Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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5 from 10 votes
Published: February 19, 2021Updated: April 26, 2022Author: Camille Beckstrand
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These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are the EXACT recipe they once served in schools! These peanut butter bars have a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base, creamy peanut butter center and chocolate buttercream on top. These are the best peanut butter bars of all time!
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Bars

These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are the EXACT recipe they once served in high school! These peanut butter bars have a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base, creamy peanut butter center and chocolate buttercream on top. Not to mention they are just as good at room temperature. These are the best peanut butter treats of all time!

We have tried a lot of peanut butter bars in our day, and these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are the best we’ve ever tried!

We grew up coming home on a school day to these amazing peanut butter bars waiting for us! 

Our favorite treat growing up was the peanut butter bars that the lunch ladies served in our elementary school. These were the iconic public school delights that are long gone now. Forget a traditional cookie, as kids we ran towards these peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars like a hungry crowd! 

We would bring an extra 50 cents to school so we could buy one of these delicious peanut butter bars whenever we could. There was no way to get these homemade cookie bars at a grocery store, but it was a good thing they had them for us at school. Sometimes I would bring an airtight container to bring them home for an after school snack. 

My kids these days won’t even consider eating school lunches, while for us back in the day it was a magical thing indeed! The lunch ladies would bake up large quantities of this original recipe. And you’re in luck that we have the recipes to all of our favorite desserts!

We originally shared this recipe on our blog in 2011, and it has since grown to be the most popular dessert recipe and for good reason. Most people love walking down memory lane to relieve the taste of their favorite school snack. This dessert heaven is built with graham cracker crumbs and a chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base. It’s always the right decision to indulge! 

These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are so easy to make, but be warned.  Once you have one, you’ll have to have another. And another. And possibly half a pan.

No judgments here.  Put on those stretch pants and treat yo’ self, girl. These bars have so much flavor you will want to eat the whole pan!

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Sliced and Stacked

ENOUGH PEANUT BUTTER BARS TO FEED A CROWD

These peanut butter cookie bars are exactly like the famous school cafeteria bars they used to make back in the good ol’ days.

I love that these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars can feed a crowd and I usually have all the ingredients on hand so if I ever need to make a treat at the last minute, these are my go-to recipe.

These bars are made in a half sheet pan and you can cut them into as many bars as you need.

We like a bigger bar, so we typically cut a pan of these cookie bars into 24 squares, but you could easily cut them into 48 for a smaller serving.

Other Peanut Butter Desserts You Might Like:

Serves: 24 servings

The BEST Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

5 from 10 votes
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are the EXACT recipe they once served in schools! These peanut butter bars have a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base, creamy peanut butter center and chocolate buttercream on top. These are the best peanut butter bars of all time!
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Print Pin

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Bars

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2½ cups peanut butter divided
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar together.
  • Add vanilla, eggs, and 1 cup of the peanut butter; stir to combine.
  • Add oats, flour, baking soda and salt and mix until well combined.
  • Spray a baking sheet (half sheet jelly roll pan that is approximately 17.8 x 12.8 x 1 inch) with nonstick cooking spray and spread out dough in an even layer.
  • Bake for 15 minutes and remove from oven.
  • Drop remaining peanut butter (about 1 1/2 cups) by very small spoonfuls (we use a baby spoon) all over on top of warm bars. Let set for about 5-6 minutes and gently spread when peanut butter has begun to melt. It will spread easily when the peanut butter has softened on the warm bars. Don't try to spread it while still thick.
  • Then let the bars cool until peanut butter has set up.
  • While cooling, mix together frosting ingredients with a hand mixer until smooth and spread on top of bars.
  • Cut into bars and serve.

Video

Notes

  • These bars are made in a half sheet pan and you can cut them into as many bars as you need.
  • We like a bigger bar, so we typically cut a pan of these cookie bars into 24 squares, but you could easily cut them into 48 for a smaller serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 459 kcal · Carbohydrates: 51 g · Protein: 10 g · Fat: 26 g · Saturated Fat: 10 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 44 mg · Sodium: 377 mg · Potassium: 248 mg · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 35 g · Vitamin A: 378 IU · Calcium: 34 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray
  • Hand mixer
  • Mixing Bowl

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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Want to see how easy it is to make our Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars?  Watch the 15-second video below to see how to make the best peanut butter bars HERE.

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Sliced and Stacked

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  1. Mommy LaDy Club says:
    June 23, 2011
    Yum! I'm a sucker for anything with Peanut Butter and I can't wait to try these.

