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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

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These nostalgic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars feature a chewy oatmeal base topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. Made with simple pantry staples, they perfectly recreate that beloved school cafeteria dessert in just about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 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
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk as needed
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

  • 10x15-inch jelly roll pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixer bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in quick oats.
  7. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake until done.
  8. For the frosting, mix ½ cup peanut butter, 4 tablespoons butter, and vanilla extract.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk until reaching a spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread frosting over slightly cooled bars.

Notes

Use commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter for best results. Quick oats are essential for authentic texture - don't substitute old-fashioned rolled oats. Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. For variations, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter, or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.

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