Introduction

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy base and a luscious, creamy frosting. Inspired by the classic cafeteria treat, these bars are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. They’re quick to prepare, easy to slice, and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (more if needed for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
6. For frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with milk, until smooth. Mix in vanilla.
7. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, slice, and serve.

Description

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars feature a soft, cake-like texture with a rich peanut butter taste in every bite. The creamy peanut butter frosting on top adds a smooth, sweet finish that balances perfectly with the tender base. They’re the ultimate peanut butter lover’s treat—comforting, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Tips

• Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
• Adjust frosting consistency with extra milk or powdered sugar as needed.
• Chill bars for 20 minutes before slicing for clean edges.

Correction

If the bars turn out dry, they were likely overbaked. Check for doneness early and remove from the oven once the center is set. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to keep them soft.