    New follower!

    Betina
    http://www.mommyladyclub.com
    Reply
    • Sheryl says:
      March 14, 2018
      Hi, I can't find the full recipe. The recipe I see says mix until....
      Reply
  2. More Milestones says:
    June 23, 2011
    Those look great! I'm going to try them.

    ~ Mona : )
    http://moremilestones.blogspot.com
    Reply
  3. Aimee says:
    June 24, 2011
    Looks great! Thanks for stopping by and commenting and following! I'm following you back!
    Aimee
    Reply
    • Lavinia says:
      December 30, 2019
      How do I convert cup measurements to lbs and ounces or grams? Thank you! Can't wait to make and try these 😊
      Reply
  4. Rhondi says:
    June 24, 2011
    Oh my, these bars look so good! I love anything with peanut butter. Camille, thanks for stopping by my blog and following. I'm so glad you found some recipes to try. I'm enjoying browsing through your blog and am a new follower. It must be amazing to be a group of 6 sisters. I have 3 daughters and they are the best of friends :) Have a great day!
    Rhondi
    http://bigmamashomekitchen.blogspot.com/
    Reply
  5. Camie at "Home is where they love you" says:
    June 24, 2011
    Okay...so my mouth is watering as I read this! I loved these too!
    Reply
  6. Callie Callender says:
    June 25, 2011
    saved this recipe... yummo! thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  7. Jennifer says:
    June 27, 2011
    Dang...now I'm going to have to try those and apparently, I'm going to have to try the cookies and cream cheesecake bars that are looking at my right now too! =P

    I guess that means I'm a new follower. lol! (Followed you over from This Week's Cravings.)

    My blog is http://imitationbydesign.blogspot.com if you'd like to visit.
    Reply
  8. Maggie says:
    June 27, 2011
    oh my ever since I went to Savannah I've hankering for one of those...

    Do not forget to add our linking it this party here http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/06/beautiful-furniture-redo-pop-up-cards.html
    Maggie
    http://passionatelyartistic.com
    Reply
  9. Kirsten @ Mushki Loves says:
    June 27, 2011
    Oh my yumminess! This looks delish! I am a new follower and would love it if you follow back! Have a great day!
    Reply
  11. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts says:
    June 27, 2011
    Looks like you had a good school. These days its all prepackaged fast food. Kids would love to have lunch ladies like the one you had. Thank you for participating in my linky party at Joy of Desserts.
    Reply
    • GrandmaB says:
      March 1, 2018
      Lunch lady’s back in the day made everything from scratch every kind of cookie bar they served were awesome at my school there was probably 10 different types of cookie bars
      Reply
  12. Natalia Lynn says:
    June 27, 2011
    This looks FAN-TASTIC! I can't wait to try these, they look so yummy!
    Reply
  13. ladybehindthecurtain.com says:
    June 28, 2011
    This looks good. Would come over and share some of your recipes at my link party Cast Party Wednesday tomorrow? I guess I went to the wrong school I don't remember "good" desserts. HA!
    Thanks,
    I hope to see you there!
    Reply
  14. simplydesigning.blogspot.com says:
    June 29, 2011
    These look delish!

    I am featuring these on my blog on Saturday! Feel free to stop by and grab a button!!

    Ashley
    www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
    Reply
  15. SaraBeth says:
    June 29, 2011
    These sound divine!!

