Transport yourself back to the school cafeteria with these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars! These classic bars feature a chewy peanut butter cookie base, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a decadent chocolate frosting. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are as easy to make as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍚 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🍯 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 🥜 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🌾 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 🥜 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 🍫 2 cups powdered sugar
- 🍫 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🥛 1/4 cup milk
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
- Once the cookie base has cooled, spread a thin, even layer of creamy peanut butter over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to set.
- Make the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer. Let the frosting set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 25g
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smoother dough and frosting.
- Customize the Layers: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or drizzle caramel over the frosting for an extra treat.
- Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.