PBJ Bars, Take 2

A while back (like almost a year ago) I posted about these PBJ bars. I was a little underwhelmed by them but decided to share them with the internet anyways - cooking is all about experimentation, right? I baked a lot for my co-workers this week to thank them for a wonderful fieldwork experience and these bars were a huge hit. Nothing like turning the world's greatest sandwich into a dessert, eh? I'm already feeling the need to make them again...

PBJ Bars (makes one 8x12 pan)

For the bars:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 Tbls. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup peanut butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
1 1/2 cups jelly (any kind)

For the crumble topping:
1 cup oats
1/4 cup PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl mix the sugars, oil, peanut butter, vanilla, and softened butter.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix thoroughly. Spread into a greased 8x12 pan (10x7, 9x13, use what you've got) and make for 10 minutes.

While the bottom later is baking cut the cold butter into small chunks. In a small bowl mix together all of the topping ingredients with your hands until the mixture resembles large crumbs.

When the bottom layer is done, spread the jelly in an even layer on top. Depending on the consistency you may need to run it through the blender to get it more spread-able.

Then crumble on the topping in an even layer.

Ugh. Bad picture. Sorry.

Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into bars.