    New follower from Wow Me Wednesday,

    Reply
  16. Jen says:
    June 29, 2011
    okay, if these are anything like what my lunch ladies served I will be so happy! They were seriously the best! I am going to have to try these out! I would love for you to come and share these at my Fantastic Friday link party. http://ironvioletdesigns.blogspot.com
    Reply
  17. Grandma Bonnie says:
    June 29, 2011
    Thanks for the great recipe.
    New follower from What's cooking Wednesday.
    Hope you follow back.
    http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/
    Reply
  18. Loy says:
    June 29, 2011
    I am a newish follower. This looks like a great recipe. I am the cookie monster's grandmother and am always looking for new cookie recipes to try. This one looks scrumptious. I am looking forward to exploring your blog further.
    Reply
  19. raising4princesses says:
    June 29, 2011
    that sounds so yummy I can almost smell them! Wow, great post, MAria http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com/
    Reply
  20. Jennifer says:
    June 30, 2011
    I have opened this website up two separate times. I am drawn to the deliciousness. I a a follower.
    Reply
  21. Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says:
    June 30, 2011
    If I enjoyed PB, I'd be all over these! lol They still look good though. Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party.
    Reply
  22. Jess says:
    July 1, 2011
    YUM!!! I want to make these RIGHT NOW. I wish I had the oatmeal! Saving this one for sure!
    Reply
  23. Lauren says:
    September 4, 2011
    I just found these via Pintrest. They looked so good I had to click over and have a look. Lucky for me I have everything I need to make them.
    Reply
  24. amber says:
    October 18, 2011
    thank you i have been looking for this recipe for a long time. my grandma was a lunch lady and made these all the time.
    Reply
  25. Heather says:
    November 2, 2011
    Absolutely wicked!! These are not something MY lunch lady would ever make.=) bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com
    Reply
  26. Anonymous says:
    November 8, 2011
    Wow, thanks for this!I made them & everyone loved them & then I couldn't find the recipe again but I did just now, Yeah!
    Reply
  27. Anonymous says:
    November 13, 2011
    Wow! These are great! Never heard of them before..my boyfriend loves anything Peanut Butter and Chocolate..so I gave it a try. The only thing i did different was to use DH canned Milk Chocolate frosting. Will be making these again and again ! thanks girls :)
    Reply
  28. Anonymous says:
    December 13, 2011
    They look yum but omg 2 cups sugar and 1 cup butter. It's far too unhealthy for me to make :(
    Reply
    • Tyler says:
      April 26, 2014
      It makes a 18 by 12 inch pan? cut it in half for a 9 by 13 or in quarters for an 8 by 8?
      Reply
  29. Michael Ann says:
    January 14, 2012
    Ooo, I have this recipe from Gooseberry Patch. Good!!!
    Reply
  30. Heather A. says:
    January 29, 2012
    Made these for 5th Sunday potluck and they were spot on! We all reminisced about these from the Old Lunchroom Days.
    Reply
  31. Stevens Family says:
    March 7, 2012
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    Reply
  32. Stevens Family says:
    March 7, 2012
    They are in the fridge setting up - ack - it's so hard to wait! I can't wait to eat them! I love that they have chocolate frosting on top and not just melted chocolate chips. I was really fighting the peanut butter trying to spread it on top - ha ha ha - I tried to plop it all on at once and it just sunk straight down and made a hole, ack! quickly scooped it back up - what a mess! it took a lot of fineness to finally get that peanut butter to spread and not smush the bars.
    Reply
    • Lorina says:
      September 21, 2014
      If you find the peanut butter hard to spread, just warm it up in the microwave or on the stove until it is soft enough to spread like frosting, or soft enough to pour over the top. :)
      Reply
  33. [email protected] says:
    May 11, 2012
    You must have gone to a better school than I did or just had a better Lunch Lady, I don't remember any of our desserts being so yummy, going to have to give these a try, nothing better than Peanut butter and chocolate!
    Reply
  34. Amy says:
    May 12, 2012
    Anyone have that school lunch chocolate cake recipe?
    Reply
    • KotaShi says:
      May 20, 2012
      I can get it for you on Monday. But it is for 600 servings!
      Reply
  35. Diane says:
    May 17, 2012
    I need clarification before I make these. There are 1&1/2 cups of Peanut Butter listed in the instructions that I don't find in the list of ingredients. Is this an additional 1&1/2 cups of PB?
    Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      May 22, 2012
      Hi Diane,

