Description
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are irresistibly rich and gooey bars featuring a buttery peanut butter base topped with a luscious chocolate cocoa frosting. Perfect as a sweet treat for any occasion, these bars combine creamy peanut butter, sweet brown sugar, and a silky chocolate glaze for a nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make and share.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (divided: 1/2 cup melted, 1 1/2 cups for spreading)
- 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
For the 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
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3/4 cup salted butter and 1/2 cup of the creamy peanut butter. Melt them together in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix the Dough: To the melted butter and peanut butter mixture, stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Shape and Bake the Bars: Press and spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bars are just set in the center and the edges start to turn golden.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer: Remove the bars from the oven. While still warm, dollop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of the remaining 1 1/2 cups peanut butter over the surface. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to gently spread the peanut butter in an even layer across the bars. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make the Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup warm milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add additional warm milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a thick yet drizzly consistency. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Let the frosting set at room temperature for about 1 hour until it firms slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, slice the bars into 24 squares. Serve as a delicious snack or dessert and enjoy the decadent combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overbake the bars; they should be just set in the center to remain moist and chewy.
- When melting butter and peanut butter, stirring frequently prevents scorching.
- You can adjust the frosting consistency by varying the amount of milk.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For extra crunch, optional chopped peanuts can be sprinkled on top before frosting sets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American