15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

Looking for a little variety in the routine that the kids will actually still eat? Try these twists on an old favorite

If you’ve got a picky eater, there’s one thing you can almost guarantee they’ll eat—a PB&J. It might not be the most exciting combo in the world, but the good news is, there are a bunch of inventive recipes with peanut butter and jelly out there to help you kick it up a notch. To keep things fresh, we’ve found 15 ways to enjoy this classic treat for breakfast, snacks, and dessert.

Breakfast Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

This recipe brings two classics together in the most perfect way. The only problem will be having to stop yourself from making it every Sunday.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffles

What we love about this breakfast idea is that you can absolutely use frozen waffles. Top them with peanut butter, honey, banana, raisins, or jelly.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Swirl Bread

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As much as we'd like to have a sit-down breakfast every morning, sometimes we just have to grub on the go. That's where this tasty breakfast bread from Cook Nourish Blisscomes in super handy—no messy knives and no sticky fingers, just a hearty slice of heaven to start your day. A word of warning: do NOT try and toast this bread, it will make quite a mess!

PB& J Pancake Sandwiches

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Using pancakes instead of bread? Why not? Before you go thinking you're spoiling your little jelly monsters, take a look at this recipe from Weelicious—it's healthy! We're pretty sure you won't hear many complaints, as your kids will be too busy snacking on their new favorite way to eat PB&Js.

Related:23 Easy-to-Prep School Lunch Ideas for Kids

Snack & Lunch Recipes with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites

These energy bites could work as a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack. Full of protein and flavor, they take 15 minutes to make. Get the recipe from Favorite Family Recipes.

PB&J Pizza

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Our kids are already big fans of the cheesy variety, so we're pretty confident that they'll be beside themselves when they hear you're making them Nicole'sspecialPB&J pizza for snack. They'll be even more excited when you let them pick a topping or two—banana slices for pepperoni, coconut flakes for shredded cheese, get creative! Major style points if you can pipe the jelly out onto the pizza like this.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi

How do you make a sandwich even more finger food-y? Roll it up and cut it into sushi rolls. These would be great for feeding a bunch of little rugrats, as they could just pop a few of these in their mouths. We love Brit + Co.‘s idea of topping them with fresh fruit to compliment the flavors of the jelly.

Peanut Butter Quesadillas with Jelly Dipping Sauce

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This PB&J from Home Cooking Memories goes south of the border. Reducing the jelly down to a sauce makes a sweet, syrupy mixture that is great for dunking. Another great snack choice for multiple hungry mouths, whip up a few of these and lay them out for an afternoon snack.

Dessert PB&J Kids Will Love

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake

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Sounds good, looks good, tastes great. ThisChocolate-Covered Katierecipe uses a mixture of milk and vanilla extract instead of ice cream, so it's at least a little healthier for you. Adding in frozen berries for jelly also makes this shake extra smooth without the extra guilt. Best enjoyed with a crazy straw.

Dark Chocolate Dreams Sandwich

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After this treat, you may never want to sink your teeth into plain ole PB&J again! Peanut Butter & Co.'s Dark Chocolately Dreams spread, preserves and coconut is all it takes to make the sandwich of your dreams a reality.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

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Sweet and savory is a classic flavor combo, and no two things bring together these tastes like peanut butter and jelly. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jessica of How Sweet It Is thought to create a PB&J-inspired dessert. Using whole wheat flour makes this cake a little more healthy, so you don't have to feel guilty about eating it for dessert...and next morning's breakfast.

PB&J Pops

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How many licks does it take to get to the center of a PB&J pop? We're not sure, but we know of a few little ones who wouldn't mind being our guinea pigs for this little experiment. Thanks to Catherine of Weelicious for another great PB&J recipe.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

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We love bite-sized desserts almost as much as our kids do. Plus, desserts always seem that much more adorable when they're just pop-able enough to warrant eating at least two or three. Jamie of My Baking Addiction makes these cupcakes with white cake in lieu of white bread, and have a hollowed-out center filled with sweet jelly, then topped with peanut butter frosting. Simplydecadent.