      You add 1 cup of peanut butter to the dough and the other 1/2 cup goes on top of the peanut butter bars after they come out of the oven.
      Reply
      • Janice says:
        May 19, 2019
        You stated 2 1/2 cups of peanut butter in recipe divided it up by 1 c in the base dough and rest of it on hot dough after baking. Now I read it is 1 c in the dough and1/2c on top of the hot baked dough. I am confused. Which is it? 1 1/2 total or 21/2c total? There is a difference of 1c. Thank you.
        Reply
  36. Unknown says:
    June 3, 2012
    I needed that clarification as well. The instruction still say to "spread
    1 1/2 cups of peanut butter on the top of bars". ;) Growing up in small Utah community, We had super loving lunch ladies who knew and loved us,(one of which was my own Grandma) and we always had delicious school lunches, including desserts and these peanut butter bars were one of my favorite! My kids don't get this kind of yumminess now days. SO HAPPY to have come across this recipe! Thanks for sharing!! :)
    Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      June 4, 2012
      This comment has been removed by the author.
      Reply
    • Steff says:
      April 8, 2013
      There are 2 1/2 c. of peanut butter listed in the ingredients, and the instructions say 1 c. goes in the dough and 1 1/2 c. goes on top, but your comments say 1 c. for the dough and 1/2 c. for on top...clarification?
      Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      April 8, 2013
      Sorry I'll delete that. 1 cup goes into the dough. The 1 1/2 cups goes on top. Just like the recipe states. Sorry about that!
      Reply
      • Michelle Oliver says:
        May 30, 2019
        What size pan?
        Reply
        • Cyd says:
          June 1, 2019
          We use the half sheet jelly roll pan or any cookie sheet. They are approximately 17.8 x 12.8 x 1 inches.
          Reply
  37. Kami says:
    June 28, 2012
    I have looked everywhere for this! I'm so excited! I had the recipe when I took the cooking class in high school, straight from the lunch ladies but lost it. Instead of spreading the peanut butter we just combined it with the chocolate frosting. Mmmm.. I'm going to make it this weekend!
    Reply
  38. IAMANNIE says:
    July 9, 2012
    I made these today and they are so so so yummy! However, they are not the same bars from my cafeteria growing up! Dang! This is NOT a complaint though! This recipe makes a million bars and is awesome so I'll definitely be bringing these to potlucks! A new keeper recipe!

    Nixandnoli.blogspot.com
    Reply
  39. Barb says:
    July 13, 2012
    Really great recipe thanks. My 2nd batch of these I added 1 tbsp instead of tsp of vanilla extract by mistake to my frosting but hey they tasted even better than the first batch. So now I'm going to keep doing that it bumps them up a whole lot try it & see.
    Reply
  40. Andrew and Kendra says:
    July 21, 2012
    THESE. ARE. SOO. GOOD! Enough said. Thanks for this recipe, definately a keeper!!!!
    Reply
  41. Andrew and Kendra says:
    July 21, 2012
    THESE. ARE. SOO. GOOD! Enough said. Thanks for this recipe, definately a keeper!!!!
    Reply
  42. Julie says:
    August 9, 2012
    Yep....amazing!!! Loved these!
    Reply
  43. mommymayi says:
    August 9, 2012
    turned out great all except the final 1/2 C. of peanut butter trying to spread that on while it was still hot was a challenge. It was dragging the peanut butter crust right along with it. EEK! Nothing a little bit of your famous choc. icing can't cover up. :) Thank you for this post. Definitely a keeper.
    Reply
  44. Riverspitter says:
    August 28, 2012
    Double Yum! Love Peanut butter!
    I've been looking for a Lunch Lady bread spread for years. It had honey, peanut butter and (I think) raisins. It must have been mixed in a blender, cause it was smooth. OMGosh, I used to trade with my hot lunch friends for stuff out of my lunch sack for that all the time!!
    Reply
  45. Mandy says:
    October 24, 2012
    Making these now, but why not quick oats? I am loving your stuff!
    Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      November 1, 2012
      Hi Mandy!

      I have never tried them with quick oats, so I am not sure how they would turn out! I hope you liked them! Let us know if the quick oats worked! :)
      Reply
    • Emily says:
      February 19, 2013
      I always use quick oats when I make these and they taste great!
      Reply
      • Jamie Taylor says:
        February 23, 2018
        Thank you! I only have quick oats!
        Reply
  46. Mae Smith says:
    November 9, 2012
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    Reply
  47. Mae Smith says:
    November 9, 2012
    These look amazing! Thank you for the recipe will be trying them soon!

    I am a new follower, and glad I found your blog!
    Reply
  48. Shannon Fox says:
    January 21, 2013
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    Reply
  49. Shannon Fox says:
    January 21, 2013
    These were absolutely delicious! I find that if you take the 1/2 C of peanut butter that goes on the top and whip it with a mixer until lighter in color and creamy, it has a great texture and spreads very nicely. Thanks for the recipe!
    Reply
  50. Elisabeth Horvath says:
    March 17, 2013
    This comment has been removed by the author.
    Reply
  51. Jamie Dalton says:
    April 6, 2013
    Is there a difference between a jelly roll sheet and a cookie sheet?
    Reply
    • au naturel says:
      April 7, 2013
      Yes there is a difference. I made mine in a 1/2 sheet pan. A jelly roll pan is smaller; so they would be thicker.
      Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      April 8, 2013
      Hi Jamie, We use a cookie sheet with a rim all the way around it. The dimensions are 12 x 17 inches.
      Reply
      • mel says:
        October 6, 2018
        wish the dimensions had been listed above lol. my "cookie sheet" that i bought must be a jelly roll sheet and believe you me it didnt just make them thicker it spewed all over my oven in nutty waves of goodness which quickly blackened and set off all the smoke alarms hahahah
        Reply
        • Cyd says:
          October 8, 2018
          We use a half sheet pan with the dimensions approximately 18 x 13. We have not had a problem with it running over the edge. Sorry it went over the edge and set off the smoke alarms!
          Reply
  52. au naturel says:
    April 7, 2013
    Made these yesterday. They were great. To me the icing was a bit too sweet. I thought perhaps melting chocolate over the top instead of icing like I do for my Tandy Takes would be better. Just my opinion.
    Reply
  53. missybug says:
    April 7, 2013
    OMG they are coming out of the oven right now....your right...i think i will refrigerate them so i can eat sooner...YUMMMY!!

