Description
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a nostalgic, easy-to-make plant-based treat featuring a rich, creamy peanut butter base combined with a chewy foundation and a smooth, glossy topping. Perfect for snacks, desserts, or lunchbox surprises, these bars deliver a comforting peanut butter flavor with wholesome, natural ingredients and a delightful texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup natural brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Start by combining the peanut butter, brown sugar, and coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the flour slowly, folding it in along with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to create a thick, pliable dough that will form the chewy base.
- Press Into the Pan: Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly press the dough into the pan, smoothing the top to create an even foundation for baking.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent. Whisk until the topping is glossy and thick, ready to be spread over the base.
- Spread the Topping: Pour the topping mixture over the base and use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer, giving the bars their creamy signature topping.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set firmly. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and a uniform texture.
- Do not skip the chilling step; proper refrigeration is crucial for a firm, sliceable topping.
- Fresh or homemade peanut butter enhances flavor and natural oils.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper helps to remove bars easily and maintain shape.
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity in the topping to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- For clean bar slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter bars, plant-based dessert, gluten-free snack, no bake bars, vegan peanut butter bars, natural ingredients, classic school dessert
