Nutella Peanut Butter Bars

I adapted the peanut butter and jelly bars recipe from Barefoot Contessa to make these tasty Nutella Peanut Butter Bars. Rich and buttery, they will satisfy any craving for sweets you might have! I made half the dish with blackberry jam, and the other half with Nutella - both were amazing. The Nutella bars were a little richer, and the jam side had a slightly lighter and fruity taste. My girlfriend and I couldn't decide which flavor we preferred, so you try them and let me know if you prefer a jam or Nutella filling!

Nutella (Jam) Peanut Butter Bars
1/2 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 egg, at room temperature
1 c. peanut butter (I used creamy, but crunchy would be fine)
1 1/2 c. flour, plus more for dusting the pan
1/2  tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 c. jam or Nutella (or a little of both!)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease and flour an 8x8 baking dish.

2. In an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar. Mix for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.

3. Add the vanilla, egg and peanut butter; mix well.

4. In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to the peanut butter mixture.

5. Spread 2/3 of the mix in the pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Spread the Nutella/jam over the dough. (If using Nutella, be sure the layer is thick - it tastes better than a thin layer!) Drop the remaining 1/3 of the dough over the topping. Don't worry about spreading it evenly, it will smooth out when it cooks.

6. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting. Warning: cut into small servings because they are definitely rich!

Enjoy!