Remember those magical peanut butter bars from your school cafeteria? The ones that were somehow both incredibly delicious and mysteriously satisfying? This recipe recreates that beloved taste, bringing a touch of childhood joy to your kitchen. It's a simple recipe, perfect for a quick dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a fun activity for the kids. These peanut butter bars are not only incredibly easy to make but are also a great example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. Get ready to unleash your inner child (and satisfy your sweet tooth!)
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars release easily once they've cooled.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup peanut butter, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens – make sure to beat it well to get that perfect, creamy texture!
Assemble and Bake: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. If using, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Patience is key here; cooling completely prevents crumbling.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Bars:
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of your peanut butter will significantly impact the overall taste of the bars. Look for creamy peanut butter with a strong peanut flavor.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in dry and crumbly bars. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
- Cool completely: This step is crucial for easy cutting and prevents the bars from falling apart.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the filling for a rich chocolate peanut butter flavor.
- Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars: Add a layer of crushed pretzels to the crust for a salty-sweet twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter for the peanut butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, based on a 12-serving recipe):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. Whether you're looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, quick dinner ideas (though these are more of a dessert!), or just a fun homemade cooking project, these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!