12 Recipes For Bar Cookies You Can Make to Feed a Crowd
Never underestimate the power of a dessert bar.
Antonis Achilleos
When you think of a delicious dessert, the first thing that comes to mind is probably chewy chocolate chip cookies or decadent cakes. Or, perhaps you’re more of a pie-lover or ice cream sundae connoisseur. Whatever you prefer, we can all agree there is a certain type of dessert that doesn’t get as much hype as some of the classic after-dinner options. We’re talking about dessert bars.
Dessert bars are a wonderful baked good choice for several reasons. For one, they’re typically easier to make than other sweets, like cheesecake and cakes. They’re also a great option if you need to feed a crowd for a special occasion or bake sale. But the biggest test is whether kids love these treats, and we can assure you they’ll go wild for every dessert on this list. From light and tart flavors of lime curd and toasted coconut, to blondies and brownies made for every chocoholic—here are the best bar cookies and dessert bars to bake ASAP.
Related: 33 Easy Fall Desserts That Aren't Apple Pie
Tahini S’mores Blondies
Antonis Achilleos
You’ll never have to say goodbye to summer with these Tahini S’mores Blondies. And this isn’t your average blondie batter. Tahini is added for a smooth yet rich and nutty flavor that pairs so well with the graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow notes.
Hazelnut Swirl Blondies
There are few combinations more delicious than chocolate and hazelnut. These blondie bars have rich swirls of chocolate hazelnut spread, and are topped with a generous amount of chopped hazelnuts that add the perfect crunch to every bite.
Lemon-Pistachio Bars
Antonis Achilleos
If you love a lemon bar, you’re going to fall hard for these lemon-pistachio beauties. Not only are they elegant and unique, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Did we mention they’re also gluten-free?
Coconut-Lime Crumble Bars
Craving something tropical? These tangy and sweet coconut-lime bars are just the thing to whip up. Your family and friends will be blown away by your homemade lime curd—and after you learn how to make it once, you can try making some with other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, lemon, and orange.
Pumpkin Caramel Bars With Toasted Coconut
While these would be a perfect dessert after Thanksgiving dinner, why limit yourself to enjoying them only once a year? You can think of these bars as a mini pumpkin pie with sweet and salty caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut.
Related: 30 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes You'll Want to Eat All Year Round
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Making a homemade cheesecake is the ultimate labor of love but did you know there’s an easier way? Cheesecake bars don’t require a spring-form pan or a water bath, and this specific recipe is absolutely divine. Creamy cheesecake with spiced pumpkin swirls, baked in a speculoos crust—it just doesn’t get better than that.
Raspberry-Almond Crumb Bars
Ten minutes, seven ingredients, one delicious jam-filled dessert. Fruity crumb bars are a classic, and this raspberry-almond combination will quickly become a family favorite. After you make this recipe, try some variations with different types of jams and nuts.
Salty Toffee Coffee Bars
Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you often indecisive about what type of dessert to have? Well, it’s possible to have it all because these dessert bars are packed with flavor. You'll find saltiness from buttery crackers and nuts, sweetness from chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, and a little zip from espresso powder.
Make-Ahead Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
We love these oatmeal bars because they’re more of a guide than a recipe. In other words, feel free to play around with the ingredients and add a little more or less depending on your preference. Enjoy these as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Popcorn Bars
No oven? No problem! Popcorn bars are perhaps the easiest treat to make, and they’re completely customizable—so use whatever you have on hand! Pretzels, nuts, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and caramel are all great options to include for a sweet and savory treat.
Malted Chocolate Brownies
Victor Protasio
Here’s a dessert that will take you back in time. Whoppers may not be the most popular candy at the concession stand, but you’ll go crazy for them in these Malted Chocolate Brownies. They bring the perfect balance of chewy and fudgy to every bite.
Related: 9 Tips for Baking the Best Batch of Homemade Brownies
Banana Pudding Pie Bars With Meringue
Making a homemade banana pie with meringue may seem intimidating, but each step is clear and simple, and the delicious results are absolutely worth it. I mean, who wouldn’t go crazy over a slab of sweet banana pie with a Nilla Wafer crust and a fluffy, cloud-like meringue to top it all off?
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