Lunch Lady Bars

These Lunch Lady Bars are a no-bake classic with a thick peanut butter graham cracker base and smooth chocolate topping. Simple, rich, and easy to make ahead.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Chilling Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lunch lady bars, no bake chocolate peanut butter bars

Servings:

Calories: 384kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Base:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1¾ cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1¾ cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup of peanut butter, ¾ cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until fully combined and thick.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer. Really press, this helps the bars hold together.
Add 1½ cups of chocolate chips, and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
Lift out, slice into bars, and try not to eat half the pan standing at the counter.

Notes

Press the base firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when sliced.
Use shelf stable creamy peanut butter so the base sets properly.
Chill for at least 1 hour before cutting for clean edges.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition