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Classic Nostalgic Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars (No-Bake Option Available)

Close-up of three square lunch lady peanut butter bars with a shortbread base, peanut butter layer, and chocolate topping.
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Recreate the comforting taste of school cafeteria treats with these easy Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars. This recipe features distinct, satisfying layers of a graham cracker base, creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate topping. You can prepare them as a simple baked bar or use the no-bake variation for quick assembly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. For the base layer, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted butter in a medium bowl. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. For the peanut butter filling, beat together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth. If the mixture is too stiff, add one tablespoon of milk. Spread this filling evenly over the crust.
  4. For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it to cover the surface.
  6. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
  7. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
  8. For the no-bake option, skip baking the crust. After pressing the crust into the pan, proceed directly to chilling the peanut butter filling layer until firm before adding the chocolate topping.

Notes

  • For a richer chocolate flavor in the topping, substitute 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
  • If you prefer a softer chocolate topping, slightly warm the bars before serving.
  • You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/lunch-lady-peanut-butter-bars/