Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a nostalgic, irresistible treat combining a chewy peanut butter oatmeal base with a luscious peanut butter drizzle and rich chocolate frosting. These bars are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or anytime you need a sweet boost.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
• 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (282g)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a half-sheet baking sheet (13″x18″) with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is creamy and light in color. Add the eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then beat again, scraping the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.
3. Step 3: Mix in the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is barely set. Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
5. Step 5: While still warm, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter evenly over the baked bars and spread with a spatula or knife. Let cool completely; refrigerate to speed up if desired.
6. Step 6: To make the chocolate frosting, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in the dough or drizzle.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
• Use a glass baking dish if you do not have a half-sheet pan; adjust baking time slightly and watch for doneness.
• To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but since it is usually thinner and oilier, you may want to chill the melted peanut butter drizzle slightly before spreading to prevent it from soaking into the bars.

What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and allow the bars and frosting to cool completely and set before cutting. Wiping the knife clean between cuts will help achieve neat edges.

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars combine a rich, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base with a luscious peanut butter drizzle and a smooth chocolate frosting, creating an irresistible treat perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Base

• 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
• 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (282g)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Frosting

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a half-sheet baking sheet, approximately 13″x18″, with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until creamy and light in color. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating while scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
4. Bake the Base: Bake the cookie base in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is just barely set. Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars chewy.
5. Apply Peanut Butter Drizzle: While the cookie base is still warm, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top of the baked bars and spread it evenly with a spatula or knife. Let it cool completely until the peanut butter firms up; this process can be accelerated by placing the bars in the refrigerator.
6. Make the Chocolate Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Frost and Serve: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Once frosted, cut the bars into squares and serve.

Notes

• Be careful not to overbake the cookie base to keep the bars chewy and moist.
• Using old-fashioned oats gives the bars a better texture than quick oats.
• If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
• Chilling the bars after adding the peanut butter drizzle helps speed up the setting process for easier frosting.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter bars, lunch lady bars, peanut butter dessert, chocolate frosting bars, oatmeal cookie bars