Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests? Do you want to take your baking skills to the next level without sacrificing flavor or ease of preparation? Look no further than our 18 decadent dessert bar recipes, perfect for every occasion from birthdays to holidays and beyond.
From classic combinations like chocolate and peanut butter to innovative twists on old favorites, these bars are sure to satisfy even the sweetest of tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, our recipes are designed to be easy to follow and require minimal ingredients.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting 18 mouthwatering dessert bar recipes that are guaranteed to impress. From classic cheesecake bars to innovative cookie bars and everything in between, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Bars
These rich and fudgy bars combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the deep flavor of dark chocolate, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With a short ingredient list and simple preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, cream peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler; stir until smooth.
5. Pour peanut butter mixture over crust, followed by melted chocolate.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Brighten up your day with these refreshing lemon blueberry cheesecake bars, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Press mixture into prepared dish.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and beat until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and lemon juice.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Top with blueberries.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A Decadent Treat
These rich and chewy bars combine the perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a gooey caramel center and chunks of dark chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a special treat for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup caramel bits
– Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and caramel bits.
5. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Swirl Bars
These decadent bars combine the richness of red velvet cake with the tanginess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a buttery crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press half the dough into prepared pan.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
6. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Top with remaining crust, pressing gently to adhere.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Bars
These fudgy brownie bars are packed with peanut butter flavor and topped with a layer of gooey chocolate and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, peanut butter, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Press mixture into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl (30-second increments, stirring between each interval). Spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars
Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars: A sweet and tangy treat that combines the flavors of fresh raspberries and toasted almonds with a crumbly shortbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
5. Allow to cool completely before topping with raspberry mixture (fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, and almond extract). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Banana Pudding Dessert Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these creamy banana pudding dessert bars. Layered with a shortbread crust, gooey banana pudding filling, and topped with whipped cream, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare shortbread crust by combining flour and sugar in a bowl. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Bake crust for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sliced bananas, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour banana pudding mixture over baked shortbread crust and smooth out top.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Blondie Bars
These moist and flavorful bars combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the classic taste of blondies, making them a perfect fall treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oreo Cookie Crunch Bars
These bars combine the classic flavors of Oreos with a crunchy texture and a sweet surprise. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert, they’re sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 1 cup Oreo cookies, crushed
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle crushed Oreos over crust, followed by confectioners’ sugar and salt.
4. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or on stove top; pour over Oreo mixture.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
These bars combine the natural sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of rhubarb, topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for a springtime dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, and vanilla extract. Spread evenly over the crust.
5. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bars
These bars combine the creamy richness of white chocolate with the crunch of macadamia nuts, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add melted butter, mixing until just combined.
3. Stir in white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown around edges.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Key Lime Pie Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
These bite-sized treats combine the tanginess of key lime with the crunch of graham cracker crust, perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup key lime juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until well combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together filling ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour filling over baked crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars
Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars: A Twist on Classic Snickerdoodles!
These chewy blondies are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a crispy snickerdoodle crust. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar (for snickerdoodle topping)
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar mixture (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
5. Mix white granulated sugar and cinnamon-sugar mixture in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the blondie crust.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Note: To make cinnamon-sugar mixture, combine equal parts white granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Bars
Moist and decadent, these Black Forest-inspired bars combine the flavors of dark chocolate, cherry preserves, and whipped cream for a treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
3. Add melted butter, salt, and cherry preserves; stir until combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Spread over cooled bars.
7. Whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form. Top bars with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Toasted Coconut Dream Bars
These creamy bars are infused with the warm, toasted flavor of coconut and topped with a layer of golden brown toffee. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for toffee topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Press into prepared dish.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in toasted coconut flakes and salt.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set.
5. Remove from oven and top with toffee topping (melted butter and additional toasted coconut flakes).
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Apple Streusel Bars
These sweet and indulgent bars combine the flavors of caramelized apples, crunchy streusel topping, and a buttery shortbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter; mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press half the dough into prepared baking dish. Top with sliced apples and drizzle with caramel sauce.
4. Sprinkle remaining dough over apples. If using pecans, sprinkle on top of streusel topping.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Funfetti Birthday Cake Bars
These moist and flavorful bars are packed with funfetti sprinkles, making them the perfect dessert for any birthday celebration. With a shortbread crust and a creamy frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup funfetti sprinkles
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add melted butter, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined.
3. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with funfetti sprinkles.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
5. Allow bars to cool completely. Frost with powdered sugar and unsalted butter mixture.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Matcha Green Tea White Chocolate Bars
Combine the invigorating taste of matcha green tea with the richness of white chocolate, and you’ll get a unique and addictive treat. These bite-sized bars are perfect for a sweet pick-me-up any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons matcha powder
– 1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together matcha powder, sugar, and salt.
4. Add softened butter and vanilla extract to the matcha mixture; mix until smooth.
5. Pour melted white chocolate into the prepared baking dish. Top with the matcha mixture, spreading evenly.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set. Cut into bars.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just chill and enjoy.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of decadent desserts with these 18 dessert bar recipes! From classic combinations like chocolate peanut butter and salted caramel, to fruity twists like lemon blueberry and strawberry rhubarb, there’s something for every occasion. Treat your friends and family to a sweet surprise with red velvet cream cheese swirl bars or banana pudding dessert bars. And don’t forget the funfetti birthday cake bars and toasted coconut dream bars – perfect for special celebrations! With these recipes, you’ll be the talk of the town with your impressive dessert bar skills.
