Description
Looking for the ultimate peanut butter treat? These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are soft, chewy, and generously frosted with a rich peanut butter icing. Inspired by nostalgic cafeteria desserts, this easy recipe is a go-to for quick breakfast bars, easy dessert ideas, or even a comforting late-night snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping a stash for yourself, these bars will deliver the perfect peanut buttery fix every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat.
9. Remove from heat and stir in milk and vanilla extract.
10. Whisk in powdered sugar gradually until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
11. Spread frosting over completely cooled bars.
12. Let frosting set for 15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Let bars cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny topping.
For added texture, substitute chunky peanut butter or add mini chocolate chips.
Use commercial creamy peanut butter for best consistency and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: peanut butter bars, lunch lady bars, easy dessert, snack, school recipes