The Real Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars
Step back in time with "The Real Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars," a nostalgic dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. This crowd-pleasing treat features a soft, buttery base infused with vanilla and brown sugar, layered with smooth peanut butter, and topped with a glossy chocolate-peanut butter coating that melts in your mouth. Ready in under an hour, these decadent bars are perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a sweet tooth. Whether you're recreating a beloved childhood memory or discovering this timeless classic for the first time, these melt-in-your-mouth bars are sure to become a go-to recipe. Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or a simple indulgence at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly and then mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Once the base is cooled, spread the creamy peanut butter (1.5 cups) evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and combined.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it into a smooth, even coating using a spatula.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is set.
Once set, slice into 16 equal bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5048 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.9 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.5 g | 598% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 620 mg | 207% | |
| Sodium | 1398 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 796.6 g | 290% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 587.4 g | ||
| Protein | 62.4 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 519 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 1894 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
