Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

 

These classic, soft peanut butter bars are topped with a rich, creamy frosting for an irresistible treat that tastes just like the one from the school cafeteria!

Yields: About 24 bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (270g) creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter

• ½ cup (135g) creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions:

Instructions

1. Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large rimmed half-sheet pan (approximately 13″x18″) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In a separate medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk the ½ cup milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of butter with the 1 cup of peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth and just beginning to bubble. Immediately remove from heat.

• Carefully pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

• Add the milk and egg mixture to the batter and stir until you have a smooth, uniform consistency.

3. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into a smooth, even layer. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

• Once the bars are cool, prepare the frosting. In the same (cleaned) saucepan, melt the ½ cup butter and ½ cup peanut butter over medium heat, stirring until smooth and it just begins to gently boil. Remove from heat.

• Stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk.

• Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until the frosting is completely smooth and no lumps remain. It will be pourable.

5. Frost and Set:
Pour the warm frosting over the completely cooled bars. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Chef’s Tip: For clean cuts, chill the bars for 20-30 minutes after the frosting has set to firm them up before slicing with a sharp knife.