Two goals from Ben Watson helped Palace to a third straight win and left Barnsley stuck in the bottom three.
Watson opened the scoring from the penalty spot after keeper Heinz Muller upended Victor Moses.
And on the hour mark, the midfielder arrived late in the penalty area to convert Nick Carle's cut-back.
Clint Hill saw a fierce shot well saved by Muller but the Barnsley defence was caught napping again as sub Shefki Kuqi burst through and lobbed the third.
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock: "The three forwards were superb and without their movement Ben couldn't do what he has been doing.
"Ben is a top-class player at any level and the front three playing well has given him a new lease of life.
"We have been saying he can score goals if he believes in himself. It was good to see him get a couple today."
Barnsley manager Simon Davey: "Two goals came from the goalkeeper's kick, which was disappointing, but we were out-fought and out-played and that was not acceptable.
"Not much went for us in their penalty box but I'm not going to complain - we were beaten by a better side.
"We had a lot of possession and created chances but never put them away and our passing wasn't as it should have been."
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