Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a no-bake dessert with a crunchy graham cracker and peanut butter base topped with a smooth chocolate peanut butter topping. The bars set up in the refrigerator for an easy, delicious treat you can slice and enjoy anytime. If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter (there’s actual science behind why it’s so irresistible!), you will also enjoy my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, another easy, no-bake treat that’s just as delicious.
Why Are They Called Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars?
These bars get their name from the classic peanut butter treats often served by school lunch ladies in cafeterias. They’re simple, sweet, and remind many people of a nostalgic, comforting snack from their school days. If you grew up loving peanut butter bars in the lunchroom, these no-bake bars will bring back those delicious memories!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs add a sweet, crunchy base for these bars. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers, or even saltine crackers can work as substitutes. You can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs or crush whole crackers yourself using a rolling pin or food processor. (If crushing your own, you will need about 14 sheets of graham crackers.) Both work well; choose what’s easiest for you!
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (also called powdered sugar) helps sweeten the base smoothly and gives it a silky texture that holds together well. Granulated sugar isn’t ideal because it doesn’t dissolve as easily and can make the bars grainy. If you only have granulated sugar, try pulsing it in a blender or food processor to make it finer before using.
- Peanut Butter: I used creamy peanut butter for both the base and the topping. I love the smooth and creamy texture!
- Butter: The melted unsalted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and peanut butter together, creating a firm, hold-together base. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the bars. But, you could use salted butter if that is what you have.
- Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic for the topping, you can also use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste. I want to try adding a few peanut butter chips, too!
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little peanut bits throughout the bars. If you prefer a smooth, creamy texture, stick with creamy peanut butter, but crunchy works great if you like a bit of crunch.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins to the Base or Topping?
Yes! You can mix chopped nuts, like peanuts or walnuts, into the base for extra crunch. For the topping, sprinkle nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling for added flavor and texture.
How to Store Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the chocolate topping and the firm base.
Can I Freeze Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups (168 g) graham cracker crumbs, about 14-15 graham cracker sheets
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1 ½ cups (273 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (64.5 g) creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch ungreased baking dish. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the graham cracker base and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
- Once set, slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
So simple and so good! You can't beat an easy, no-bake treat like this one!
Elizabeth
I loved these bars! They were the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter.
Stephanie
These bars are so easy to make and so good! I like mine chilled in refrigerator the best.
Bella
These are creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet. I loved them!
