Description
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a decadent, chewy treat combining a classic peanut butter oat base with a rich peanut butter frosting topped with a smooth chocolate peanut butter glaze. Perfect for potlucks, school snacks, or anytime a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert is needed, they bake up with a tender crumb and are generously layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Bar Base
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Topping
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter (remaining from 2 ½ cups total)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your batter.
- Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Peanut Butter: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add 2 cups old fashioned oats, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the dough is evenly combined but avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Spread Dough: Spray a half-sheet jelly roll pan (approx. 17.8 x 12.8 x 1 inch) with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the dough into the pan, smoothing out the top for an even bake.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until edges are set but the center is slightly soft. Remove from oven.
- Add Peanut Butter Topping: Immediately drop very small spoonfuls (using a baby spoon works best) of the remaining 1 ½ cups peanut butter evenly over the warm bars. Let sit for 5-6 minutes to soften and begin melting. Then gently spread the peanut butter over the bars; it will spread easily once softened.
- Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely so the peanut butter topping sets firmly.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, mix together ½ cup softened butter, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 3 cups powdered sugar using a hand mixer until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the chocolate peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use old fashioned oats for the best texture; quick oats can alter the consistency.
- Softened butter ensures easier mixing and smoother batter and frosting.
- Let the peanut butter topping soften before spreading to avoid tearing the bars.
- The bars are best stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For easier cutting, chill bars briefly after frosting to allow the topping to set.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
