Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

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Make No-Bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Frosting – the ultimate easy dessert! This nostalgic treat requires no baking and comes together in a few simple steps.

no-bake lunch lady peanut butter bars recipe

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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. ๐Ÿ˜‰

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!

โค๏ธ Ashley

WELCOME TO THE KITCHEN, LET’S MAKE LUNCH LADY PEANUT BUTTER BARS!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate – a match made in dessert heaven! Whip up these incredible no-bake peanut butter bars!

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 itโ€™s clumpy, but itโ€™s not absolutely necessary. I usually skip this step to save time, especially in this recipe where a perfectly smooth texture isnโ€™t a concern.
  • graham cracker crumbs: 12 graham crackers yield 1 and ยฝ 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!

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

โœ… No-bake and so easy to make!

โœ… Minimal ingredients required!

no-bake peanut butter bars with chocolate

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.

To sum up — if you are as obsessed with peanut butter as much as I do, you have to try these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars! The creamy peanut butter base pairs perfectly with the chocolate frosting on top. What’s more, the fact that this is a no-bake easy dessert makes it even better! Give them a try and let me know what you think. I love to hear from you!

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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars just like the lunch ladies used to make at school! Topped with an irresistible chocolate frosting!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 12 graham crackers
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions 

  • Cut butter into chunks and place in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute or until butter is melted.
  • Stir in powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter. Stir well until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Line a 9 x 13 inch dish with foil. Drape the foil over the sides of the dish so that you can easily remove it once the bars set. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
  • Press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the dish.
  • Melt the semi-sweet chocolate according to package directions. Once melted, spread the chocolate over the peanut butter mixture.
  • While the chocolate is still warm, cut the bars. Allow to set for at least an hour before serving.
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Peanut butter squares

More Peanut Butter and Chocolate Desserts

Lastly, if you can’t get enough of peanut butter and chocolate, there’s no shortage of desserts around here to satisfy your cravings. Whip up a batch of Easy Peanut Butter Cup Fudge, bake Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting, or try any of the others listed below. Enjoy!

Hi, I’m Ashley & I’m so happy you’re here!

Ashley is the founder of CenterCutCook and a former teacher that now spends her days in the kitchen so that she can share her favorite recipes with you!