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Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

Delicious and rich Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars feature a buttery peanut butter base topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. These bars combine creamy peanut butter with a tender baked base and a smooth, drizzly chocolate frosting, making them a perfect treat for lunchboxes, parties, or anytime snacking.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Frosting

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup warmed milk (plus additional as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the peanut butter dough. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together 1 1/2 sticks butter (3/4 cup) and 1/2 cup of the creamy peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, mixing just until incorporated to form a uniform dough.
  3. Bake the base. Press or spread the peanut butter dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the bars are just set in the center and edges appear slightly golden.
  4. Add peanut butter layer and cool. Immediately after removing from the oven, dollop 1/2 cup peanut butter over the warm bars in tablespoon-sized spoonfuls. Lightly spread it into an even layer on top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set the peanut butter layer firmly.
  5. Prepare the chocolate frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup warm milk until smooth and fluffy. Add additional warm milk if needed to achieve a thicker but still drizzly consistency. Taste and add more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter, thicker frosting.
  6. Frost and set. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter bars. Allow the frosting to set for about an hour before slicing into 24 pieces.
  7. Serve. Cut into squares and enjoy as a rich, satisfying snack or dessert.

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for serving.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to your preferred sweetness and thickness.
  • Ensure bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting layer.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/lunchroom-chocolate-peanut-butter-bars-recipe/