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Classic No-Bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

A single square of lunch lady peanut butter bars with a thick chocolate topping on a white plate.
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Make the nostalgic peanut butter bars often served in school cafeterias. This recipe uses a simple graham cracker base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a chocolate topping, all without baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker base.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it to cover completely.
  6. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
  7. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For cleaner cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices.
  • You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with vanilla wafer crumbs for a different flavor base.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/lunch-lady-peanut-butter-bars-recipe/