Looking for a nostalgic treat that’s quick to make and packed with rich peanut butter flavor? These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars deliver chewy, dense bars topped with creamy peanut butter frosting — perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or anytime you crave a classic peanut butter dessert
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Classic peanut butter flavor everyone loves
-
Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
-
Soft, chewy bars with a creamy, decadent frosting
-
Easy to make in one pan, no fancy equipment required
-
Perfect for bake sales, school snacks, or casual dessert
Ingredients Breakdown
Bar Base:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars.
-
2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
-
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly.
-
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
-
½ cup whole milk: Moistens the batter.
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth.
-
2 large eggs, beaten: Bind ingredients and add richness.
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Adds moisture and buttery flavor.
-
1 cup creamy peanut butter: Gives the bars their signature peanut butter taste and texture.
Frosting:
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
-
½ cup creamy peanut butter: Intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
-
2 tablespoons milk: Thins the frosting for spreading.
-
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Tips and Tricks
-
For even bars, spread batter carefully and smooth the top before baking.
-
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
-
Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture; chunky peanut butter will change the consistency.
-
Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Variations and Customizations
-
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
-
Sprinkle chopped peanuts on the frosting before it sets for extra crunch.
-
Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
-
For a healthier version, use natural peanut butter and reduce sugar slightly.
Pairing Suggestions
-
Serve with a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee for the perfect snack.
-
Pair with fresh fruit like apple slices or bananas for a balanced treat.
-
Great accompaniment to vanilla or chocolate ice cream for dessert.
Storage Instructions
-
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
-
Refrigerate for longer freshness up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
-
Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Popular Questions
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
Powdered peanut butter is much drier and won’t provide the same richness; it’s best to stick with creamy peanut butter for this recipe.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to avoid an overly salty taste.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary slightly.