Description
Enjoy these nostalgic Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars featuring a chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base topped with a smooth layer of melted peanut butter and rich chocolate frosting swirls. These classic American dessert bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a delightful texture perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 2 ½ 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
Frosting
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (114g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a half-sheet baking sheet (13″x18″) with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the cookie batter: In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of the creamy peanut butter until creamy and light in texture. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating again while scraping down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
- Bake the base: Bake the dough for 15-17 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is just barely set. Avoid overbaking as the center should remain chewy.
- Apply peanut butter layer: While the bars are still hot, melt the remaining 1 ½ cups of creamy peanut butter in the microwave for 1 minute in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle and spread this melted peanut butter evenly over the baked bars. Allow it to cool completely to firm up, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Prepare chocolate frosting: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Once frosted, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overbake the bars to maintain a chewy texture.
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewiness; quick oats may alter texture.
- Refrigerate the bars after applying melted peanut butter to speed up the setting process.
- Ensure peanut butter is creamy for smooth spreading in both the base and the melted layer.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars after frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
