Description
Lunch Lady Bars are a nostalgic treat featuring a chewy, peanut butter and oat cookie base topped with a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for an after-school snack or a comforting dessert, these bars combine the warm flavors of peanut butter and vanilla with a smooth cocoa glaze for a delightful homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Chocolate Frosting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare tray: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 17x12x1 inch sheet tray to ensure the bars don’t stick during baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step ensures a tender texture.
- Add peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla: Mix in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a rich base batter.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and kosher salt to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.
- Spread dough and bake: Evenly spread the dough onto the prepared sheet tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add whole milk gradually to reach the desired spreading consistency.
- Frost and serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a slightly different texture.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Rolling the oats slightly before adding them can enhance texture.
