Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars My Throwback Recipe

By Chef BakerOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Remember those days waiting in line for lunch lady peanut butter bars ? Honestly, this recipe brings back so many memories.

This easy peanut butter dessert delivers that same sweet, nutty, chocolatey goodness, but even better.

Brief Overview

These peanut butter bars recipe are a classic slice of Americana. They’re super simple to make. They take about an hour, including chilling time. This recipe makes sixteen squares, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

These lunch lady bars aren't exactly health food. But they are great for your soul! Think of these retro dessert recipes as a total comfort food indulgence.

Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a bit of nostalgic desserts on a rainy day. These old fashioned peanut butter bars are special because they’re simple, delicious, and everyone loves them!

Ready to dive in? Let's get started with the ingredients. I've tried to include all of the requirements below so it's all together.

Gathering Your Arsenal: Crust Ingredients

First, let's talk crust. We need one cup of softened butter. Really, make sure it's softened ! Not melted. Trust me on this one.

Add one cup of granulated sugar and one cup of packed light brown sugar. Two eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract come next.

Then, you'll need three cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt.

Building the Peanut Butter Dream: Filling Fixings

Oh my gosh, the filling! So good! For this stage, you'll need one cup of softened butter. More butter! Followed by one and a half cups of powdered sugar.

Then, one cup of creamy peanut butter. You know, the Jif or Skippy kind. A quarter cup of heavy cream and a teaspoon of vanilla extract come next.

Finally, add a pinch of salt! It enhances the peanut butter flavour.

Topping It Off: Chocolate Bliss

Finally, that glorious chocolate layer! Grab six ounces of semi sweet chocolate chips. Two tablespoons of unsalted butter goes in there, too. Trust me, this simple chocolate topping is divine.

Okay, so you've gathered your ingredients. Now what? Let's move onto getting your kitchen ready and starting the baking process. Don't worry, it's super simple. You got this!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk shop about what you'll need to make these nostalgic lunch lady peanut butter bars ! I'm tellin' ya, it's pretty straightforward.

I bet you have most of this stuff already!

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown. Honestly, decent ingredients are key. Let's start with the crust.

1 cup ( 227g ) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s actually soft, or you'll be fighting it.
1 cup ( 200g ) granulated sugar.
1 cup ( 220g ) packed light brown sugar. Really pack it in there.
2 large eggs.
1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vanilla extract.
3 cups ( 360g ) all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon ( 5g ) baking soda.
½ teaspoon ( 2.5g ) salt.

For the peanut butter filling, quality peanut butter makes the bar.

1 cup ( 227g ) unsalted butter, softened. Again, soften it.
1 ½ cups ( 300g ) powdered sugar.
1 cup ( 240g ) creamy peanut butter , Jif or Skippy, whatever you fancy.
¼ cup ( 60ml ) heavy cream.
1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vanilla extract.
Pinch of salt.

Finally, the glorious chocolate topping.

6 ounces ( 170g ) semi sweet chocolate chips.
2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) unsalted butter.

Seasoning Notes

Vanilla extract is crucial here. It rounds out the flavors perfectly. A little salt is also your friend! It cuts through the sweetness.

Don't skip it! If you're feeling fancy, a tiny bit of cinnamon in the crust adds a warm touch. Trust me.

Equipment Needed

You don't need much to nail this peanut butter bars recipe , promise!

9x13 inch baking pan.
Parchment paper. This is a must . Makes life way easier.
Electric mixer. Handheld is fine.
Mixing bowls.
Rubber spatula.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Double boiler, or a heatproof bowl and saucepan. For melting the chocolate.

That’s it! That's all you need to create some amazing lunch lady bars . Remember those old fashioned peanut butter bars ? I remember them like it was yesterday! Baking these retro dessert recipes are like giving yourself a warm hug.

Plus, if you need an easy peanut butter dessert , this one is a real winner!

Let's Bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars, Mate!

Fancy a trip down memory lane? Remember those amazing lunch lady peanut butter bars from school? Oh my gosh, they were the best! I'm going to attempt to recreate that magic, like bringing back a retro sweet treat.

This peanut butter bars recipe is all about simple pleasures and that nostalgic desserts vibe. I've never baked these bars before, so wish me luck! I think you'll have your fill of some easy peanut butter dessert .

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

Mise en place , darling, mise en place ! It's all about getting organised. Honestly, measure out all your ingredients before you start.

Soften your 1 cup (227g) of butter way ahead of time nobody wants rock hard butter when you're ready to cream it.

Remember to line your pan with parchment paper, with a bit of overhang. Trust me, this makes lifting the bars out way easier.

