Peanut Butter and Jelly Crumble Bars

This post is sponsored by the National Watermelon Board.

PBJ Crumble Bars with Watermelon Chia Jam

These PBJ Crumble Bars are a wholesome, playful twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly combination. Made with homemade watermelon chia jam, creamy peanut butter, and a hearty oat crumble, they are sweet, satisfying, and perfect for an after-school snack, a lunchbox treat, or a simple dessert to share at your next gathering.

If you love crumble bars, this version brings something fresh to the table. Instead of using a traditional jar of jam, the filling is made with watermelon rind, strawberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and chia seeds. The result is a lightly sweet, fruit-forward jam that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and a golden whole grain crust.

Watermelon jam may sound unexpected at first, but it works surprisingly well. The rind softens as it cooks, the strawberries add familiar berry flavor, and the chia seeds help thicken the mixture naturally. It is a smart way to use more of the watermelon and create a unique filling for these peanut butter and jelly crumble bars.

There is always something special about the flavors of summer. Even when cooler days are around the corner, fresh watermelon is one of those ingredients worth enjoying as long as possible. This watermelon chia jam is a delicious way to hold onto that bright, juicy flavor while turning it into something cozy enough for baking.

Why Make Watermelon Chia Jam?

Watermelon is often best enjoyed fresh, especially on a hot day, but the rind has more uses than many people realize. Instead of throwing it away, it can be cooked down and used in recipes like this jam. Once diced and simmered with strawberries, the rind becomes tender and blends into a spoonable fruit spread.

Can You Eat Watermelon Rind?

Yes, watermelon rind is edible. It can be used in a variety of kitchen preparations, including pickled recipes and homemade jams. In this PBJ crumble bar recipe, the rind is cooked slowly until soft, then mashed with strawberries to create a jam-like texture. Lemon juice adds brightness, maple syrup adds sweetness, and chia seeds help the mixture thicken as it chills.

Making jam at home also gives you more control over the sweetness. This recipe uses only a small amount of pure maple syrup, allowing the fruit flavor to stay front and center. The chia seeds give the jam body while also adding fiber and omega-3s. Watermelon rind is also a source of the amino acid L-citrulline, which is used by the body to produce nitric oxide, a compound involved in blood vessel relaxation and blood flow.

The finished jam is layered over melted peanut butter and tucked between a simple oat crumble crust. The base is made with white whole wheat flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla. It bakes into a tender, lightly crisp bar with a sweet and nutty filling in every bite.

These bars are easy to assemble. First, prepare the watermelon chia jam and allow it to thicken in the refrigerator. Then mix the crumble dough, press most of it into the baking pan, add a layer of melted peanut butter, spread the jam on top, and finish with the remaining crumble. After about 30 minutes in the oven, the crust turns golden and the filling becomes warm and delicious.

For the cleanest slices, let the bars cool before cutting. They are rich enough for dessert but simple enough to serve as a homemade snack. If you enjoy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, this baked version is a fun recipe to try.

If you are a peanut butter and jelly fan, these PBJ Crumble Bars with Watermelon Chia Jam deserve a spot on your baking list.

Watch How to Make Watermelon Chia Jam and PBJ Crumble Bars