If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, nostalgic treat that brings back memories of school lunchrooms and warm smiles, the Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine the chewy goodness of peanut butter cookies with a luscious chocolate frosting, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just to brighten your afternoon, these bars are a delightful indulgence you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these bars lies in their straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build up layers of flavor and texture. From creamy peanut butter to rolled oats, everything plays a crucial role in achieving that chewy, rich base and silky frosting.
- Unsalted butter: Provides creaminess and a tender crumb to the cookie base and frosting.
- Creamy peanut butter: Used twice for intense peanut butter flavor and smooth meltability in the topping.
- Granulated and light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture for chewiness and color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor beauty of the bars.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Salt and baking soda: Balance flavors and provide the right rise and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the cookie base.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring a lovely chew and a rustic touch.
- Powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder: Build the creamy, chocolatey frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips the frosting into light, fluffy perfection.
How to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 12×17 inch jelly roll pan. This ensures the bars bake evenly and release easily, setting the stage for success ahead.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
In a stand mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter and one cup of peanut butter until the mixture is fluffy and well blended. This fusion helps create the luscious, creamy base essential for the bars’ signature texture.
Step 3: Mix in Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the creamed mixture and beat well for a couple of minutes. Then, introduce the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing on medium-high speed. This step builds a smooth, rich batter that is the heart of these peanut butter bars.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, flour, and rolled oats. Mixing these dry components separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring balanced texture and rise.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Batter
Gently beat the flour mixture into the creamed butter and peanut butter. Be careful not to overmix here; you want just enough to bind the dough for a chewy, tender base.
Step 6: Bake the Cookie Base
Using a spatula or oiled hands, press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 16 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is just set. This creates the perfect chewy foundation for the peanut butter bars.
Step 7: Add Melted Peanut Butter Layer
While the cookie base cools, gently melt the remaining peanut butter in the microwave until it’s silky and easy to spread. Pour and smooth this warm layer over the baked base, then let it cool completely to set up nicely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Beat the softened butter first, then gradually add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. At this point, the mixture will be dry but stay with it. Drizzle in the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the frosting becomes light, airy, and irresistibly smooth.
Step 9: Frost and Slice
Spread the luscious chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Once set, cut into bars and get ready to enjoy every bite of this nostalgic treat.
How to Serve Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To add a personal touch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting. This adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal, making your bars look as fantastic as they taste.
Side Dishes
These bars are a perfect companion to a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverages complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully, making for a perfect snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-fun presentation, serve the bars on a colorful platter lined with parchment paper or arranged in decorative cupcake liners. You can also pair them with fresh fruit like strawberries for a pop of brightness and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist but if you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is your friend.
Freezing
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge and enjoy later as if freshly made.
Reheating
If you like your bars a little warm, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This warms the chocolate frosting and peanut butter layers to a gooey, dreamy state that’s hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a delightful nutty bite to the bars, although it might make spreading the melted layer a bit trickier. It’s a fun twist if you enjoy more crunch!
Is it necessary to use old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewy texture in the base. Quick oats could work but may result in a softer, less substantial texture. For the authentic bar feel, stick with rolled oats.
How important is it to let the peanut butter layer set before frosting?
Allowing the melted peanut butter to cool and set is key for clean frosting application. If it’s still warm, the frosting might slide or mix unevenly, so be patient for the best results.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long will the bars keep fresh once frosted?
When frosted and kept in an airtight container, the bars will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them to maintain texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Making these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe is like rediscovering a beloved classic with an extra dash of homemade love. Their balance of chewy, chocolaty, and peanut buttery goodness makes them irresistible for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself and those you love to something truly special. You’ll be thrilled you did!
Print
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a nostalgic and indulgent treat combining a chewy peanut butter cookie base with a rich chocolate frosting, perfect for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided in half
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12×17 inch jelly roll pan and set aside.
- Mix Butter and Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is fluffy and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the batter. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl intermittently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat just until combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Form Cookie Base: Use a spatula or greased hands to press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Spread Melted Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute until mostly melted and spreadable. Pour and spread evenly over the warm cookie base. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate to help the peanut butter layer set.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will be dry initially.
- Add Cream and Beat: While mixing, slowly drizzle in ¼ cup heavy whipping cream. Continue beating until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer.
- Serve: Cut into 18 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Notes
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent tough bars.
- For easier spreading, allow peanut butter and frosting to soften slightly before use.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a nuttier flavor, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy in the base.