Safety first! Make sure the oven is off before you start poking around in there.

step-by-step: Baking Bliss

Alright, here's the lowdown on how to make these gorgeous bars. Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying your own old fashioned peanut butter bars in no time!

Crust Time: Cream together 1 cup (227g) softened butter, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, and 1 cup (220g) brown sugar until fluffy.
Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
Dry Mix In: Whisk together 3 cups (360g) flour, 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
Press and Bake: Press the mixture into a lined 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 25- 30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Peanut Butter Magic: Cream 1 cup (227g) softened butter with 1 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar. Add 1 cup (240g) peanut butter, ¼ cup (60ml) cream, 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the Love: Spread this dreamy mixture over the cooled crust.
Chocolate Heaven: Melt 6 ounces (170g) chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter.
Chill Out: Spread the melted chocolate and chill for 30 minutes . Then cut and serve your peanut butter bar squares !

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking

Want these lunch lady bars to be extra special? Here's the inside scoop. Don't overbake the crust! A slightly underbaked crust is far better than a dry one.

Also, chill those bars completely before cutting. Trust me on this, or they'll crumble like a digestive biscuit dropped in tea.

I like to use my favorite peanut butter, but feel free to use your school cafeteria recipes classic brand for the truest flavour.

For the chocolate topping, try using semi sweet. It balances the sweetness of the peanut butter perfectly. Let's remember to have these with a nice glas of cold milk!

Recipe Notes for Your Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bar Adventure

Alright, before you dive headfirst into making these lunch lady peanut butter bars , let's chat about a few things.

Honestly, these tips will make your baking experience way smoother. Trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps!

Serving Suggestions: How to Wow Your Crowd

Want to take your lunch lady bars to the next level? Presentation matters! Think simple elegance. Cut the peanut butter bar squares neatly and arrange them on a pretty plate.

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. And, like in the good old days, serve 'em up with a tall glass of cold milk.

For a fancy upgrade, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries. It is not often you can have a blast from the past, and feel refreshed

Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive

These chocolate peanut butter bars are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are totally a thing. If you have any left (doubtful!), pop them into an airtight container.

They'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Variations: Putting Your Spin on It

Want to mix things up a bit? No problem! For a chocolate chunk peanut butter bars twist, toss some chopped chocolate into the peanut butter filling.

If you're dealing with allergies, swap the peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

Honestly? These adaptations are super easy.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness

Let's be real, these nostalgic desserts are a treat. Each peanut butter slice is estimated to have around 450-500 calories, 8-10g of protein, 25-30g of fat, and 50-55g of carbs.

But hey, everything in moderation, right?

These old fashioned peanut butter bars are the perfect easy peanut butter dessert to make when you're feeling nostalgic or just need a sweet treat.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, I hope you enjoy every bite. Go ahead and give this peanut butter bars recipe a shot! Channel your inner lunch lady and get baking! I have no doubts that you are going to love these school cafeteria recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my lunch lady peanut butter bars from being too crumbly when I cut them?

Chilling is your best friend here! Make sure you refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour or two, before attempting to cut them. This allows the chocolate topping and peanut butter filling to firm up, resulting in cleaner slices.

You can also use a warm knife for extra smooth cuts just run it under hot water and wipe it dry between slices, like a hot knife through butter!

Can I make lunch lady peanut butter bars ahead of time? How do I store them?

Absolutely! These bars are fantastic for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week the cool temperature helps maintain their texture and flavor.

They also freeze well; just wrap them individually or in small batches and store for up to 2-3 months.

My peanut butter filling is too thick! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

A too-thick filling usually means you added too much powdered sugar or not enough liquid. Don't worry, it's easily fixable! Try adding a tablespoon of heavy cream (or milk, if you don't have heavy cream) at a time until you reach a smoother, more spreadable consistency.

Make sure your butter is properly softened if it's too cold, it won't cream properly with the sugar.

I'm allergic to peanuts! Can I still enjoy something similar to these lunch lady peanut butter bars?

Of course! Simply substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a peanut free version. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Just be sure to check the labels of your substitutes to ensure they're made in a peanut free facility if you have a severe allergy safety first!

Can I make these lunch lady peanut butter bars gluten-free?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and create a texture similar to that of traditional flour.

You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!

What's the best type of peanut butter to use for these lunch lady peanut butter bars?

For that classic, nostalgic taste, stick with a creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy the kind we all grew up with! These brands tend to have a sweeter, more processed flavor that really evokes those childhood memories. However, feel free to use your favorite brand.

Just avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can affect the texture of the filling.