Description
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a deliciously rich and chewy treat combining creamy peanut butter with crisped rice cereal and a sweet chocolate topping. Perfect for an easy homemade snack or dessert, these no-bake bars are simple to prepare and loved by peanut butter fans of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups crisped rice cereal
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and all sugars are dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the cereal: Pour the crisped rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture and gently fold until all cereal pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease. Transfer the peanut butter-cereal mixture into the pan and press firmly and evenly with a spatula or the bottom of a glass to create an even layer.
- Make the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread the topping: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the pressed base. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into square bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- You can add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips inside the base mixture for extra texture.
- Ensure the peanut butter and butter are fully melted for a smooth mix.
- If bars become too hard after refrigeration, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
