Dessert bars are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion. From classic chocolate chip cookies to decadent cheesecakes, these versatile treats can be tailored to suit every palate. The beauty of dessert bars lies in their simplicity – a single flat pan is all you need to achieve an even bake, making them surprisingly easy to prepare and just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. And the best part? No-bake options are also on the table!
When catering for a crowd, the low-stress appeal of dessert bars makes them an excellent choice for birthday parties, bake sales, barbecues, potlucks, or even just a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. With most recipes requiring only one bowl and 30 minutes in the oven, these sweet treats are the perfect solution to satisfy any sugar craving.
Our curated list of favorite dessert bar recipes showcases a diverse range of ingredients – peanuts, chocolate chips, berries, fruits, granola, and even some vegetables – offering something for everyone. Take a look at our guide and expand your recipe collection with these delightful dessert bars.
Pecan Pie Bars
Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie bars that just happen to be vegan and gluten-free. The best part? They require only 9 ingredients and can be prepared well in advance of your next gathering – perfect for Thanksgiving! The secret to these indulgent treats lies in the clever combination of maple syrup and almond flour, which replicate the texture and taste of traditional shortbread without the need for dairy butter.
Meanwhile, the filling is infused with the same warm, comforting flavors found in a classic pecan pie, courtesy of both maple syrup and brown sugar. With their ease of preparation and impressive presentation, these pecan pie bars are sure to impress your guests.
Blackberry Lemon Blondies
When faced with a craving for both lemon bars and blackberry pie, why not try something in between? The solution lies in these blackberry lemon blondies, which expertly balance tartness and sweetness with bursts of juicy blackberry throughout. A rich, buttery blondie base serves as the perfect canvas for a show-stopping glaze made from blackberry and lemon, adding a pop of pink to each dessert bar. The result is a visually stunning treat that’s sure to impress.
Rice Krispies Treats
One of the most iconic and effortless desserts out there is the humble Rice Krispie treat. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these classic bars that never fail to please. The game-changer here is the addition of browned butter, which lends a rich, nutty flavor that takes the treats to the next level. And the best part? This recipe is so simple and versatile that you can customize it to your heart’s content. Want to mix in some extra sweetness? Go for it!
Prefer a drizzle of melted chocolate on top? Absolutely! Rice Krispie treats are perfect for kids’ parties, but let’s be real – they’re just as enjoyable for adults too.
Healthy Cookie Dough Bars
It’s a common misconception that healthy desserts can’t be both nutritious and delicious. However, with the right ingredients, it’s entirely possible to create treats that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on health. Case in point: these no-bake cookie dough bars. By substituting traditional butter with cashew butter and sugar with stevia, we’ve managed to reduce the sugar content while maintaining a rich, nutty flavor.
Plus, they’re perfect for parties or gatherings when you don’t want to spend time baking in the kitchen. The best part? These bars are so tasty, you won’t even miss the added sugar!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Imagine indulging in a rich, velvety dessert that’s both decadent and delightfully easy to make. ‘Salted caramel cheesecake bars’ is a phrase guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds! What’s more, these heavenly treats require only a handful of ingredients, making them accessible to even the most novice bakers. One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t need to fuss with traditional cheesecake techniques like water baths to achieve the perfect creamy center.
The adaptable base of these bars allows you to customize with your favorite toppings, but we dare say it’s hard to improve upon the sweet and salty combination of salted caramel.
Blackberry Cobbler Bars
When baked, blackberries transform into a flavor explosion. The heat coaxes out their natural sweetness and tartness, creating a delightful taste experience. This transformation is particularly evident when they’re wrapped in a tender cobbler dough. A classic cobbler base serves as the foundation for these blackberry bars, topped with a generous helping of fresh blackberries and finished with a crumbly layer of dough.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal canvas for experimentation. Feel free to substitute the blackberries with other fruits that are in season, allowing you to create a unique flavor profile each time.
Golden Grahams Bars
While nostalgia often surrounds retro desserts, it’s hard to deny that these Golden Grahams cereal bars are an exception – they should have remained a beloved treat. The simplicity of the recipe is part of its charm, as the harmonious union of gooey marshmallows and crunchy cereal proves irresistible to any crowd. A glance at the mere 5 ingredients required – butter, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, vanilla, and Golden Grahams – already suggests a winning combination.
