How to Make Cafeteria Peanut Butter Candy
1. Melt the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and butter. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat once combined—do not boil.
2. Add Vanilla and Sugar
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. The mixture will become thick and slightly stiff.
3. Press Into a Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Chill Until Set
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
5. Slice and Serve
Cut into small squares or rectangles—just like the cafeteria version. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips for the Best Texture
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest result
Don’t overheat the mixture—low heat prevents separation
Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps
Small squares go a long way; this candy is rich
Easy Variations
Chocolate-Topped: Spread melted chocolate over the top before chilling
Crunchy Version: Use crunchy peanut butter
Honey Twist: Replace ½ cup powdered sugar with honey
Extra Firm: Add ½ cup crushed graham crackers
A Sweet Taste of Simpler Times
Old-fashioned cafeteria peanut butter candy isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reminder of simpler days when dessert came on a plastic tray and tasted like pure comfort. No frills, no frosting, just creamy sweetness that satisfied every time.
Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this timeless treat proves that sometimes the best sweets are the ones that never needed improving
