Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars (Lunch Lady Recipe) are a nostalgic treat that perfectly combines a buttery peanut butter base with a rich, chocolatey topping. These bars are easy to make and sure to please anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars (Lunch Lady Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for the topping)
- 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and 1 1/4 cups of creamy peanut butter.
- Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but sticky enough to press into a pan.
2. Press into Pan:
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Press the peanut butter and graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a smooth, compact layer.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and the remaining 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. You can do this by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted.
4. Pour the Topping:
- Once the chocolate mixture is melted, pour it over the peanut butter base in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
5. Chill:
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the bars are fully set and firm.
6. Cut and Serve:
- Once the bars have chilled and set, cut them into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for the best texture and freshness.
- Freezing: These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars are a perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion—just like the ones you used to get in school! 🍫🥜