Magic Cookie Bars
Magic cookie bars are a treat that defies explanation, with just seven ingredients hiding a world of possibilities for creative experimentation. The foundation is built upon a rich crust comprising butter and graham cracker crumbs, which provides the perfect base for a sweet and indulgent filling. A generous helping of sweetened condensed milk seals the deal, before being crowned with an assortment of choice toppings that can be tailored to suit individual tastes.
With the freedom to get creative, the magic cookie bars become your own personal masterpiece. We’re big fans of substituting butterscotch chips for mini peanut butter cups and swapping out pecans for walnuts – the possibilities are endless!
Coconut Caramel Pecan Bars
Coconut caramel pecan bars are an indulgent dessert that relies on just a few high-quality ingredients to deliver a rich and decadent treat. While the most challenging aspect of this recipe is preparing the dulce de leche from scratch, it’s surprisingly not a complicated process – though it does demand a fair amount of time and patience. To simplify things, you can prepare it ahead of time or opt for the convenient pre-made version.
The harmonious union of pecan, coconut, and caramel results in an incredibly flavorful dessert that can be easily whipped up using common pantry staples. Master this recipe and you’ll always have a show-stopping treat at your fingertips, perfect for impressing party guests or contributing to a potluck gathering.
Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Cookie Bars
Slow cookers are an unexpected tool for crafting scrumptious dessert bars, but once you’ve experienced the magic of this effortless recipe, you’ll be hooked. The beauty of using a slow cooker lies in its ability to allow you to multitask while your sweet treats ‘bake’. As the hours pass, the aroma of caramel wafts through the air, teasing your senses and building anticipation for the reveal. It’s a truly unique and delightful way to enjoy dessert, with the added benefit of minimal hands-on time.
Cranberry Orange Granola Bars
Incorporating a refreshing twist into the traditional dessert bar, cranberry orange granola bars harmonize zesty and citrusy notes with the warmth of cinnamon and oats. This no-bake recipe offers a convenient and practical solution for travel, as individualized wraps ensure these granola bars remain intact on-the-go. While perfectly suited as a sweet treat after dinner, they also make for an excellent breakfast option, providing a delightful start to the day.
Should you have any remaining bars from a previous gathering or celebration, enjoy them with a steaming cup of coffee for a lovely pick-me-up.
Pumpkin Bars
Hosting a Halloween bash? A batch of these pumpkin bars is a must-have! With their dense, cake-like texture, you won’t need to worry about utensils – simply grab a slice in one hand and a glass of punch in the other. The combination of 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree delivers a robust flavor and a satisfying bite, while cream cheese frosting adds a decadent finish.
Vegan Apple Pie Bars
The simplicity of traditional dessert bars is one of the reasons they lend themselves so well to being adapted for vegan consumption. With fewer ingredients involved, it’s often just a matter of making some minor adjustments to create a delicious and plant-based dessert bar. For example, take these vegan apple pie bars – with their spot-on apple pie flavor, they’re both vegan and gluten-free!
A salted caramel topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a more straightforward dessert. Whatever your preference, rest assured that the result will be a tasty treat that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Indulge in the delightful fusion of peanut butter, bananas, and chocolate chips with these gluten-free oatmeal bars that will soon become your go-to dessert. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy richness of applesauce, each bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re craving a healthy treat or a decadent breakfast, these bars are sure to satisfy. And for a seasonal twist, try substituting mashed banana with pumpkin purée and savor the autumnal delight.
5 Ingredient Crockpot Chocolate Bars
Indulge in the simplicity of 5-ingredient crockpot chocolate bars, perfect for the holiday season as a crowd-pleasing gift or treat. The harmonious combination of crunchy pretzels and pumpkin seeds provides a delightful textural contrast to the rich, sweet coating formed by the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips. With no room for error, this effortless recipe is a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Almond Lemon Blueberry Pie Bars
If you’re staring at a surplus of blueberries in your refrigerator and wondering what to do with them, consider whipping up a batch of almond lemon blueberry pie bars. These sweet treats are perfect for hot summer days as they’re not only delicious but also impressive-looking. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough that you can substitute other berries to suit your taste. While this dessert does require some waiting time, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to hands-on work.
