Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Remember those delicious treats you enjoyed in school cafeterias? I have a recipe that brings back that nostalgic flavor to your kitchen! These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are an absolute delight – with a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base, a creamy peanut butter center, and a luscious chocolate buttercream topping. Get ready to indulge in the best peanut butter bars you've ever tasted! I should know I was one of those Lunch Ladies that made them!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bars:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups old-fashioned quick oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Frosting:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Creaming the Base: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Adding Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract, eggs, water, and peanut butter until well combined.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the old-fashioned quick oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough is well combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
- Baking the Base: Spread the dough evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Letting it Set: Allow the bars to cool completely.
- Preparing the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, use a hand mixer to blend the melted butter, milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy (around five minutes).
- Adding the Finishing Touch: Once the bars have cooled, spread the chocolate buttercream frosting over the top.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into your desired sizes and shapes. Serve and enjoy these delectable Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars!
Notes
- These bars are made in a half-sheet pan, and you can cut them into as many bars as you need.
- I like a bigger bar, so I typically cut a pan of these cookie bars into 24 rectangular pieces, but you could easily cut them into 48 for a smaller serving.