Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars (No-bake)
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a nostalgic no-bake dessert recipe with peanut butter graham cracker bottom and chocolate top. They're easy to make in advance and sure to be a crowd favorite. Plus with all pantry ingredients, any beginner baker can make these with ease.
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 1 cup salted butter melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar plus 1/4 cup if needed
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Top Layer
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate bars or chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease it). This will make it easy to remove the bars for cutting and serving.
- For the bottom layer, in a large bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a hand mixer until the mixture is well-blended and forms a smooth, thick dough-like consistency. Add additional powdered sugar if it appears too thin.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to form the crust layer.
- For the top layer, In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the base layer. Use a spatula to spread it in an even layer. Make sure the chocolate covers the peanut butter base completely.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the top chocolate layer is firm and set.
- Once the chocolate is set, lift the slab of bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you used it) and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
Video
Notes
Storage:
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze these bars wrapped in parchment paper and then plastic wrap for 2 to 3 months. Thaw them before enjoying.
Lunch lady bars happen to be the best make ahead dessert that's easy to transport too. We love to bring them to events or potlucks as a dessert option.
Tips:
- Add more powdered sugar if the bottom layer seems too thin. This will help to thicken it to the right consistency depending on the texture of your peanut butter.
- Be sure to microwave the chocolate in intervals. You will want to do this in 20 to 30 second time periods and stir in between each one to make sure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn't seize.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour. This helps them to set fully before serving so it's easy to slice and serve.
- Buy graham cracker crumbs or use your food processor. This will quickly turn regular graham crackers into crumbs in a matter of seconds.
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