Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars: A Nostalgic, Creamy-Sweet Classic

If you ever stood in a school cafeteria line hoping your tray would include a thick, soft square of peanut butter dessert topped with glossy frosting, then Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars will feel like a sweet flashback. These bars are rich yet simple, soft but sturdy, and layered with that unmistakable peanut butter flavor that feels both comforting and indulgent.

What makes them special is their texture: a tender, cake-like peanut butter base topped with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter frosting that slightly firms as it cools. They’re easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or weekend treats.

Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can recreate this cafeteria favorite at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peanut Butter Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2–3 tablespoons milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If you’re aiming for that authentic lunchroom thickness, stick to a 9×13 pan. For thinner bars, you can use a slightly larger sheet pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. This step ensures the base will be tender and evenly flavored.

Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes. Proper creaming helps create a soft, cake-like texture.