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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are chewy, flavorful bars featuring a rich peanut butter oatmeal cookie base topped with a melted peanut butter layer and finished with a smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Base

  • 1 cup (227g) salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 2 cups (282g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Peanut Butter Topping

  • 1/2 cup (114g) salted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (melted)

Chocolate Frosting

  • 3 cups (320g) powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃) and prepare a half-sheet baking pan (13″x18″) by spraying it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the cookie dough. In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is creamy and light. Add the eggs and vanilla bean paste, then beat again, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add dry ingredients. Incorporate the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
  4. Bake the base. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
  5. Add the peanut butter topping. While the base is still warm, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in the microwave for about 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter evenly over the warm bars and spread it out with a spatula or knife. Allow to cool completely, or refrigerate to speed up the firming process.
  6. Prepare the chocolate frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy.
  7. Frost and serve. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Once set, cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the peanut butter oatmeal cookie base to keep the bars chewy and moist.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture in both the base and toppings.
  • The bars can be refrigerated after frosting to help set the layers quickly.
  • Vanilla bean paste can be substituted with vanilla extract if not available.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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