Peanut Butter Bars

School Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars

Have you ever made or eaten Peanut Butter Bars? 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!}.

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups flour

2/3 cup peanut butter

2 cups rolled oats

Icing

1 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon milk (add more if necessary to get proper spreading consistency)

Directions: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.