School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

Take a delicious trip down memory lane with these School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars that capture the essence of those much-loved cafeteria treats. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a special treat for your child’s lunchbox, these bars combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a delightful frosting that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Get ready to delight your family and friends with these easy-to-make, irresistible bars that are sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones!

A Sweet Return to Childhood: School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are more than just a treat; they’re a nostalgic nod to those carefree school days. Follow these simple steps and tips to ensure your bars are just as you remember perhaps even a bit better!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Bars:

1. Smooth Batter: Ensure the butter and peanut butter are well incorporated into the sugar and eggs for a smooth, uniform batter.
2. Even Spreading: Press the oat mixture evenly into the pan to avoid uneven baking and to ensure every bar cooks perfectly.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting into the warm bars.
4. Creamy Frosting: Beat the frosting ingredients until creamy and smooth for easy spreading.
5. Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars, cleaning the blade between slices for neat, clean cuts.

Recipe for School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Servings: 24 bars
• Equipment: 9×13 inch baking pan, large bowl, medium bowl

Bring a piece of nostalgia into your kitchen with these delectable peanut butter bars.

Ingredients:

For the Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Add Peanut Butter: Mix in peanut butter until well incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Oats: Stir in oats and press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, and beat until smooth and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract.
9. Frost and Cut: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy the Sweet Simplicity!

These School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a sweet homage to the past, made with love and delicious ingredients. Serve them up and watch them disappear as quickly as they did in the school cafeteria!

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