Name: Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups quick oats; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3–4 tablespoons milk (as needed); 2 cups powdered sugar

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups quick oats

½ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)

3–4 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting)

2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir to combine. Then fold in the quick oats until just incorporated.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.

Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 8: For the frosting, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, to achieve a light and spreadable frosting consistency.

Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use parchment paper to line the pan for easier removal and cleaner edges.

For a crunchier texture, replace quick oats with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

If you prefer, swap creamy peanut butter for natural peanut butter, though the frosting may be less smooth.

To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Before serving, bring to room temperature or warm slightly to soften the frosting. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used, but it may change the texture of the bars and frosting. The frosting might be less smooth and a bit grainy, but it will add a nice crunch if you enjoy that.

What is the difference between quick oats and rolled oats in this recipe?

Quick oats are thinner and cook faster, giving the bars a softer, more uniform texture. Rolled oats will add a chewier texture and more visible flakes in the bars. Both work well, so choose based on your texture preference.