I have so many different variations of these bars on my website. This version is a crisper base, topped with creamy peanut butter then topped with a chocolate icing. These make a lot and are a crowd pleaser!

School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

For the bars…
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, soft
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups white all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

For the filling…
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

For the icing…
1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a jelly roll pan with non-stick spray containing flour.

In a large bowl combine the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar, white granulated sugar, smooth peanut butter, large eggs and pure vanilla extract until light in color and fluffy in texture.

Beat in the salt and baking soda.

Beat in the white all-purpose flour.

Beat in the quick cooking oats.

Spread mixture in prepared pan and smooth out the top.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool slightly. Top with 3/4 additional cup of smooth peanut butter and smooth out evenly over the top.

Make the icing by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a medium pot. Add in the whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring just to a boil and turn off the heat. Add in the pure vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Pour the icing over the top of the bars and smooth out, quickly and evenly.

Allow to cool slightly.

Cut and enjoy.