In fact, you can even take a break and let the dough chill in the fridge while you enjoy the outdoors. Simply grab the ingredients and head back to the kitchen whenever you’re ready.
Pineapple Bars
Have you ever found yourself staring at a can of pineapple in your pantry, wondering when and why you purchased it? You’re not alone. That’s why we’ve come up with a creative way to use it – by making these scrumptious dessert bar treats! With their tangy tropical flavors, they’re sure to become a new favorite. While fresh pineapple is the preferred choice for this recipe, canned pineapple works just as well. And if you’re a fan of lemon bars, you owe it to yourself to give these a try.
No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
The allure of ‘no bake’ is especially potent for those who prefer to avoid the fuss of cooking. This indulgent fall treat, comprised of date-based crust and coconut oil-enriched filling, doesn’t require any oven time, making it an ideal solution for busy holiday gatherings where stress levels are already elevated. The combination of dates and coconut oil creates a satisfyingly sticky texture that’s sure to impress.
Peanut Marshmallow Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures with these irresistible peanut marshmallow dessert bars. The triple-layered treat features a crumbly shortbread cookie base, a velvety-smooth marshmallow middle, and a nutty peanut butter Rice Krispie top layer. For an added indulgence, drizzle with chocolate or enjoy as is – either way, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these caramel apple crisp bars at your own risk. As they emerge from the oven, the combination of tender apples, gooey caramel, and crunchy crumb will have you hooked. The perfect fall dessert, these bars are best served warm, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance out their sweet indulgence. And for the ultimate treat, why not add a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce? Just be warned: once you take that first bite, there’s no going back.
Caramel Frosted Zucchini Bars
Zucchini’s sweet surprise! This versatile summer vegetable brings moisture and depth to baked goods, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. In this delightful dessert bar, zucchini’s natural sweetness is perfectly balanced by the rich caramel frosting. And once you’ve experienced its magic, you’ll be hooked – reaching for it as a topping for everything from pancakes to waffles. As any gardener knows, zucchini has a penchant for going rogue in the garden.
But when harnessed in this recipe, its unique properties result in a treat that’s anything but wild – simply scrumptious! This sweet delight is perfect for when you’re looking for a break from the usual zoodle creations.
Vegan Carrot Cake Bars
While many store-bought carrot cakes fall short of expectations, these delectable bars are a game-changer. By caramelizeing shredded carrots with maple syrup and sugar, they bring out the natural sweetness and freshness of the carrots. The result is an incredibly moist and flavorful dessert that’s so good, you won’t even need to add frosting – although, if you do want to get fancy, a dollop of cream cheese drizzle can take it to new heights!
Crème Fraîche Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars
Elevate the classic cookie bar to new heights with crème fraîche cookie bars. The addition of this tangy ingredient creates a unique custard-like finish that sets these treats apart from traditional desserts. A layer of crème fraîche adds a touch of sophistication to the cookie’s rich flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser among adults and kids alike. If you’re having trouble finding crème fraîche, feel free to substitute it with mascarpone or cream cheese for similar results.
Vegan Walnut Brownies
Indulge in the rich flavors of these vegan brownies that have won over even the most discerning palates. By combining the natural sweetness of the ingredients with the earthy taste of pulsed walnuts, you’ll experience a delightfully textured and fudgy treat that just happens to be gluten-free! With their bold chocolate flavor, it’s no wonder these brownies are sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike.
So go ahead, give them a try, and discover the perfect solution for satisfying various dietary needs.
Lemon Bar Brûlée
Elevate the humble classic lemon bars by infusing them with the rich flavors of crème brûlée. This innovative recipe starts by allowing the traditional lemon bars to cool and then slicing them into individual servings.
Next, a layer of granulated sugar is applied, followed by a blow torch caramelization process that yields a golden brown crisp finish. To achieve the perfect balance between crunch and texture, it’s essential to slice and caramelize just before serving.
Impress your dinner party guests with this show-stopping dessert, as you master the art of kitchen blow torch techniques.
S’mores Cookie Bars
Indulge in the nostalgia of campfires and gooey treats with our S’mores cookie bars, now reimagined as a convenient and tidy dessert that’s perfect for on-the-go. While traditional s’mores are synonymous with sticky fingers and messy enjoyment, these bars cleverly retain the essence of the classic while offering a more practical and less messy experience.
