Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic dessert inspired by the classic treats once served in school cafeterias. Their rich, tender texture comes from a warm peanut butter and butter mixture that’s blended into the batter, creating soft, brownie-like bars. A smooth, homemade peanut butter frosting poured over the top finishes them with an irresistible sweet and creamy layer.
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs, beaten | 2 |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the Frosting
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 13×18-inch jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.
Tip: Allowing the mixture to briefly boil helps create the soft, signature texture these bars are known for.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the warm peanut butter mixture until incorporated. Add the milk and egg mixture and stir until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and peanut butter together over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, remove from the heat, then stir in the milk and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Frost and Cool
Pour the warm frosting over the cooled bars and spread it evenly with a spatula. Allow the frosting to set at room temperature until firm before cutting into squares and serving.
