School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

I don’t know about you, but at my elementary school, they served AMAZING desserts. Sometimes, I find myself craving the lunch ladies’ chocolate cake or homemade cinnamon rolls. Nowadays, I don’t think they even serve dessert in elementary schools! Poor kids don’t know what they are missing!

These peanut butter bars are SPOT ON to what the lunch ladies served! Trust me—you have to try these! The only problem with these School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars is that they are so addicting, you can literally eat a whole pan by yourself! These are the best peanut butter bars I’ve ever tasted, and they are perfect for feeding a crowd! I usually have all the ingredients on hand, so if I ever need to make a treat at the last minute, these are my go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: These bars will take you back to those cherished school lunch memories.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now.
• Quick to Make: Perfect for last-minute desserts or snacks.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties or gatherings, and everyone will love them!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (one small, one large)
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan (cookie sheet)
• Small saucepan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Flour
• 1 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 3/4 cup Butter
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups Creamy Peanut Butter (split)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 1/2 cups Quick Oats
• Frosting:
• 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)
• 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Cocoa
• 1/4 cup Milk (use whatever you have in the fridge)
• 1 tsp. Vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, 3/4 cup peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
5. Stir in the oats.
6. Spread the mixture onto a greased 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
8. For the frosting, whip the remaining 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter until it becomes lighter in color and fluffy. Carefully spread it over the cooled cookie base.
9. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then add the milk and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it just starts to boil.
10. Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the frosting thickens.
11. Pour the frosting over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it evenly.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this helps keep the bars tender.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the frosting from smearing.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Variations: Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of these peanut butter bars is not only delicious but provides a good balance of carbs, fats, and proteins to keep you satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use natural peanut butter? While creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.
• Is there a substitute for quick oats? Rolled oats can be used, but the texture will be a bit chewier.
• Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them in a single layer and then store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

In conclusion, these School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful treat that will bring back nostalgic memories of school days gone by. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and so delicious that you won’t be able to resist having more than one! I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Enjoy!