Name: Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 4 to 6 tablespoons milk

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat. With a soft, chewy peanut butter base and a thick, creamy peanut butter frosting, these bars taste just like the classic school cafeteria dessert many of us grew up loving. Every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and rich peanut butter goodness that melts in your mouth.

These bars are not only delicious but incredibly simple to make, making them a favorite for bake sales, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Whether you’re sharing them or keeping the batch all to yourself (we won’t judge!), they deliver comfort and flavor in every square.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these gooey peanut butter bars, having the right tools on hand will make the process seamless and fun.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. A large mixing bowl helps ensure everything gets incorporated evenly.

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream together butter, sugars, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, chewy texture.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for folding ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl to avoid any batter waste.

9×13-Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for baking the bars to the right thickness. Make sure to grease or line it with parchment for easy removal.

Offset Spatula: This tool helps evenly spread the frosting across the cooled bars, giving you that smooth, bakery-style finish.

Cooling Rack: Important for bringing the bars to room temperature before frosting, which keeps the icing from melting.

Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

Unsalted Butter – Forms the rich, creamy base and adds moisture.

Creamy Peanut Butter – The star of the recipe, delivering bold peanut flavor in both the bars and frosting.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bars and balances the salty peanut butter.

Brown Sugar – Adds a deeper molasses note and helps keep the bars soft.

Large Eggs – Provide structure and richness.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor depth.

All-Purpose Flour – Gives the bars their chewy texture and structure.

Baking Powder – Lifts the bars and prevents them from being too dense.

Salt – Just a touch to enhance the overall flavor.

Powdered Sugar – Key to making a smooth, sweet frosting.

Milk – Used to thin the frosting to the perfect consistency.

How To Make the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the soft, chewy base for your bars.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the thick batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the base.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve.

How to Serve and Store Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature when the frosting is smooth and the base is perfectly chewy. For an extra indulgent twist, serve them slightly warm with a glass of cold milk.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If stacking, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Want to freeze them? No problem—wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temp before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the frosting creamier?

Add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture. Be careful not to make it too runny!

Can I use natural peanut butter instead?

You can, but the texture might be more oily or crumbly. Stick with processed creamy peanut butter for the best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a sheet pan (half sheet) and adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the edges so they don’t overbake.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

Not necessarily. They’re fine at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration extends freshness—just let them sit out before serving.

Can I add chocolate?

Absolutely! A drizzle of melted chocolate on top or chocolate chips in the batter can add a delicious twist.

How thick should the frosting be?

Think spreadable but not runny—like a thick buttercream. It should glide smoothly with an offset spatula.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re loving these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars, you might also enjoy these other delicious dessert bars:

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a quick chocolatey indulgence.
Apple Enchiladas when you’re craving something fruity and warm.

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake for a tropical twist.
Coconut Snowballs for no-bake simplicity and holiday charm.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake when you want creamy and fruity all in one.

Looking for even more dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest where I share my favorite sweet treats daily: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use crunchy peanut butter? Add chocolate drizzle on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 20 bars

Print Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic dessert bar with a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base and thick, creamy peanut butter frosting. Just like the ones from your school cafeteria days — sweet, salty, rich, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or when you simply need a comforting treat.