Lunch Lady Recipe for Peanut Butter Bars

Have you ever made or eaten Peanut Butter Bars? You know, the kind that you get at a school cafeteria?

I have only made this recipe a few times {I forgot I had it} but the story behind it is an interesting one....well, maybe not interesting but there is a story.  

I went to Catholic school.....kindergarten through 12th grade.  When I was in high school my friend across the street went to the public school and was really excited that her mom got THE recipe for Peanut Butter Bars {peanut butter fingers} from the school dietitian.  

I smiled but had no idea what the big deal was until I tried these......oh.my.goodness!  Now mind you, my Catholic school had good food but I think this may have been considered too decadent for them to serve us....just a thought there.  

I made these on my own when I first got married and I think I may have made them one other time when my oldest son was a little guy.  A few weeks ago I was going through my old recipe box {does anyone else have one or is everything online these days?} and I came across some great recipes~ and this one was the first one to make it from the typewritten index card to the blog.  How exciting {I'm a nerd....to me, this is exciting!}.

Ingredients:

See recipe card for quantities.

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 cups flour
• ⅔ cup peanut butter
• 2 cups rolled oats

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon milk (add more if necessary to get proper spreading consistency)

📋Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions and nutritional information can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Mix butter, brown sugar and white sugar together with mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and beat until smooth.

Add vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt.  Mix well and add a little at a time to the butter mixture. Mix in peanut butter. Gently add oats mixing just until incorporated. Place batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes until edges are lightly browned and center is set. 

Let fully cool before icing. 

Icing

Mix together powdered sugar, peanut butter and milk. 

Yields 24 bars

Do you have a favorite recipe you haven't made in years?  If you do, I would love to hear about it!