Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

LUNCH LADY PEANUT BUTTER BARS WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING: THE MOST PERFECT NOSTALGIC NO-BAKE TREAT!

Is there any duo more iconic and perfect than chocolate and peanut butter? It’s beloved for good reason — the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter pairs perfectly with chocolate to create a balance of salty and sweet. That iconic duo is the star of the show in this recipe for Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars with chocolate frosting!

This recipe comes directly from the lunch ladies at the school that my late husband and I attended. Back in high school, he was extra kind to the lunch ladies, hoping they’d add extra food to his tray. His favorite peanut butter squares were a special treat and often, the lunch ladies would add an extra to his tray. When graduation approached, he didn’t want to leave these squares behind, so he asked the lunch ladies for the recipe.

Initially, the recipe originally filled a giant tray meant to serve an entire school. I scaled it down to a more practical 9×13 inch version, but let’s be honest — I don’t think it’s possible to have too many peanut butter bars. 😉

Let’s head to the kitchen and make these iconic Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars – a no-bake treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love!

❤️ Ashley

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Ingredient Notes:

Gather the ingredients. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found below in the printable recipe card.

For the peanut butter bars:

• butter: salted or unsalted is fine. I use salted butter in this recipe. When using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
• powdered sugar: Sifting powdered sugar is helpful if it’s clumpy, but it’s not absolutely necessary. I usually skip this step to save time, especially in this recipe where a perfectly smooth texture isn’t a concern.
• graham cracker crumbs: 12 graham crackers yield 1 and ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs.
• peanut butter: creamy peanut butter is recommended. Use crunchy peanut butter if you like the crunchy texture.

For the chocolate frosting:

• semi-sweet chocolate – I use semi-sweet chocolate chips. Follow the melting instructions according to package directions.

Why you will love this recipe!

✅ This recipe comes directly from the lunch ladies – need I say more?

✅ No-bake and so easy to make!

✅ Minimal ingredients required!

How to make no-bake peanut butter bars:

• Make the peanut butter layer: combine melted butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter
• Prepare a 9 x 13 inch dish: line a baking dish with foil to make it easy to remove the bars once set. Spray with non-stick spray.
• Press the peanut butter layer into the dish: ensure mixture is evenly spread out.
• Melt the chocolate: then spread in an even layer over the bars.
• Cut the bars: while the chocolate is still warm, cut into bars.
• Set: Allow the peanut butter bars and chocolate to set for about 1 hour before serving.