    thanks for sharing
    Reply
  54. Angela Carter says:
    April 26, 2013
    YUM. I can taste them now...just looking at that picture. NO, our poor kids do not get such deliciousness! thanks for sharing this. I may ruin my diet with this.
    Reply
  55. siri says:
    May 28, 2013
    just made these.. delicious. i do think 15 minutes in the oven is slightly too long. would rather have the bars be slightly gooey. next time i'll probably do 13. excellent recipe.. thank you!
    Reply
  56. Sara Wise says:
    June 22, 2013
    WE LOVE these here at our house! I've added coconut and white chocolate chips and chocolate chips and they are to die for! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  57. Donna says:
    October 17, 2013
    Wowzers....THANK YOU for finding the recipe I have been craving and searching for (over 25 years!!)...Talk about a "blast from the past"!...Now I will be able to make these for my future grandchildren!!! The texture looks spot-on to what I remember...although our High School Lunch Ladies did not add the chocolate frosting component...leaving them "naked"...which, personally, I do not mind at all as I think it really highlights the moist, chewy peanut-buttery-ness of the bar...alhough I imagine with the frosting they are out of this world. I always "justify" not adding frosting as a lame , yet somehow "valid" excuse to partake in an "extra" bar to nosh on! :)
    Reply
    • Peggy says:
      January 13, 2014
      I have been searching for the "lunchroom" peanut butter cookies or bars but I also do not remember there being an icing on them. Just have to try both ways now! Thanks for the recipe!
      Reply
    • Rick says:
      October 27, 2020
      Thanks for your comment. Our lunch ladies just topped them with powdered sugar. I wasn't sure this was the right recipe.....now I have to try it with powdered sugar.
      Reply
  58. V. Bell says:
    January 7, 2014
    These exact same bars are in Gold Medal Flour's 2001 Let's Bake number 30. Even the same frosting recipe. The only difference is Six Sisters used 1/4 c butter instead of 1/4 c peanut butter in the frosting, otherwise the entire recipe is identical.
    Reply
  59. Laurie says:
    January 21, 2014
    I have made these twice and they are so easy to make and delicious. I don't know why there is only an average 2 star rating. I used my own chocolate buttercream icing, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Love them!
    Reply
  60. Melissa Christensen says:
    February 26, 2014
    Is there a way to make this recipe using quick oats? I have tons of it!!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 26, 2014
      We have made these with quick oats before and it still turns out good!
      Reply
  61. Susan L. @ Full Happy Muffin and Mama says:
    March 16, 2014
    I made these for the treat for the week and for the snack for date night. I used quick oats (because they were what I had and others had said they worked). I did figure out one thing to do for next time: melt the peanut butter in the microwave ahead of time and pour it over the baked bars rather than dollops to spread. Plus, once I had gotten the dollops melted and spread it was the same effect. These are just as I remember them being, and my mom, a retired teacher, loved them too, and has asked for the recipe. I blogged about the treat at http://fullhappybabyandmommy.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/date-night-log-another-movie-night-and-a-movie-treat/ . Thanks for a great recipe (several in fact have been bookmarked to try later). I am also going to be making the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken on my meal plan for this week.
    Reply
  62. lexy says:
    July 13, 2014
    Just made these. They are PERFECTION!!! Great recipe!!! I will definitely make them again!!
    Reply
  63. CC says:
    August 7, 2014
    Probably a dumb question, but is it dry oats or make 2 cups of oatmeal and mix that in? Thanks!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      August 11, 2014
      Dry oats!
      Reply
      • CC says:
        August 15, 2014
        Thank you!!!
        Reply
  64. Rose Sweet Holladay says:
    July 1, 2015
    For the frosting...if you bring the butter, cocoa and milk to a boil for one minute, then stir in the rest, the frosting will taste like fudge and when it cools, you can touch the top without being sticky. Fabulous frosting!
    Reply
  65. Joelyn says:
    July 4, 2015
    I don't know what I did wrong with the frosting...my butter may have been a bit more melted than softened, but it just wasn't very chocolate-y. Wish I would have seen this tip for boiling, maybe that would have helped? And my bars turned out more dry and crumbly than chewy like I had hoped.
    Reply
  66. JoAnna says:
    September 20, 2015
    Just made these bars tonight, and I loved them! I halved the recipe and made it in a 9x13 inch pan, and it turned out perfectly. Great tip about putting on the peanut butter while the cake was still hot--definitely helped the spreading. The only change I would make would be to add a little bit more cocoa to the frosting just to add some more chocolately flavor. Otherwise, I think this recipe rocks! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  67. heather says:
