Delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Snack!
Delicious peanut butter cups are swirled with strawberry fruit spread and topped with crunchy peanuts for the perfect snack!
As the holiday season fades into a cherished memory, the familiar rhythm of daily life quickly returns. For many families, this means the hustle and bustle of school mornings: waking sleepy heads, ensuring everyone’s dressed, and the crucial step of brushing teeth before rushing out the door. For me, with my kids officially back in school, it also signifies the return to a creative challenge I genuinely enjoy: crafting exciting and nutritious school lunches.
It’s all too easy to fall into a monotonous routine with lunchbox fillings. Sandwiches, fruit, a bag of chips – while convenient, they can quickly become uninspiring. My daughter, bless her honesty, is never shy about expressing when she’s grown tired of the same old options. This feedback is a wonderful catalyst for innovation in our kitchen, pushing us to explore new and delightful culinary adventures.
Over the recent Christmas break, we embarked on one such adventure, transforming classic favorites into something truly special. Armed with the creamy goodness of Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter and the vibrant sweetness of Smucker’s® Strawberry Fruit Spread, we created these absolutely incredible No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups. They’re a game-changer for lunchboxes and a fantastic treat anytime!
My daughter, like many kids, isn’t a huge fan of bread. However, her love for the iconic combination of peanut butter and jelly is undeniable. So, when the idea for these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups first sparked, I knew immediately they would be a hit with her. This ingenious twist on a timeless classic delivers all the beloved flavors without the bread, making it a perfect solution for picky eaters or simply for adding variety to meal prep.
Our journey to deliciousness began with a quick trip to our local Meijer store to gather all the necessary ingredients. Stocking up on our trusted Jif® Peanut Butter and Smucker’s® Fruit Spread, we headed straight to the kitchen, eager to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. The excitement in the air was palpable, especially knowing how simple and fun this recipe would be.
One of my greatest joys is getting the kids involved in the kitchen. Not only does it teach them valuable life skills, but it also sparks their creativity and fosters a healthier relationship with food. These easy, no-bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are absolutely perfect for little hands. There’s no oven involved, and the steps are straightforward enough for even young chefs to participate in melting, stirring, and swirling. It’s a wonderful activity that results in a tasty reward!
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are incredibly versatile. They’re not just excellent for enhancing school lunches, providing a fun and flavorful surprise that breaks the monotony, but they also serve as a fantastic afternoon snack to re-energize after school. And let’s be honest, they’re so irresistibly good that even the adults in our household can’t resist them. I may or may not have “snuck” a few myself – they’re truly a treat for all ages!
In our home, we are true peanut butter fanatics. However, it’s not just any peanut butter that makes the cut; it absolutely has to be Jif® Peanut Butter. It’s a brand that has been trusted by families for generations, and for good reason! Its consistent quality, rich flavor, and smooth texture are simply unparalleled. Who am I to argue with such a beloved and reliable staple?
Jif® is renowned for its irresistibly creamy texture and that authentic, fresh-roasted peanut taste that’s simply perfect. It’s the ideal foundation for classic sandwiches, a delightful topping for crackers, and, of course, the star ingredient in these delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups. Its distinct flavor profile truly elevates any dish it’s part of, making it a household favorite we always keep on hand.
And let’s not forget the essential partner in this dynamic duo: Smucker’s® Fruit Spreads. For this specific recipe, we chose their classic Strawberry spread, crafted with only the highest quality, hand-picked strawberries, ensuring a burst of authentic fruit flavor in every bite. While strawberry is a family favorite, any of Smucker’s® diverse range of fruit flavors would be equally delicious, offering endless possibilities for customization.
Thinking ahead to our next batch, which I anticipate will be very soon given how quickly these disappear, I’m already envisioning new flavor combinations. Raspberry spread promises a tart, vibrant twist, while cherry could offer a deliciously sweet and slightly sophisticated note. The beauty of these cups lies in their adaptability, allowing for endless creativity with different fruit spreads and toppings.
The combination of Jif® and Smucker’s® spreads is more than just a pairing; it’s a culinary match made in heaven. Their complementary flavors and textures create a truly exceptional taste experience that is undeniably better together. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these fantastic Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups today! You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t wait another minute to make these delicious, easy, no-bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups and share them with loved ones!
Print Recipe
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups
Prep Time
Chill Time
Total Time
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 8 servings
These delightful no-bake peanut butter and jelly cups are swirled with sweet strawberry fruit spread and crowned with crunchy peanuts for an irresistible treat. Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup Smucker’s® Fruit Spread (strawberry recommended)
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water
- Chopped peanuts (for topping)
- Crushed freeze-dried fruit, optional (for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and melted coconut oil. Stir until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Prepare a muffin tin with 8 paper or silicone liners. Carefully pour approximately 3 tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of each liner, creating the base for your cups.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the Smucker’s® Fruit Spread. Gradually stir in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water until the spread thins out slightly and becomes easily pourable. (Note: I found that using all 3 tablespoons of water worked best for achieving the desired consistency.)
- Gently dollop the thinned fruit spread on top of the peanut butter base in each muffin liner. Use a small knife, toothpick, or skewer to swirl the fruit spread into the peanut butter layer, creating an appealing marbled effect.
- If desired, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped peanuts and/or crushed freeze-dried fruit over the top of each cup for added texture and flavor.
- Carefully transfer the muffin tin to the freezer and chill for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are completely firm. Once solid, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer enjoyment.
Courses Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
If you’re still navigating the daily challenge of finding exciting lunch and snack time solutions for your family, consider adding a box of Jif Power Ups® Snacks to your pantry. These convenient and delicious snacks are perfect for busy families on the go. They’re portable, made with ingredients you can feel good about feeding your kids, and most importantly, they’re packed with flavors your little ones will absolutely love. They offer a wholesome alternative when time is short but quality is still a priority.
For those eager to dive even deeper into the world of creative peanut butter and jelly combinations, be sure to explore the #CraftPBJCreations page. This invaluable resource offers a wealth of inspiration, practical tips, and innovative recipes, all centered around the irresistible duo of Jif® Peanut Butter and Smucker’s® Fruit Spread. Discover new ways to enjoy these classic staples and elevate your snack game!
Still hungry for more delicious inspiration and easy recipes?
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for daily doses of deliciousness, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging foodie content!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later and share with friends!
Subscribe to our Newsletter! Sign up today for easy and delicious recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive content delivered weekly straight to your inbox!
