs. Jam: Jelly is smoother; jam has fruit pieces. Both work perfectly!
- Allergy Alternatives: Use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or soy nut butter for peanut allergies.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan bread and skip the optional butter (or use vegan butter).
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but components store separately for easy assembly later.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts with toppings
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg