This Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Recipe Is the Ultimate Crispy + Gooey Treat
Doing this simple step keeps the PB&J filling from oozing out as it's frying
The peanut butter and jelly of our childhood just got a whole lot crunchier! See, frying this sandwich is the surprise step that toasts the bread and warms up the nutty-fruity filling. All it takes is dipping an assembled PB&J in batter and deep-frying it until it’s golden brown. This creates a sweet sandwich with a crispy exterior and gooey interior. You can even customize this sandwich by using artisan bread or a gourmet fruit spread to make it extra special. Keep reading for a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe that turns the lunchtime staple into an irresistible sweet treat!
The basics of peanut butter and jelly
Two slices of bread, a smear of peanut butter and a scoop of jelly is all you need to make this beloved sandwich. This trio of ingredients never fails to produce a sweet, nutty and fruity sandwich. But, if you want to add a texture boost then frying this treat is the way to go.
Why frying this sandwich makes it more delicious
While frying this sandwich may sound odd, it actually turns it into an indulgent snack. The outside boasts a crispy battered crust that holds in the ooey-gooey center. This method also ensures that the bread doesn’t become soggy as you’re eating each half. While the batter encases the sandwich, doing an additional step before frying it prevents the peanut butter and jelly from oozing out.
Chef’s trick for keeping the filling inside of the sandwich
As the sandwich fries, the filling heats up and becomes more liquidy. This can cause the spreads to spill out, but Chef Vadim Rachok says you can avoid this by crimping the edges of the sandwich. “It helps seal the jelly and peanut butter inside,” he notes. Simply spread a layer layer of peanut butter onto one bread slice and jelly on the other. Avoid pushing each ingredient to the very corners of the bread. Then, place one slice (spread side down) on top of the other and gently press the edges to form a seal. The prepared sandwich is now ready to dip into batter and fry to golden brown perfection.
How to make a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich
This Deep Fried PB&J Sandwich recipe comes from the chefs at Wonder Bread. It yields two sandwiches, though you can double or triple the measurements for a larger crowd. Additionally, the video below includes steps for making white chocolate ganache as an optional dipping sauce for the sandwich. (Savor another classic sandwich with these delicious Fluffernutter recipes.)
Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 slices regular white bread
- ½ cup jelly, any flavor
- ½ cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ to ¾ cup milk
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
- Yield: 2 fried sandwiches
- Assemble 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as usual.
- In bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add ½ cup milk and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth batter forms. If necessary, whisk in more milk to create dippable consistency.
- Heat 3 inches of in deep pot oil to 325°F.
- Making sure all sandwiches are tightly closed, dip 1 sandwich at a time into batter, coating completely. Using tongs, submerge sandwich in oil and fry, about 2 to 2 ½ minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Dusting of powdered sugar over the sandwiches before serving. Enjoy!
5 ways to customize a fried PB&J sandwich
For your best-ever fried PB&J sandwich, try any of these five simple tweaks.
1. Swap white bread for an artisan variety.
Opt for slices of rich brioche, crusty Italian loaf or buttery Challah rather than standard butter.
2. Go for almond or cashew butter instead of peanut.
Nut butters like cashew and almond provide the sandwich with an extra layer of sweetness.
3. Use a unique berry spread.
Instead of grape jelly, use strawberry or raspberry preserves. Even better, a specialty spread like this Blueberry Lavender Jam is the perfect fruity and floral addition to the treat.
4. Add sliced strawberries or bananas inside.
Placing a thin layer of sliced bananas or strawberries in the sandwich adds natural sweetness and a slight tartness.
5. Cook it in the air fryer.
Make a lighter version of the snack by following this 5-minute Air Fryer Peanut Butter and Jelly recipe.
Continue reading for more mouthwatering fried recipes!
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