Description
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic, chewy, and rich dessert bar featuring a peanut butter-infused base with quick oats and a creamy peanut butter frosting on top. These bars are easy to prepare and perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 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
For the Frosting
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven & prepare pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir in the quick oats until just combined to form the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain chewiness.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches a light and spreadable consistency.
- Frost & cut: Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats can alter the chewiness.
- Ensure not to overbake the bars to keep them soft and chewy.
- For easier frosting spreading, make sure the bars are completely cool.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Optional: Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Lunch Lady Bars, Peanut Butter Dessert, Oat Bars, Easy Baked Bars, Peanut Butter Frosting
