Description
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a deliciously rich and chewy treat combining a peanut butter oatmeal cookie base topped with melted peanut butter and a smooth chocolate frosting. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with the nostalgic taste reminiscent of classic school lunch desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Oatmeal 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a half-sheet baking sheet (13″x18″) with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of the peanut butter together until the mixture is creamy and light in texture. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat again while scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. 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.
- Bake the Base: Bake the dough for 15-17 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is barely set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a chewy texture.
- Apply Melted Peanut Butter Layer: While the base is still hot, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter evenly over the top of the warm bars and spread it into a smooth, even layer with a spatula or knife. Let the bars cool completely until the peanut butter firms up. To speed this up, refrigerate the bars.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Once frosted, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overbake the base to keep the bars chewy and soft.
- Melt the peanut butter carefully to prevent burning; microwaving in short intervals is recommended if needed.
- The chocolate frosting should be spread only after the peanut butter layer has completely firmed to avoid mixing layers.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, though flavor and texture will vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Oatmeal Cookie Bars, Chocolate Frosted Bars, School Lunch Dessert, Peanut Butter Dessert, American Dessert
