Description

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a soft, chewy, and delightfully peanut buttery treat with a creamy peanut butter frosting on top. These bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter, oats, and brown sugar, baked to perfection and finished with a smooth, sweet frosting, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or lunchbox dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups quick oats

For the Frosting

½ cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven & prepare pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Finally, fold in the quick oats until the batter is just combined.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely while still in the pan.
Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Slowly add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until the frosting reaches a light and spreadable consistency.
Frost & cut: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

To avoid overbaking, check the bars a minute or two before the recommended bake time as ovens may vary.
For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper extending over the edges.
Use quick oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats may change the consistency.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can be frozen without frosting for up to 2 months and frosted after thawing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 - 22 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, Lunch Lady Bars, Peanut Butter Dessert, Oat Bars, Peanut Butter Frosting