Do you use instant oats or old-fashioned oats?

I almost ALWAYS use old-fashioned oats. I think instant oats dry out any type of cookie dough. Plus, old-fashioned oats give it a great texture.

I need to serve these quickly, how can I speed up the process.

You definitely don't want to spread that frosting on while the bars are still warm. If you're in a rush, I would suggest putting the entire pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to help it cool faster.

Is there a brand of peanut butter you would recommend?

I will always suggest using Jif brand peanut butter because I find it the best. I find Skippy to be too sweet, but to each their own. Any brand will work here. However, I would not use an all-natural brand because that will be too runny for this recipe.

Classic Peanut Butter Bars - Baking It Beautiful

The Story Behind the Classic Peanut Butter Bars

Typically I will see this recipe called Lunchroom Peanut Butter Bars. However, I was never lucky enough to have these served in my school lunchroom growing up. In fact, I didn’t have these until I was 19-years-old. You better believe it was love at first bite.

While my husband and I were dating and engaged, I found myself in a terrible roommate situation. In order to preserve my happiness, I decided to move in with my brother’s in-laws. They lived close to the college I was attending and had extra room for me. It was a fantastic arrangement.

Every Sunday Tim and I were invited to the big family dinner. It was always delicious and always ended with dessert. The desserts would rotate between two recipes. One was store-bought cookie dough baked in individual tins and served with a scoop of ice cream. Obviously these were called pazookies.

However, my favorite was when my sister-in-law would whip up this classic peanut butter bar recipe. I always had a hard time staying out on them. In fact, I always left the house before 7am to get to my job on campus, and if there were leftovers, I would have a slice for breakfast.

This recipe comes together so quickly. While it may be hard to wait for them to cool for the frosting, I promise you it will be worth the wait. Chocolate and peanut butter are such a great combination and these will just prove that fact more.