    October 13, 2015
    An exact replica of Utah elementary lunch lady bars. I was suddenly in 3rd grade again...instantly! Thank you so much for sharing!
    Reply
  68. Alesha says:
    August 18, 2016
    My child will love it! Thaaaanks, sweetie
    Reply
  69. Janine Long says:
    August 26, 2016
    Hi! I was wondering if I could use natural peanut butter?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      September 6, 2016
      We have not tried this recipe with natural peanut butter. But here is some information I found for you on the internet when cooking with natural peanut butter when the recipe calls for regular peanut butter. Hope this helps!! ***When it comes to baking, we tend to use what is on hand, but there will often be some differences in recipes made with natural peanut butter instead of regular. Most recipes (unless otherwise specified) are written with the assumption that you?ll use regular peanut butter. The salt and sugar from that regular peanut butter can add a lot of flavor to a recipe, and the thickness of the peanut butter translates into less spread for peanut butter cookies, for instance. Natural peanut butter is often unsalted, so you may need to add additional salt to a recipe. It might also seem saltier than regular peanut butter because of the lack of sugar in the mix, so you might want to cut back on the salt in the recipe by 1/4 tsp if you are very sensitive to it. Natural peanut butter cookies tend to spread out more, and frequently have a crispier texture (this is often do to a higher proportion of oil in the mix) than cookies made with regular peanut butter. Since they spread out more, they sometimes need a slightly shorter baking time. Most recipes will deliver a similar result no matter which type of peanut butter you use ? even if you do have to make a tiny tweak or two due to a lack of salt or sugar in your product ? so you can still use whatever is on hand. But watch out for a recipe that specifically calls for one or the other and be aware of the slight differences that exist between the two types.
      Reply
  70. Gina says:
    September 18, 2016
    I made these...so yummy! Do you think they would work in cookie form??
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      September 19, 2016
      Hi Gina, These are by far one of our favorite desserts! I have never thought about making them in cookie form. If you give it a try, you need to let us know how it all turns out! Thanks so much for stopping by our blog and have a super great week!
      Reply
  71. Diana says:
    September 30, 2016
    Waiting for them to cool so I can ice them. So far taste test licking the spatula is yummy! :-p
    Reply
  72. Nanci says:
    December 5, 2016
    Do these freeze well?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      December 6, 2016
      These freeze well in an airtight container.
      Reply
  73. Joe says:
    December 19, 2016
    Just made them and sampled!!Terrific!! How long will they stay fresh in a sealed container? Need to get till Christmas.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      December 22, 2016
      Lunch lady peanut butter bars freeze well in an airtight container.
      Reply
  74. Kim says:
    March 8, 2017
    Can these be made without the oatmeal?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 8, 2017
      We have only made them with oatmeal. Where it needs 2 cups of oatmeal for this recipe, I wouldn't leave it out.
      Reply
  75. Chris says:
    November 5, 2017
    Thanks for sharing this! They are JUST as I remember from the 1970’s. Delicious!!! I followed the recipe exactly... perfection!
    Reply
  76. Lee says:
    January 12, 2018
    I am always making things for my adult granddaughter and she begged me to try and find a recipe like this because of her memories from school of these bars. I’ve looked and tried different recipes with same claim but so far not a winner with her. I asked her to describe them to me and this recipe sounds like it just might be it. Making them this afternoon as she is coming to visit. Will let you know how it turns out. Love ? the peanut butter smell from my oven.
    Reply
  77. Naomi Epstein says:
    March 6, 2018
    I found basically this exact recipe on another blog and made it last week, it's amazing. As a side note for the peanut butter frosting layer after the cookie part has cooled, that recipe had you whip the peanut butter (I used my stand mixer) before you frost it, so that might help people that have had trouble spreading the peanut butter layer. When it's whipped, it's just like spreading frosting.
    Reply
  78. Julie A. Wooten says:
    March 15, 2018
    Where is the recipe for these Peanut Butter Bars?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 16, 2018
      We were having major issues on our site yesterday. The recipe is now back. Thanks for your patience.
