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Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: A Sweet Treat for All Ages

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Imagine stepping into a lunchroom as a child, the hum of laughter filling the air, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen. For many of us, dessert was the highlight of any meal, a simple joy that punctuated the day with sweetness. The Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars capture this nostalgia perfectlyā€”rich, fudgy bars layered with creamy peanut butter and topped with decadent chocolate frosting.

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Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: A Sweet Treat for All Ages

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Calling all chocolate and peanut butter fans! šŸ„œšŸ« These Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are everything you loveā€”creamy, rich, and oh-so-addictive. šŸ¤ŽāœØ With no baking required, theyā€™re the perfect treat for busy days or last-minute cravings. šŸ˜‹ Whether youā€™re making them for a crowd or just yourself (we wonā€™t judge šŸ˜‰), these bars are guaranteed to bring sweet smiles. ā¤ļø A sweet, simple classic for all ages! šŸ§‘ā€šŸ³šŸŽ‰

#PeanutButterBars #ChocoLovers #SweetAndSimple #NoBakeGoodness #EasyDesserts #SnackTimeGoals #PeanutButterPerfection #FamilyFavorites #QuickTreats #HomemadeDesserts šŸ„œšŸ«

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling)
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

  • 1 Ā½ sticks (Ā¾ cup) salted butter
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • Ā¾ cup light brown sugar
  • Ā¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Ā½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick (Ā½ cup) salted butter (room temperature)
  • 2ā€“3 cups powdered sugar
  • Ā½ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Ā¼ cup warmed milk

Optional Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Peanut Butter: Substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist or a nut-free option.
  • Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Cup4Cup for a gluten-free version.
  • Butter: Swap salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of extra salt for balance.
  • Milk: Dairy-free options like almond, oat, or soy milk work well in the frosting.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) and allow it to preheat.
  • Line a 9Ɨ13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend slightly for easy removal later.

2. Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 Ā½ sticks of butter and Ā½ cup peanut butter.
  • Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each round, until fully melted. This method ensures the mixture doesnā€™t scorch.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid dense bars.

5. Spread and Bake

  • Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
  • Bake for 18ā€“22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. To test doneness, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Add the Peanut Butter Layer

  • While the bars are still warm, dollop tablespoon-sized scoops of peanut butter over the surface.
  • Gently spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

7. Prepare the Frosting

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine room-temperature butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and Ā¼ cup warm milk.
  • Beat on medium speed until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

8. Frost the Bars

  • Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer using an offset spatula or butter knife.

9. Set and Slice

  • Allow the frosting to set for about an hour at room temperature. For faster results, place the dish in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Slice the bars into 24 pieces and serve.

Notes

Tips for Measuring and Mixing:

  • Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense bars.
  • When mixing the dough, stop as soon as the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the gluten.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • Dry Bars: If the bars are overbaked, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added moisture.
  • Runny Frosting: If your frosting is too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Efficiency Hacks:

  • To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to evenly dollop peanut butter over the bars.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

This recipe is not just about revisiting childhood memories; itā€™s about making those memories come alive in your kitchen, even if youā€™re a beginner baker. These bars are incredibly forgiving and easy to prepare, making them an ideal starting point for those just beginning their culinary journey.

Why Beginner Cooks Will Love This Recipe

  1. Simple Ingredients: All the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available in grocery stores.
  2. Straightforward Instructions: Clear, numbered steps ensure you wonā€™t feel overwhelmed, even if itā€™s your first time baking.
  3. Quick and Rewarding: The recipe takes less than two hours from start to finish, including cooling time, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.
  4. Customizable: Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to experiment, the recipe offers flexibility for substitutions without compromising on flavor.

Letā€™s dive into the details so you can recreate this classic dessert with confidence.

Ingredients and Preparation

Hereā€™s a breakdown of the ingredients youā€™ll need for this recipe. Measurements are precise to ensure consistent results, but substitutions are also provided for added flexibility.

For the Bars:

  • 1 Ā½ sticks (Ā¾ cup) salted butter
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • Ā¾ cup light brown sugar
  • Ā¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Ā½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick (Ā½ cup) salted butter (room temperature)
  • 2ā€“3 cups powdered sugar
  • Ā½ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Ā¼ cup warmed milk

Optional Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Peanut Butter: Substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist or a nut-free option.
  • Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Cup4Cup for a gluten-free version.
  • Butter: Swap salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of extra salt for balance.
  • Milk: Dairy-free options like almond, oat, or soy milk work well in the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for foolproof bars that are as delicious as they are easy to make.

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) and allow it to preheat.
  • Line a 9Ɨ13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend slightly for easy removal later.

2. Melt Butter and Peanut Butter

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 Ā½ sticks of butter and Ā½ cup peanut butter.
  • Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each round, until fully melted. This method ensures the mixture doesnā€™t scorch.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid dense bars.

5. Spread and Bake

  • Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
  • Bake for 18ā€“22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. To test doneness, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

6. Add the Peanut Butter Layer

  • While the bars are still warm, dollop tablespoon-sized scoops of peanut butter over the surface.
  • Gently spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

7. Prepare the Frosting

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine room-temperature butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and Ā¼ cup warm milk.
  • Beat on medium speed until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

8. Frost the Bars

  • Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the peanut butter layer using an offset spatula or butter knife.

9. Set and Slice

  • Allow the frosting to set for about an hour at room temperature. For faster results, place the dish in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Slice the bars into 24 pieces and serve.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Even if youā€™re a novice baker, these tips will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

Tips for Measuring and Mixing:

  • Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense bars.
  • When mixing the dough, stop as soon as the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the gluten.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • Dry Bars: If the bars are overbaked, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added moisture.
  • Runny Frosting: If your frosting is too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Efficiency Hacks:

  • To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to evenly dollop peanut butter over the bars.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate peanut butter bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with creative serving ideas:

  1. Pair with Beverages: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or rich hot chocolate for a comforting combo.
  2. Top with Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
  3. Storage Tips:
    • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
    • For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Beginner-Friendly Adjustments

For those just starting in the kitchen, here are some easy modifications to simplify the recipe further:

  • Smaller Batch: Halve the recipe to make fewer bars, perfect for small households.
  • Skip the Frosting: For a less sweet version, skip the chocolate frosting and enjoy the bars with just the peanut butter layer.
  • Use Pre-Made Frosting: If youā€™re short on time, store-bought chocolate frosting works as a quick alternative.

Conclusion

Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a timeless treat that brings together rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. Designed to be beginner-friendly, this recipe is both simple and rewarding, proving that great desserts donā€™t have to be complicated. Whether youā€™re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments. Did you tweak the ingredients or discover a fun new topping? Let us know! Baking is all about creativity, and we canā€™t wait to hear your stories. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let the nostalgia begin!

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