These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic throwback to the classic school lunch tray treats—soft, cakey, and generously frosted with rich peanut butter icing. With a dense, slightly chewy base and that signature creamy topping, they’re everything you remember… but made at home!
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you’re craving something sweet and nutty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧈 Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Both in the base and frosting—this is peanut butter heaven.
- 🍪 Cake-Like Texture: Dense, moist, and slightly chewy—just like the original!
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: No mixer needed—just mix, spread, and bake.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal for school snacks, family desserts, or holiday trays.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Keeps well frozen and reheats like fresh from the oven.
Ingredients (Makes 24–30 bars):
For the Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet (half-sheet pan), or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside while preparing the wet mixture.
Step 3: Melt Butter & Peanut Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt:
- Butter
- Peanut butter
until fully combined and just coming to a gentle boil.
Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the hot peanut butter-butter mixture—it will thicken quickly.
Add the egg-milk-vanilla mixture and stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
The batter will be thick—use a spatula to press it into the prepared pan evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes , or until set and lightly golden around the edges.
Let cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt:
- Butter
- Peanut butter
over medium heat.
Stir in:
- Milk
- Gradually add powdered sugar , mixing until smooth and spreadable.
Tip: Add more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Step 7: Frost & Set
Once the base is fully cooled, pour the warm frosting over the top and spread evenly.
Let sit at room temperature until the frosting sets—about 1 hour .
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- 🧁 Use Room Temperature Eggs & Milk: Helps avoid lumps in the batter.
- 🥣 Press Batter Firmly: Use a spatula to spread and press into corners for even baking.
- 🧈 Chill Before Cutting: Makes slicing cleaner and prevents crumbling.
- 🥜 Natural PB Option: If using natural peanut butter, make sure to whisk well before measuring to prevent separation.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: These keep well wrapped for up to 3 days—or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
- Great for packed lunches, after-school snacks, or dessert platters.
- Top with sprinkles or crushed peanuts for extra flair.
Nutritional Information (per bar, makes 24 servings):
(Approximate values – based on regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~16g
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars bring back all the flavor of the classic school treat—with a homemade twist that’s impossible to resist. With their soft, cakey texture and dreamy peanut butter frosting—they’re a sweet, nutty delight that never goes out of style.
So go ahead and make a batch today… because once you taste one—you’ll feel like a kid again!
