Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing — this keeps the bars soft rather than dense.

The batter will be thick and creamy.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:

• The edges are lightly golden
• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs

Be careful not to overbake. Slightly underbaking ensures soft, tender bars.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool for about 15–20 minutes before frosting. They should still be slightly warm but not hot.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat.

Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting feels too thick, add a little more milk (one teaspoon at a time).

The frosting should be pourable but not runny.

Step 7: Frost While Warm

Pour the warm frosting over the slightly warm bars. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Frosting the bars while they’re still a bit warm helps the topping glide smoothly and settle into a glossy finish.

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature so the frosting can set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once fully cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices.

You’ll notice:

• A soft, cake-like peanut butter base
• A creamy, lightly firm frosting layer
• A rich peanut butter aroma in every bite

Tips for Perfect Lunch Lady Bars

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and affect consistency.
• Don’t skip the salt — it balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Let them cool fully before stacking or storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Optional Variations

If you’d like to customize your bars, try:

• Sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top before the frosting sets
• Drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting
• Adding chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch
• Swirling a little melted chocolate into the frosting for a marbled effect

Why These Bars Are So Loved

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are simple, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing. They’re rich without being complicated, sweet without being overwhelming, and incredibly easy to prepare in one pan.

Whether you’re recreating a childhood memory or introducing someone to this classic treat for the first time, these bars deliver comfort and flavor in every soft, frosted square.

Bake a batch once, and they’ll quickly become part of your regular dessert rotation.