Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars: The Ultimate Nostalgic Treat
These classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars deliver chewy, buttery, nostalgic perfection. With simple ingredients and a quick 45-minute total time, this modernized version preserves the original cafeteria-style flavor while improving texture and consistency.
Equipment
- 13×18-inch Sheet Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt reduce to 1/2 tsp if using salted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup peanut butter over medium heat until smooth. Do not boil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the warm peanut butter mixture, milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting: melt 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Remove from heat, stir in milk, then add powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the bars while still warm so it melts slightly into the surface.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For a twist, try adding chocolate drizzle or sprinkling crushed peanuts on top.