      Reply
  79. Summer Bartlett says:
    March 15, 2018
    Hello! I can not find the recipe. Am I missing it somewhere???
    Reply
  80. Amy Burbidge says:
    June 27, 2018
    I can't see anywhere that it specifies the size of the baking pan. Do you use a half sheet pan? 18x13?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      June 27, 2018
      18 x 13 inch cookie sheet is what we use.
      Reply
  81. Rick Weger says:
    September 2, 2018
    I remember something very similar at my elementary school in the 60's. Pretty sure ours had no frosting but instead powdered sugar on top. I've wanted that recipe so many times...I'll give this a go.
    Reply
  82. Margo says:
    November 4, 2018
    If you have a kid that’s allergic to peanuts and you’re dying to make this, WOW butter works as a great substitute!
    Reply
  83. Cindy says:
    January 19, 2019
    I have made this recipe too many times to count!! Everyone loves them and requests them!!
    Reply
  84. Allison says:
    February 21, 2019
    Hi, just wondering- do you use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe? Thank you!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 26, 2019
      We have used both salted and unsalted in this recipe. So whatever you have on hand will work great. We like it both ways. Really not much difference in the taste.
      Reply
  85. samantha says:
    April 10, 2019
    I may even call these healthy and eat them for breakfast ;)
    Reply
  86. Haley says:
    April 24, 2019
    How many days in advance can I make these and still have them be soft and the frosting not crusted over?? TIA! :)
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      April 26, 2019
      These are great for a few days in an airtight container. Or you can make them and then freeze them. They freeze great in an airtight container. They are one of our most favorite desserts!!
      Reply
  87. Mary says:
    May 7, 2019
    Thanks Tyler--could not see this in recipe directions
    Reply
  88. V Underwood says:
    May 9, 2019
    The recipe says she sheet pan... what size sheet pan?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      May 9, 2019
      We use a half sheet (cookie sheet size) that is about 15 x 10 inches.
      Reply
  89. Mellissa Simmons says:
    May 13, 2019
    My favorite school lunch treat! I loved the homemade Spudnuts too that they made with the chili and breadsticks in the fall. We always had those at our fall carnival too.
    Reply
  90. Jane says:
    May 29, 2019
    Growing up I lived in the country and went to a country school...there was no such thing as a lunch room, never mind food that was prepared there. If we forgot our lunch, we either had to call home and hope mom could bring it or we went hungry. Oh the joys of growing up in the rural areas lol. These sounded so good I just had to try them - and I wasn't disappointed! Made as per the recipe with the only change being I just made a half batch (empty nesters don't need a sheet pan full lol). These went together quickly and easily and I know I will be making them again!
    Reply
  91. Cindy says:
    July 13, 2019
    I made these last night. Very yummy but not quite the lunch lady recipe I remember. Still, very yummy.
    Reply
  92. Traci Quinn says:
    September 13, 2019
    I love anything with peanut butter & chocolate! I made them this afternoon & they're DELICIOUS!! Thanks for a great recipe!
    Reply
  93. Jessie says:
    January 27, 2020
    I SO remember these bars from school! I was excited to see this recipe, finally had the chance to make it ... followed the recipe exactly for a dinner with friends & it was a huge hit!! Thank you!s
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 29, 2020
      Thanks Jessie. They are one of our favorite desserts full of childhood memories!
      Reply
  94. Judy Gomez says:
    June 22, 2020
    Can these be frozen
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      June 22, 2020
      Lunch lady peanut butter bars freeze great in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag.
      Reply
  95. Jess says:
    December 22, 2020
    This is the best ever! A hit every time ! I ate more then I would like to admit!
    Reply
  96. Darlene Bennett says:
    February 10, 2021
    Horrible. Used fine ingredients according to recipe. Turned out hard, crumbly, very disappointing! Save yourself the trouble and cost of making these!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      February 12, 2021
      Darlene, I'm not sure what could have gone wrong. These Lunch Lady peanut butter bars have been a staple for years! They are one of the most popular desserts on our website. We serve them at SO many functions. Not sure what could have gone wrong. Sorry they didn't turn out for you.
      Reply
  97. Adele Scaggs says:
    February 22, 2021
    This recipe is our family’s favorite. I took some to my students and co-workers and they were a hit! I get requests all of the time to bring them in to school!

