Frosted Peanut Butter Bars

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

5 dozen

Updated: Oct. 13, 2022
These sweet, chewy peanut butter bars are a great no-fuss treat to bring to a potluck or bake sale. A drizzle of chocolate on top makes for a pretty presentation. —Sharon Smith, Muskegon, Michigan
Frosted Peanut Butter Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • FROSTING:
  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
  • TOPPING:
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon shortening

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
  2. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
  3. For frosting, in a small bowl, cream the peanut butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost bars.
  4. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over frosting. Store in the refrigerator.