It has been very cold lately and we’ve received a bit more snow at once than usual. I’ve taken advantage of the extra refrigerator by making some of our favorite treats that need to be refrigerated to set up, like these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars. There are loads of recipes out there and some include vanilla wafers, graham crackers, flour, oats and all kinds of other items. I like these just like the Case Elementary School Lunch Ladies made them: pure peanut butter and chocolate. The portions were generous and they still taste just as good today.
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
These were THE dessert of elementary and middle school. As I've gotten older, I've also learned they were ubiquitious and not just limited to my elementary and middle school. It makes me think there's a lunch lady recipe book all schools received.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 2- 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Put Butter and Peanut Butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until butter and peanut butter are melted in 30-second increments, stirring after each 30 seconds.
- When melted remove and add the remaining sugar and vanilla. Stir together until a large ball of dough forms and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Remove from bowl and spread into a 9x13 pan.
- Pour chocolate chips into another microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted. Spoon over top of peanut butter mixture and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely by placing in the refrigerator for about an hour.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I think you had more homemade love in Missouri public schools than we did in Gainesville, FL schools. He he. Yummy bars – like homemade Reece’s
Jenn, Ha! I went to elementary school in Ohio. They’re better than Reeses! The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is completely up to you.
I can only image how much fat, sugar, calories those have.
We didn’t calculate but as an occasional treat, we love them!