Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
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Back in elementary school, I remember enjoying something similar to these Lunch Lady peanut butter bars from the school cafeteria. The sweet and creamy bars were a highlight of lunchtime, so I was thrilled to try this recipe and bring back those nostalgic flavors. Although I can’t remember exactly how these compare to the original, I can confidently say they are a delicious treat that everyone will love!
Interestingly, I actually have experience as a lunch lady. I worked at our local middle school for a few years and saw firsthand how school menus have evolved.
Due to allergy concerns, schools no longer make recipes using peanut butter, which means treats like these Lunch Lady peanut butter bars have been retired from cafeterias. It’s a shame, but it makes me appreciate this recipe even more, as it keeps the beloved flavors alive at home.
This recipe is perfect for sharing, as it makes a whole sheet pan, resulting in 24 generous servings. The base of the bars is a delightful combination of peanut butter and oatmeal, providing a chewy and satisfying texture. Topped with a rich and creamy chocolate buttercream frosting, these bars are both decadent and nostalgic..
Ingredients to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- BROWN SUGAR
- CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER
- LARGE EGGS
- VANILLA
- FLOUR
- OLD-FASHIONED OATS
- BAKING POWDER
- SALT
- UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER
- POWDERED SUGAR
- MILK
How to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Start the base of the bars by creaming some butter, sugar, and brown sugar together. Add in peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Next, fold in the dry ingredients into the egg mixture- flour, oats, baking powder and salt until combined. Then spread on a large cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. This dough and be sticky. I actually use my hands to help spread it out.
Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes until golden. Allow the chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base to cool. Once cooled, you can mix together the frosting.
The chocolate frosting is just a basic buttercream made with butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy, then spread over the cooled bars. Enjoy these delicious chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie bars with rich chocolate frosting, perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer. It will add some texture to the bars, which some people might enjoy.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert.
How should I store the peanut butter bars?
To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Use a large, sharp chef’s knife for clean cuts. An ideal knife is one with a straight edge rather than a serrated one. Run the knife under hot water for a few seconds, then dry it off completely before cutting. The warm blade will glide through the bars more smoothly.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Peanut Butter Apple Dip
- Layered Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter and Apple Pizzas
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
FROSTING:
- ½ cup butter softened
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 to 5 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a (17 x 12 x 1 inch) baking sheet with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until combined and creamy.
- Add peanut butter, eggs and vanilla extract. Cream together until combined.
- Slowly fold in the flour, oats, baking powder and salt until all combined.
- Spread cookie dough out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. The cookie dough is sticky so I use my hands to help spread and press the dough.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 16 to 18 minutes. They will be nice and golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- FROSTING: Beat all frosting ingredients together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly on top of the cooled peanut butter bars. Cut into squares. Serves 24.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Life in a Lofthouse.
