Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe You’ll Love

Short Description

Indulge in the nostalgic delight of Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars—a classic treat that combines a chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base, a luscious layer of creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, these bars are a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you back to cherished school cafeteria memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Appeal: Reminiscent of beloved school cafeteria desserts, these bars evoke a sense of nostalgia while delivering timeless flavor.
• Perfect Flavor Harmony: The combination of a chewy oatmeal base, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate frosting creates a balanced and indulgent treat.
• Ideal for Gatherings: Whether for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a homemade gift, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy a crowd.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well, making them a convenient option for preparing in advance.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Bars:

• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• vanilla extract
• eggs
• creamy peanut butter
• old-fashioned oats
• all-purpose flour
• baking soda
• salt

For the Filling:

• creamy peanut butter

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• unsalted butter
• powdered sugar
• milk
• cocoa powder
• vanilla extract
• salt

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well to combine. Incorporate the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a cohesive dough.
4. Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a uniform thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake to maintain a chewy texture.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer: While the bars are still warm, melt the additional creamy peanut butter until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Gently spread this melted peanut butter over the warm bars, creating an even layer. Allow the bars to cool completely; placing them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes can expedite this process.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely and the peanut butter layer has set, evenly spread the chocolate frosting over the top.
8. Serve: Cut the bars into squares of your preferred size and serve.

Variations

• Alternative Nut Butters: Substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting: For an extra layer of flavor, mix some peanut butter into the chocolate frosting before spreading it over the bars.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Serving Size: Yields about 24 bars

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them.
• Freezing: To freeze, cut the bars into individual portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, wrap each bar in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, remove the plastic wrap and allow the bars to thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of oats should I use for this recipe?

Old-fashioned oats are recommended for a chewier texture, but quick oats can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, as natural peanut butter can separate and may affect the texture of the bars.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?

Be careful not to overbake the bars. Baking until a toothpick comes out clean ensures they remain moist and chewy.

Is it necessary to add the middle peanut butter layer?

While traditional

Print