    5 stars

    Reply
  98. Christine says:
    May 16, 2021
    Just finished making these, OMG so glad you shared this recipe, thank you!!

    5 stars

    Reply
  99. kw says:
    May 17, 2021
    This recipe is amazing. Not too easy to spread the dough but worth the effort. It took me back to grade school.

    5 stars

    Reply
  100. Prudy says:
    May 17, 2021
    Hi, How do these freeze? I'm making these for a camping trip but I want to make them ahead of time. Thanks
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      May 17, 2021
      These freeze well in a freezer bag or airtight freezer container.
      Reply
  101. Sofia says:
    May 30, 2021
    These bars are amazing. Everyone loves them! I like that they make giant-sized bars-so fun for kids’ events. (I do use quite a bit less of the fudge frosting than the recipe calls for, but I’m a peanut butter lover).

    5 stars

    Reply
  102. Diana Calzia says:
    May 30, 2021
    This has to be the easiest and yummiest cookie recipe ever! My husband even made it to share with his golf friends. They even asked for the recipe too!!!

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      June 1, 2021
      It is one of our most popular recipes on our blog. We are so glad you like them!
      Reply
  103. T John says:
    June 10, 2021
    Idk what only five people have reviewed this recipe. It’s BOMB!! Literally my favorite dessert and a crowd pleaser. You’ll eat the entire pan of them bite by bite and not even regret doing so!!

    5 stars

    Reply
  104. Chelsea Horner says:
    June 16, 2021
    How do you store these best?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      June 17, 2021
      If you are lucky enough to have any left, store them in an airtight container or on a plate covered in plastic wrap if you will be eating them the next day. They also freeze great in a freezer bag or freezer container.
      Reply
  105. Sweet Julia says:
    August 7, 2021
    I'm anxious to try this recipe. When I was in the MTC (a hundred years ago ;) ) the cafeteria served a peanut butter bar that I took every time it was served. Any idea if this is THAT recipe?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      August 9, 2021
      I don't know about the MTC, but they are similar to the one's in elementary school. At least they served them in the Utah schools. They were everyone's favorite!
      Reply
  106. Melissa McTiernan says:
    August 16, 2021
    I just made these tonight. They look amazing. I am planning to cut them tomorrow and take some to the dog groomers and orthodontist! I love to Bake People Happy!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      August 17, 2021
      These are one of our favorite desserts. I think you'll make the ortho and dog groomer very happy! What a wonderful way to serve - I love "Bake People Happy".
      Reply
  107. Ms Flibbles says:
    August 21, 2021
    Oh my goodness!! These are just like I remember from elementary school. I was a kid who hated peanut butter but loved peanut butter bar day. Thank you for posting the recipe!

    5 stars

    Reply
  108. Annette Specht says:
    August 22, 2021
    This is very similar to our Road Runner Bars, if you went to Grade school, junior high, and high school, this is what we got in school, Only called our version Road Runner Bars, ( the mascot was Road Runners, and used to have little road runners on the highways here in Harper,Kansas. I got my recipe from the hospital, cuz they made them too. lol
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      August 23, 2021
      I love this name! For all of you in Harper, Kansas - Go Roadrunners!!!
      Reply
  109. Bethany says:
    October 29, 2021
    I literally have been looking for a copycat recipe of those bars for years!!!! I remember begging people to trade their bar with me for something off my tray. So excited to try these!!
    Reply
  110. Evelyn Soto says:
    November 28, 2021
    So glad I found this recipe! I've made your version so many times and they are always a huge hit! I'm looking forward to packaging these up for Christmas gifts! Thank you for the recipe!

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      November 29, 2021
      Hi Evelyn. These are one of our most popular recipes on the website. They are our family favorites!
      Reply
  111. Jane says:
    February 13, 2022
    I’ve been using this recipe for years! It’s always a favorite.

    5 stars

    Reply
  112. Britt Moran says:
    May 6, 2022
    These bars are amazing! I bake all the time and these have become an instant favorite in our house.

    5 stars

    Reply
  113. Amy Phillips says:
    May 10, 2022
    Can you freeze these bars?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      May 12, 2022
      Yes, these peanut butter bars freeze great!
      Reply
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