Description
These classic School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars are a nostalgic and delicious treat made with a soft peanut butter cookie base, topped with a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for lunchboxes or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (plus ½ cup for topping)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for frosting)
- ¼ cup milk (for frosting)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and 1 cup peanut butter until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in quick oats until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Then gently spread ½ cup peanut butter over the warm bars. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting over the cooled bars. Let set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to spread the peanut butter while the bars are still warm so it melts slightly and spreads easily.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
