Retro School Cafeteria Bars Recipe
As I sit here sipping my morning coffee, surrounded by the warmth of my kitchen, I’m reminded of the countless times I’ve shared my favorite recipes with loved ones. There’s something special about passing down traditions, watching family members grow and evolve, and seeing the joy on their faces when they take a bite of something truly delicious. Today, I want to share one of those recipes with you – a sweet, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, but especially for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up. It’s a recipe that’s been in my family for years, and one that I’m so excited to pass on to you.
What is a treat?
So, what exactly is this treat? Think of it as a cross between a coffee cake and a cinnamon roll, with a hint of sweetness and a crunch of texture. It’s essentially a moist, buttery bread filled with a gooey cinnamon swirl, topped with a crumbly streusel topping and a drizzle of sweet glaze. Sounds indulgent, right? But trust me, it’s worth every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I love this recipe, and I’m sure you will too. For one, it’s ridiculously easy to make – even on the busiest of mornings. Just mix, pour, and bake – voilà! The hardest part is waiting for it to come out of the oven. But don’t worry, that’s the best part – the anticipation, the aroma, the taste. It’s a sensory experience like no other, and one that I’m sure you’ll be hooked on from the very first bite. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack – whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
How do you make a treat?
Quick Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do. Simply mix together the dry ingredients, then add in the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, then top with a crumbly streusel topping and a drizzle of sweet glaze. Bake until golden brown, then let cool and serve. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Dollop the filling mixture on top of the batter, then use a knife or spatula to swirl it into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the bread once it’s completely cool.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the bread into thick slices and serve. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
So, what do you serve with this delicious treat? Well, the possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorite ideas:
For Breakfast: Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet breakfast treat with scrambled eggs and bacon.
For Brunch: Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a sweet and satisfying brunch treat.
As Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert treat.
For Cozy Snacks: Slice into thick slices and serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack time treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Treat
Here are a few of my top tips for perfecting your treat:
Zucchini Prep: Make sure to peel and chop your zucchini into small pieces before adding it to the batter.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter, or you’ll end up with a tough, dense bread.
Swirl Customization: Feel free to customize the swirl topping to your liking – try using different combinations of sugar, butter, and spices for a unique flavor.
Ingredient Swaps: Want to make this bread gluten-free? Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Tips: Make sure to adjust the baking time based on your oven’s temperature and the size of your loaf pan.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different combinations of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a unique glaze flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to know the best way to store and reheat your treat? Here are a few of my top tips:
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Instructions: Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
And there you have it – my favorite recipe for a delicious, moist, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe as much as I have, and that you’ll continue to make it for years to come. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize the recipe to your liking – after all, that’s what makes cooking so much fun! Happy baking, and I hope to see you in the kitchen soon!
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch ungreased baking dish. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the graham cracker base and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
- Once set, slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