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15 Unique PB&J Recipes Kids Will Love (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my PB&J more interesting? ›

For a fresh take on the standard PB&J, try a Pita Pocket PB&J layered with the great taste of Jif Peanut Butter, Smucker's Jam, and fresh strawberries and bananas. Be creative! Swap out strawberries and strawberry jam for blueberries and blueberry jam, or raspberries and raspberry jam.

Is PBJ good for kids? ›

Peanut butter and jelly is a classic favorite among kids and adults. And, good news, UnityPoint Health Dietitian Tricia Leininger says it's an excellent snack or quick meal.

What does PB&J do to your body? ›

A PB&J has 15 grams of protein per serving, 13 grams of plant-based unsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber. That keeps you full and helps build muscle. Plus 12.5 grams of sugar provides the quick release of energy that athletes need.

What is the most popular jelly flavor for PB&J? ›

When it comes to the classic peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich, there's no doubt that grape jelly reigns supreme. Our research indicates that its sweet, fruity flavor perfectly complements the creamy richness of peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture that's hard to resist.

What does the J stand for in a PB&J sandwich? ›

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) consists of peanut butter and fruit preserves—jelly—spread on bread.

How to make peanut butter and jelly for toddlers? ›

Toddler PB + J:
  1. Spread one slice of bread with the peanut butter, then sprinkle it with the hemp hearts.
  2. Spread the Quick Frozen Fruit Jam onto the other slice of bread, then sandwich the two slices of bread together.
Jun 21, 2021

How to make a sandwich 5 steps for kids? ›

How to Make a Sandwich
  1. Gather all the ingredients you need for your sandwich. ...
  2. Take two slices of bread. ...
  3. On one or both slices of bread, spread your desired condiments. ...
  4. Add vegetables of your choice on one of the bread slices.
  5. Add your chosen meat if you want to have a non-vegetarian bite.
Nov 1, 2023

Can PBJ cause weight gain? ›

Overeating peanut butter may increase the number of calories and fat in someone's diet. If a person is eating more calories than they need, they may gain weight.

Can a 10 month old have PBJ? ›

Once your baby is older and ready for finger foods (usually around 8 to 10 months), you can spread a thin layer of peanut butter (or another nut butter) on toast, then cut the toast into bite-size pieces before serving it.

Is jam or jelly better for PBJ? ›

Lewis tells Yahoo Life there isn't any "scientific evidence to which type of jelly pairs best with peanut butter." Her "go-to is always strawberry jam or preserves," but she stresses this is only a matter of "personal preference."

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in 4 steps? ›

directions
  1. Spread the peanut butter on one piece of bread.
  2. Spread the jelly on the other side.
  3. Put the two pieces of bread together to form a sandwich.
  4. Toddler adaptation: cut off crusts before serving.

What goes well with peanut butter and jelly? ›

Jam: Strawberry jam works so well with peanut butter, but you could also use grape or raspberry if you prefer. Veggies: Add in some celery sticks and baby carrots for some vitamins and minerals. Snap peas or sliced bell peppers are great additions too. Dip: Add in a little ranch dip to dip the veggies in.

What is it called when peanut butter and jelly are in the same jar? ›

Goober PB&J Stripes combines the best of Smucker's all in one jar — fresh-roasted peanuts paired with Smucker's fruit spreads. Goober Grape®

What goes well with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

I love my PB&J sandwiches with pretzels, apple slices and an extra scoop of peanut butter on the side to dip my apples in. On one side of the PB&J sandwiches, I put healthy options like apple slices and celery with a small bowl of peanut butter to spread on them as well as some grapes, cheese crackers and potato chips.

What can I put on my PB&J instead of jelly? ›

Instead of jam or jelly, use honey butter, fresh fruit, or dried fruit. We love almond butter with fresh raspberries and peanut butter with golden raisins. Substitute one ingredient. Try another nut butter, such as sunflower, almond, or soy nut.

How to elevate PB and J on Reddit? ›

Simply adding a thin layer of high-quality butter to the inside of one of the slices does wonders. You can also simply make your own pullman loaf or jam, or change the vessel entirely by using something like a butter croissant, biscuit, bagel, etc.

What jelly goes best with peanut butter? ›

It's hard to resist the nostalgia of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with grape jelly, but overall more prefer strawberry. Samuel Campbell, owner of Indianapolis-based restaurant PB&J Factory sees this in action daily. "Grape is a classic flavor," admits Campbell.

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