Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious dessert that brings back fond memories of school days and lunchroom treats. These bars are creamy, sweet, and packed with peanut butter, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. With a simple recipe, you can recreate this nostalgic treat right in your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars is an easy way to bring joy to your family and friends. They are perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or even just a sweet snack at home. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for everyone, even novice bakers.

How to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter (divided in half)
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch salt for frosting
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Stir in oats and the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter. Spread the cookie base mixture into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.
7. While baking, make the frosting by creaming together 1 cup of butter and powdered sugar, then add vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the frosting over the top.
9. Cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of cold milk or as part of a dessert platter. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

How to Store Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

To keep your Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months; just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Tips to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
• Make sure to spread the frosting evenly for a nice finish.
• For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts into the cookie base if you like.

Variation

You can easily customize these bars to your taste. Try adding chocolate chips for an extra treat or substituting crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. You can also experiment with mixing in dried fruits or other nut butters.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may change the texture of the bars slightly. Natural peanut butter can be less creamy.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the bars gluten-free.

3. How can I make these bars sweeter?
   You can add more granulated sugar or include chocolate chips in the batter for extra sweetness.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.