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If you grew up in Utah, Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars were basically a rite of passage. Thick, chewy, and slathered in chocolate frosting. My version is even better, and yes, this one earned its spot in my cookbook for a reason.
Reasons You’re Gonna Be Obsessed
- No weird ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry, so you can make these now! No grocery run needed!
- Texture perfection: Soft, chewy base + creamy peanut butter + fudgy chocolate = actual heaven. Trust me, they are to die for!
- Classic, but better: These peanut butter bars are SO GOOD, I literally inhale them like a raccoon in a dumpster. It’s one of my favorites!
Ingredients Needed
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is best, but if you prefer a little more crunch in your bars, try it with the crunchy peanut butter.
- Rolled oats: If you do not have rolled oats, graham cracker crumbs will also work. The bars will not be as full but will have the same concept.
- Frosting: Make these even easier and buy store bought to spread over the peanut butter filling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
This nostalgic lunch lady bar recipe only takes about 35 minutes! They are dangerously good, and your whole family will devour them! Here’s how you make them!
Bars
- Cream together: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then cream together the brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter.
- Blend: Add the eggs, salt, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Mix to combine.
- Bake: Spread the dough into a 15 X 9 X 2-inch baking sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes and cool completely before frosting.
Peanut Butter/Frosting
- Spread on the peanut butter layer: After cooling, spread 1 cup of peanut butter on top of the bars. Soften the peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds so it spreads easier.
- Melt the butter/ Add the cocoa powder: For the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk to combine.
- Whisk the frosting ingredients: Remove from the heat and add 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 6 tablespoons milk. Whisk together until silky and smooth.
- Frost: Pour the frosting over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly on top. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before cutting the peanut butter bars and enjoying!
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Line the Pan: Line your pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal. Just lift the whole thing out to slice clean, even bars like a boss.
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Peanut Butter Bars
Chewy peanut butter bars with fudgy chocolate frosting, just like the lunch lady made, but better! Easy, nostalgic, and totally addictive.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Peanut Butter & Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter for spreading
Instructions
Peanut Butter Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup brown sugar , 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter using an electric hand mixer.
- Add in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 cups rolled oats, and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until combined.
- Spread the mixture into a 15 X 9 X 2-inch baking sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then cool completely before frosting.
Peanut Butter & Frosting
- After cooling, spread 1 cup creamy peanut butter on top of the bars. Soften the peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds so it spreads easier.
- For the frosting, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and whisk to combine.
- Remove from the heat and add 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 6 tablespoons milk. Whisk together until really well until the frosting is silky and smooth.
- Pour the frosting over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly on top. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before cutting and enjoying!
Video
Notes
To store leftover Peanut Butter Bars, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be stored for 3-4 days. They can be served chilled, or you can bring them to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 8gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 247mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 2gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 383IUCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
More Peanut Butter Desserts
If you love peanut butter, then you are surely going to love these other peanut butter recipes, like this yummy Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, these easy Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, and these new Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies!
Ahhh we had these in Alabama too!! Thanks for the recipe, I can’t
Yes! They are the best!
Thank you for sending the recipes. They are very easy to follow.
Jerriann,
Do you use light or dark brown sugar? & regular or quick oats? This I must try, sounds so yummy?
I used light brown sugar, quick oats but either work. Hope you love them as much as I do!
How much powdered sugar do you use for the frosting? It’s missing from the ingredients list.
From the photo I thought the oats were Rice Krispies. That would be great, too.
These look like the ones we got for schoolwhen I was a kid. Can’t wait to try them.
Any idea if these freeze well? Thanks!
My Bible study is studying Esther. I have to take a snack tomorrow and are taking these. I’m calling them Haman Bars. If you don’t know the story, Haman is an evil man.
I’m eager to try this! Any rough idea on the dimensions of the baking pan? Thanks!
I used a 15×9 pan! 🙂
Great for any get togethers .Adults love them as well as the kids. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Yum! I love anything peanut butter and chocolate. These look great!
These look great. I love your comment that they are the devil! I think I might have to give these a try!
Thanks so much for following me on Google+. I am following you there and here and hope you might be able to join me at my blog this weekend at my weekly Say G’day linky party! I would be thrilled if you could link up this yummy post to the link up!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Hey, I think you found me on google so I clicked on your blog and it’s adorable! I love your recipes. Definitely a new follower- visit mine when you get a chance! 🙂
-Alyssa
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