Description

If you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgic bake, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are it. They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that sets perfectly. Ideal for quick breakfast treats, school bake sales, easy dessert ideas, or indulgent snack bars, this easy recipe brings back comforting cafeteria memories in every bite. It’s a perfect choice for food ideas that need to impress without stressing. Whether you’re seeking healthy snack inspiration or delicious dessert bars, this is your go-to.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1.5 cups light brown sugar, packed

0.5 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.5 cup unsalted butter

0.5 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)

2 cups powdered sugar

Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add both sugars and mix well.

3. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes glossy.

4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.

5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mix using a spatula, stirring until just combined.

6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22–26 minutes until center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.

7. Cool completely in the pan.

8. For the frosting, melt butter and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in milk.

9. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.

10. Spread the warm frosting over cooled bars. Let set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let the bars cool completely before frosting to ensure a smooth, set topping.

For a twist, add mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts before the frosting sets.

Bars can be stored at room temp for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert Bars
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: peanut butter bars, lunch lady bars, dessert bars, easy snack, quick dessert, peanut butter frosting, cafeteria treats, old-school recipes