Peanut Butter Bars

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I think everyone can agree that one of their best memories from elementary school was the peanut butter fingers also known as lunch lady peanut butter bars!! They seriously made your day at school the best! This recipe is the closet that I have been able to get to it, and I think its pretty dang close. It has a soft oatmeal layer followed by a creamy smooth peanut butter, and a fabulous chocolate layer.

Peanut Butter Bars

How to Make Peanut Butter Fingers

These peanut butter fingers are easy to make and are perfect for any event. I love that it will make a whole sheet pan full because anything less would not be enough. When ever I bring these to a potluck I never have leftovers!

Start by mixing softened margarine, brown sugar and white sugar together until creamy. I often get asked if butter and margarine can be substituted one for the other. There are some difference between the two. Most bakers prefer butter because of the taste, but because margarine has a higher water content it will usually produce a softer baked good, and most recipes have already taken into account the higher water content. Butter will usually be best in cookies, and without a doubt in frosting.

Next, you will add eggs, and peanut butter. I usually use creamy peanut butter, but chunky is really good in peanut butter bars also. I love the little crunch that the chunky peanut butter adds.

Finally, add the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats. Mix well.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray sheet plan lightly with cooking spray. Firmly press mixture into the bottom of the pan.

For this last step I like to use a rolling pin, or this small rolling pin (I borrowed from my mom) and a piece of parchment paper. Rolling the crust out will help even out any lumps and it will help produce and smoother prettier peanut butter bar. I use the parchment paper to help keep anything from sticking.

Now, bake for 8-10 mins. or until slightly golden brown. While the crust is baking lets start the peanut butter layer. To whip the peanut butter use a wire whisk and whip for a couple min. You can see the difference between the whipped and not whipped peanut butter below. Using whipped peanut butter makes it easier to spread, and makes the peanut butter lighter and less dense.

Spread the peanut butter on the bars while still warm.

Now for the frosting. My favorite part!

Using a wire whisk attachment mix together softened margarine, vanilla, salt and coco powder.

Next, slowly add in powder sugar. If the consistency is to thick add in a little warm water at a time until you have the desired consistency.

Finally, frost and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Bars Recipe (With Homemade Chocolate Frosting)

This peanut butter bars recipe is the perfect treat for the whole family! These yummy treats start with a thick layer of homemade chocolate frosting on top of a soft and crunchy peanut butter base made from oats, flour, and creamy peanut butter (just to name a few ingredients). My favorite part about these peanut butter bars is how sweet but nutty they taste – they're great for an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 202 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ยผ Cups Margarine 3/4 for the crust, and 1/2 for the frosting
  • 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup White Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2ยผ Cup Peanut Butter ยพ for the crust and 1ยฝ for the peanut butter layer.
  • 1ยพ Cups Flour
  • 3/4 Tsp. Salt 1/2 for the crust, and 1/4 for the frosting
  • 1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 2ยฝ Cups Quick Oats
  • 2 Cups Powder Sugar
  • 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp. Coco Powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐ
  • Start by mixing ยพ cup softened margarine, ยพ cup brown sugar and ยฝ cup white sugar together until creamy.
  • Next, you will add 2 eggs, and ยพ cup peanut butter. I usually use creamy peanut butter, but chunky is really good in peanut butter bars also. I love the little crunch that the chunky peanut butter adds.
  • Finally, add ยฝ tsp. baking soda, ยฝ tsp. salt, 1ยพ cups of flour, and 2ยฝ cups of quick oats. Mix well.
  • Spray sheet plan lightly with cooking spray. Firmly press mixture into the bottom of the pan.
  • For this last step I like to use a rolling pin, and a piece of parchment paper. Rolling the crust out will help even out any lumps and it will help produce and smoother prettier peanut butter bar. I use the parchment paper to help keep anything from sticking.
  • Now, bake for 8-10 mins. or until slightly golden brown.
  • While the crust is baking lets start the peanut butter layer. To whip the peanut butter use a wire whisk and whip 1ยฝ cups of peanut butter for a couple min.
  • Spread the peanut butter on the bars while still warm. Set aside
  • Now let start the frosting. Using a wire whisk attachment mix together ยฝ cup softened margarine, ยฝ tsp. vanilla, ยผ tsp. salt and 3 tbsp. of coco powder.
  • Next, slowly add in 2 cups of powder sugar. If the consistency is to thick add in a little warm water at a time until you have the desired consistency.
  • Finally, frost and enjoy!

Notes

*Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on Modernmealmakeover.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 216mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 220IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars, Peanut Butter Bars, Peanut Butter Fingers
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