These no bake peanut butter bars with chocolate and graham cracker layers will take you right back to elementary school! They’re a family favorite! 

I think most school lunchrooms had some version of these chocolate peanut butter bars back in the day! When I was in elementary school, our lunch ladies often made peanut butter oatmeal bars or balls, and sometimes chocolate was in the mix! When these yummy peanut butter treats were on the menu, it was a magical thing for me. I was a picky eater, and these peanut butter treats were one of few things I really enjoyed about school lunches! 

a photo of a stack of chocolate peanut butter bars with graham crackers

These school lunch peanut butter bars taste an awful lot like a homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, a.k.a. dessert heaven! There is no better flavor combination in my mind! I like to describe these homemade cookie bars as peanut butter cookie bars with a graham cracker crunch. 

When you need a no-bake recipe during the heat of summer, this is an excellent option! I think they also works for back to school, because you can pack it in lunchboxes for your kiddos.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

The best recipes are the ones that use the ingredients you already have at home! Here are a few ideas:

  • Of course, substitute almond butter or sun butter if you have allergies or you just aren’t a peanut butter lover! If you have natural peanut butter, go ahead and use it. You can also use crunchy peanut butter if that’s what you like. 
  • Add 1/2 cup of oats to the creamy peanut butter center for extra texture and nutrition. 
  • Substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chips if desired.
  • Think of the graham crackers as the “cookie layer.” I think shortbread cookies be an awesome substitution. You can also use graham cracker crumbs instead of whole sheets.
  • If you don’t want to mix the peanut butter layer by hand, you can absolutely do it in the food processor! 

Serving Suggestions

There is no better pairing for these famous school cafeteria bars than a cold glass of milk for a snack or treat!

Of course, they can serve as dessert for the sort of occasion that you’re making kid-friendly food for a hungry crowd! Serve with my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Baked Mac and Cheese, or add some veggies to the mix with my Instant Pot Green Beans

Storing Leftover Peanut Butter Bars 

Wrap leftover no bake lunch lady peanut butter bars in plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container. Store on the counter for up to 5-7 days.

If your kitchen is hot or humid, you may want to store them in the fridge!

a close up photo of a peanut butter chocolate bar

a photo of a stack of chocolate peanut butter bars with graham crackers

Lunch Lady Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares (No Bake)

These no bake peanut butter bars with chocolate and graham cracker layers will take you right back to elementary school! They're a family favorite! 
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Desserts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 431kcal
Author: Michelle Goth

Ingredients

  • 13 graham cracker sheets

FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER:

  • 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

FOR THE CHOCOLATE LAYER:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Prepare a 9x9 baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, leaving a flap on each side so the finished bars can be lifted out. Spray the liner with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix together until crumbly, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  • To a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Microwave again for 30 seconds at a time, until the chocolate chips are melted.
  • Line the bottom of your pan with graham crackers. Then, spread about a ¼ cup of melted chocolate across the bottom layer, spreading into a smooth layer with your spatula.
  • Next, take your peanut butter mixture and make balls with the peanut butter in your hand. Smash the balls flat and lay them out on top of the chocolate layer, covering the entire pan.
  • Spread another ¼ cup of chocolate on the top of peanut butter mixture.  Add another layer of graham crackers and then top with the remaining chocolate.
  • Place into the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • When ready to eat, allow the bars to sit out on the counter for 5-10 minutes first, then slice and serve. You should be able to lift the bars out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper. 
  • Store leftover bars in the freezer or refrigerator. If your house is cool, storing on the counter should be okay.

Notes

These are messy to make but once they've hardened in the fridge, they should cut clean!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g
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a stack of peanut butter bars with chocolate and graham crackers