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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars are a rich and indulgent no-bake dessert bar featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a creamy peanut butter filling and a smooth chocolate-peanut butter ganache. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, these bars combine classic flavors with an easy assembly and chilling process, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or an everyday snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
  2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated.
  3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes to set, then allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
  4. Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes using an electric mixer.
  5. Add Sweeteners and Flavoring: Incorporate 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture. Continue beating until the filling is creamy and well combined.
  6. Spread Filling on Crust: Evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, creating a uniform layer.
  7. Melt Chocolate Topping: In short 20-second bursts, melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips together with 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter in the microwave, stirring in between to ensure a smooth, glossy chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
  8. Top Bars with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter filling and gently spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  9. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set firmly.
  10. Serve: Remove from refrigerator, slice into 16 equal bars, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
  • Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
  • You can substitute natural peanut butter, but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
  • For dairy-free version, use vegan butter substitutes and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the bars firm and fresh for up to 5 days.

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Find it online: https://quickpantrymeals.com/peanut-butter-lunch-lady-bars-recipe/