As you sink your teeth into the chewy cookies, toasted marshmallow, and melted chocolate, you’ll feel like you’re right back around the campfire – minus the need for napkins!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a batch of scrumptious chocolate peanut butter crispy bars using only five ingredients – most of which are probably already stashed away in your pantry! This recipe is a perfect solution for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
What’s more, the beauty of this dessert lies in its adaptability: substitute honey with maple syrup, swap peanut butter for your favorite nut butter, and opt for alternative nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans – or simply omit them altogether if you prefer. And when you’re ready, click the link to access the recipe!
Key Lime Bars
As you sink your teeth into a key lime bar on a sweltering summer afternoon, the essence of the coast is transported straight to your taste buds. The vibrant flavor of key lime is reminiscent of a sunny day at the shore – bright, cheerful, and utterly refreshing. While traditional lemon bars are delightful, key lime bars offer a playful twist that’s elevated by using fresh key limes to unlock their natural zest and juice flavors.
These bars possess an aromatic undertone that imbues them with depth and character, making each bite a true delight. Try the recipe now!
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars
Indulge in the sweet flavors of spring by making the most of fresh rhubarb’s brief season. These strawberry rhubarb crisp bars expertly combine the tartness of rhubarb with the natural sweetness of strawberries, evoking the warmth and vibrancy of those idyllic days when spring transitions to summer.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
These triple chocolate cheesecake bars are a treat for the taste buds, boasting three indulgent layers of pure bliss. The combination of a crunchy cookie crust, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and velvety smooth ganache is nothing short of heavenly. And the best part? This dessert is surprisingly low-maintenance to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those who want to indulge without the hassle of a traditional cheesecake.
Best Brownie Recipe
Brownies are often the unsung heroes of the dessert world, but they’re truly deserving of our praise. Not only do they offer an unparalleled ease of preparation, but their versatility in pleasing even the most discerning palates is unmatched. Whether you’re catering to a crowd or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. And let’s be honest – who can resist the allure of a warm, gooey center giving way to a satisfying crunch on the outside?
This particular recipe stands out from the rest, boasting an effortless assembly process that requires mere minutes of mixing in a single bowl, thereby minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. In short, these brownies are a game-changer – far superior to their store-bought counterparts.
Best Blondie Recipe
Blondies, the sweet cousin of brownies, are a party-perfect dessert bar recipe that’s sure to delight almost everyone. Each bite is characterized by its tender softness, buttery richness, and delightful balance of chewiness and deep vanilla flavor. We’re huge fans of this easy-to-make recipe, which offers remarkable adaptability – you can keep it simple or get creative with nuts and white chocolate chips.
To achieve the signature moist texture, be sure to melt the butter rather than creaming it, allowing for an unparalleled level of softness in each bite.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
While chocolate chip cookies are undoubtedly a delight, the process of individually scooping and rolling the dough can be a bit of a chore. That’s where cookie bars come in – they simplify the process without sacrificing flavor or texture. The secret to achieving those perfect crisp edges and chewy middles lies in the layering. To ensure your bars turn out evenly cooked, it’s essential to press the dough down firmly into the pan.
If you don’t, you might end up with one half being overcooked while the other remains raw.
Millionaire’s Shortbread
Millionaire’s shortbread is a show-stopping dessert that boasts three distinct layers: a crumbly buttery shortbread biscuit base, a rich and velvety caramel topping, and a luscious pouring of smooth chocolate. This indulgent treat truly justifies its name, millionaire! While making the caramel requires a certain level of attention and care, the rest of the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
To take it to the next level, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that perfectly balances the sweetness of the layers.
Apple Almond Shortbread Bars
These delectable apple almond bars are a perfect treat to savor during any fall celebration. While they may appear understated at first glance, the harmonious blend of tangy apple and rich buttery shortbread is truly exceptional. The combination is reminiscent of a classic fruit tart, but with the added convenience of being effortlessly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply seeking a delightful fall snack, these bars are sure to impress.
For a visually appealing finish, layer thinly sliced apples atop the shortbread base. Alternatively, skip this step and top with a scattering of diced apples for a rustic charm.