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 peanut butter and jelly 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.

How do you upgrade a peanut butter sandwich? ›

Instead of jelly, add fresh banana slices to your peanut butter sandwich. If you want to be like Elvis, grill both sides of your sandwich on a skillet in a bit of butter. You can also even add a few slices of bacon!

What does PB&J do to your body? ›

Health Benefits

Contains Fiber And Protein: GOOD GOOD® Peanut Butters contain added prebiotic fiber by adding natural chicory root. The combination of whole grain bread and peanut butter ensures your PB&J sandwich is rich in both fiber and protein, promoting digestive health and muscle maintenance.

What age can kids have peanut butter and jelly? ›

Most babies can be introduced to peanut products around 6 months of age when they start solids. This includes peanut butter, powdered peanut butter, and peanut butter puffs. (Whole peanuts or peanut pieces are considered choking hazards until about age 3 or 4 years.)

Can a 15 month old eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends introducing peanut butter to your baby only after other solid foods have been fed to them safely, without any symptoms of allergies. This can happen between 6 and 8 months of age.

What is the best jelly for PB&J? ›

In this article, we'll explore why grape jelly is considered the best jelly for PB&J sandwiches and delve into the reasons why GOOD GOOD's Concord sugar free grape jelly stands out as the best grape jelly for this beloved culinary duo.

What enhances peanut butter flavor? ›

You can further augment the gustatory potential of the peanut butter by using both vanilla extract and almond extract in your dough—just a splash of the latter is enough to boost your cookies' nuttiness (while remaining subtle enough that no one will cotton onto the presence of drupe essence in your legume dessert).

Is peanut butter and jelly good for teeth? ›

Because of the sticky texture, peanut butter can adhere to teeth, giving the sugar extra time to do damage. Add jelly, which is also sticky and filled with sugar, and the problem multiplies. Spread both on white bread and it becomes even worse, as the texture of the bread helps the sugars stay on teeth even longer.

Can an 11 month old have PBJ? ›

Talk to your doctor, but it is likely safe to introduce peanut products around the 6 month mark. They have no signs of eczema or food allergies. Offer peanut products soon after starting solids as you introduce all sorts of other foods.

Can a 14 year old eat peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter is a kid-friendly, nutritious food if eaten in moderation. Most kids love peanut butter. It is versatile and can go with many types of foods, such as apples, celery, crackers and bread. Peanut butter is high in fat, but it is monounsaturated fat that is considered heart healthy.

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

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.

How do you dress a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

You can also add crunch elements like coconut flakes, granola, or chia seeds. If you're feeling adventurous, try the popular bacon-peanut butter combo, or try Elvis's famous peanut butter, bacon, and banana combination. Love Peanut Butter and want to look beyond the peanut butter and jelly sandwich??

How to elevate pb and j reddit? ›

If I'm craving something more savory then I'll add bacon or even better, candied bacon. Use fruit preserves with like whole chunks of fruit, and add a variety of chopped up nuts on top of your peanut butter. Add brownies, then heat in pan with butter as of you were making a grilled cheese, amazing.

What flavor is best for PBJ? ›

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.

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