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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 143 reviews

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a decadent treat featuring a soft peanut butter oatmeal cookie base topped with a creamy peanut butter drizzle and a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Base

  • 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 & leveled (282g)
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a half-sheet baking sheet (about 13″x18″) evenly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix cookie base ingredients: In a mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is creamy and light in color. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat again thoroughly, scraping down the bowl to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Incorporate the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing. Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
  4. Bake the base: Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is barely set. Be cautious not to overbake to keep the bars soft but sturdy.
  5. Add peanut butter drizzle: While the base is still hot, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top of the warm bars, then spread it into an even layer with a spatula or knife. Allow the bars to cool completely until the peanut butter firm ups. To speed this up, you can refrigerate the bars.
  6. Prepare chocolate frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  7. Finish the bars: Once the peanut butter layer has cooled and firmed, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the cookie base to ensure it remains soft and chewy.
  • For faster cooling, place the bars in the fridge after adding the peanut butter drizzle.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for easier spreading and melting.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, adjust the powdered sugar quantity to taste.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or chilled for longer freshness.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, Chocolate Frosting Bars, Homemade Peanut Butter Treats, Easy Dessert Bars

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/lunch-lady-peanut-butter-bars-recipe/