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Home » Recipe Index » Dessert: Brownies and Bars » Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

January 14, 2021 by Kara Cook 3 Comments

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Often called Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars, these delectable bars are perfect for any occasion! They start with a chewy oatmeal peanut butter bar, then they are topped off with creamy peanut butter and homemade chocolate frosting. They feed a crowd, and no one can resist them!
 
peanut butter oatmeal bars title photo
 

FAVORITE PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES FROM CHILDHOOD

Who else grew up in a time when the school lunch ladies actually made the food from scratch? So much better than the processed/prepackaged food they serve now. Ah, those were the good old days!

I was beyond thrilled any time chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars were on the menu! They were one of my very favorites back then, and they still are today. How can you beat three layers of chocolate and peanut butter goodness?

Unfortunately for school kids today, they don’t serve these bars anymore. But don’t worry, you can make them right at home. And trust me, you do not have to be a child to enjoy these spectacular peanut butter oat bars!

I’ve taken them to many potlucks, picnics, and bake sales over the years, and everyone raves over them. But of course, you can wrap them up and send them in a school lunch, or have them ready for an after school snack. 

pan of peanut butter bars with chocolate frosting
 

I had actually tried a few similar recipes for lunchroom peanut butter bars over the years, but after one bite of these bars, I threw out all my other versions. My friend Heather brought some to a ladies luncheon, and after one bite I knew they were the best peanut butter bars ever!

I’ve been making them for years, and I have never tried another version that beats this one. The bars have perfect texture and plenty of peanut butter flavor, and the chocolate frosting is heavenly. Every bite is pure bliss.

The extra layer of peanut butter adds a rich flavor and saltiness that offsets the sweetness of the chocolate frosting. Trust me, these things are addicting! It makes a large batch, and that can be a good or bad thing. Wink wink. 

peanut butter oatmeal bar with chocolate frosting on a piece of waxed paper

 

To skip my tips and tricks and just see the recipe card, simply scroll to the bottom of the post.

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL BARS

Ingredients needed:

  • creamy peanut butter (Crunchy peanut butter yields dry bars, and it is hard to spread on the bars, so I highly recommend using Jif or Skippy creamy peanut butter.)
  • butter (I use salted butter.)
  • granulated sugar
  • light brown sugar (or dark brown if you prefer)
  • large eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • all purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • oats (I recommend old fashioned oats. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but do not use instant oats.)
  • cocoa powder (I use regular Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa.)
  • powdered sugar (AKA confectioners sugar)
  • milk (I usually use 2%, but any kind should work. You can even use cream or evaporated milk.)

steps for making the best lunch lady peanut butter bars

  1. First up you are going to make a simple peanut butter base that has crunchy oats that add a perfect texture. The key to soft and chewy peanut butter bars is not to over bake them! You want them to barely be set when you pull them out of the oven. They will continue to cook after you remove them, and they will set up even more as they cool.
  2. Secondly, top off your warm bars with peanut butter. The heat of the bars will melt the peanut butter a little, making it easier to spread. 
  3. After the bars have cooled completely, spread a decadent chocolate buttercream frosting on top. It’s a little easier to spread if it isn’t too thick, so make sure you add enough milk. Don’t worry if the peanut butter and frosting swirl into each other a bit.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER PEANUT BUTTER BARS

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they will last up to a week. I simply keep them in the pan and cover them with this plastic lid. 

stack of lunch lady peanut butter bars

 

MORE RECIPES FOR PEANUT BUTTER FANS:

  • Peanut Butter Waffles
  • Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
  • Reese’s Cake
  • Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
  • Peanut Butter Cake Recipe

GIVE THESE OTHER DESSERT BARS A TRY:

  • Churro Cheesecake Bars
  • Mixed Nut Bars
  • Sugar Cookie Bars
  • Nutella Cheesecake Bars
  • Symphony Brownies
  • Snickers Brownies

PEANUT BUTTER BARS RECIPE

Yield: 2 dozen

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

stack of lunch lady peanut butter bars

Chewy peanut butter oatmeal bars with a layer of peanut butter, then topped with chocolate frosting. A childhood favorite that can't be beat!

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

Bars

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats

Topping:

  • 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Frosting:

  • 3 Tbsp butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • dash salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp milk or cream (more or less)

Instructions

  1. Spray a half sheet jelly roll pan (13x18") with non stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
  3. Mix together well and press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  4. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or until just barely set in the middle. Don't over bake.
  5. While bars are still warm, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top, and spread evenly.
  6. Cool completely then spread chocolate frosting over the peanut butter.
  7. For frosting, beat butter and cocoa in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add enough milk to make a spreadable consistency and beat till smooth and creamy.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn a small amount from your purchase, no cost to you.

  • Nordic Ware Half Sheet Lid, 13x18
    Nordic Ware Half Sheet Lid, 13x18
  • Peanut Butter Measuring Cup
    Peanut Butter Measuring Cup
  • Cookie Sheets (Half sheet pans)
    Cookie Sheets (Half sheet pans)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 399Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 353mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 8g
© Kara
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert: Brownies and Bars

(originally posted Mar 11, 2009, updated January 2021.)

If you need an easy bar cookie that feeds a crowd, give this peanut butter oatmeal bars recipe a try.  I bet you will want to make them again and again!

Filed Under: Dessert: Brownies and Bars, Recipe Index Tagged With: chocolate, oats, peanut butter

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth Swensen

    January 15, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I loved Peanut Butter Bars when I was a student, only day I was allowed to eat. I do have to put in a disclaimer regarding why they are not served anymore. Most school districts now do not serve them because of the high number of peanut allergies in kids. Districts don’t want to be liable for a student having an allergic reaction. Also, not all districts do all processed/prepackaged food. My kids school has both, and I think it is okay, since most of the kids now, are eating that way when they eat at home and go out, why can’t they try and mirror that so kids will actually eat at school. School lunch always gets a bad rep, and they are just trying to feed kids food they will actually eat.

    Reply
  2. Kara

    February 22, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Thanks so much Amy! And if you happen to have any leftovers, feel free to send them my way. 😉

    Reply
  3. Amy C

    February 22, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    These look so yummy! The kids and I are going to make them right now! I love all of your recipes Kara. You rock!

    Reply

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Hi. I’m Kara, and I love to create! I share recipes, DIY tutorials, craft projects, and thrifty home decor. I hope that I can inspire you to create something! Read More…

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