Name: Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g); 1 cup granulated sugar (200g); 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g); 1 cup creamy peanut butter (divided); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (282g); 2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g); 3 cups powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)

1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)

2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (282g)

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)

3 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a half-sheet baking pan (13″x18″) with baking spray to prepare it for the dough.

Step 2: In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of the peanut butter until creamy and light. Add the eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then beat again, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to combine fully.

Step 3: Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined. Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the dough for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.

Step 5: While the base is still warm, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Drizzle it evenly over the bars and spread with a spatula or knife. Allow it to cool completely until firm; refrigerate to speed this up if desired.

Step 6: To make the chocolate frosting, beat the softened 1/2 cup butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Let the frosting set, then cut the dessert into squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, substitute half of the oats with chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts.

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/2 cup and add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but the bars may be less creamy.

Chilling the bars before frosting helps prevent the frosting from melting.

Storage

Store these peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before serving, or microwave briefly to soften the peanut butter and frosting layers.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the bars, but the baking and frosting layers may be less smooth.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.