20 Dessert Bars for a Handheld Treat That Wins Over a Crowd
These downright delicious recipes are simply made for sharing!
Pies, cakes, and cookies are often the go-to choice of dessert for serving a crowd, but there’s an underrated option that might not be on your radar: dessert bars! These bite-sized sweets are part cookie, part brownie, and part cake, yet the flavor and texture possibilities are almost endless, whether you prefer jammy fruit desserts or chocolate treats. Since dessert bar recipes are baked or set in a pan before they’re cut into squares, they’re so easy to bake, transport, and share with a crowd.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, participating in a bake sale, in need of potluck desserts, or just craving a homemade treat, there’s a dessert bar recipe on this list for every occasion and preference. Looking for something to bring to your next cookout? S'mores bars topped with toasted marshmallows will do the trick. Want something refreshing yet indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth? Ree Drummond's lemon bars or key lime bars are calling your name. And if you’re hoping for a hands-off dessert, try a no-bake selection. Regardless of what you choose, these dessert bars are bound to become one of your new favorites!
Lemon Bars
Nothing beats the cheerful color and zesty taste of a lemon bar! The velvety lemon curd filling with a dusting of powdered sugar on top is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, the sunny hue will shine on the center of your table.
Get Ree’s Lemon Bars recipe.
Carrot Cake Bars
Here’s a fun twist on the original dessert! Carrot cake bars are layered with spiced cake and a cream cheese frosting that’s swirled and baked into the batter.
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Pecan Pie Bars
These dessert bars have all the gooey comfort of a pecan pie, but you won’t have to chill, roll, or crimp any crust. Plus, the portions are arguably easier to slice and serve than a pie, so it’s the perfect pick for potlucks, parties, and other group gatherings.
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Key Lime Bars
These dessert bars are everything you love about the traditional pie: a buttery graham cracker crust, silky citrus filling, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for a sunny day!
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Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Make the most of spring produce by infusing your dessert bars with the sweet-tart flavors of strawberry and rhubarb. These bars have a crumbly crust and a nutty topping that pairs beautifully with the fruity filling.
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Fig Bars
This simple fruit bar is an elevated version of nostalgic Fig Newtons! With a tender wheat-blend dough and dried fig filling, they make the perfect post-lunch treat.
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S'mores Bars
If you can't get to the campfire anytime soon, don't worry! You can still enjoy the summer chocolate marshmallow treat in bar form thanks to this recipe. They feature a graham cracker crust, fudgy chocolate filling, and a toasted marshmallow topping.
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Carmelitas
Chock full of gooey chocolate and caramel, these dessert bars are the ultimate comfort food. The sweet flavors pair perfectly with the chopped pecans mixed into the batter for extra texture.
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Blueberry Bars
Take a break from your typical blueberry cobbler and blueberry pie and make these easy bars instead! They're buttery, crumbly, and full of fresh blueberries.
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
You don't need an oven to make a crowd-pleasing dessert! These dessert bars are so easy to make and even easier to eat, featuring a chewy peanut butter and vanilla wafer base and a decadent chocolate topping.
Get Ree's No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
These pretty pink bars are everything you love about classic cheesecake in half the time! They're complete with a fresh berry swirl that pairs perfectly with the tangy cheesecake filling.
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Butterscotch-Pretzel Bars
These simple dessert bars are full of texture and flavor thanks to all the mix-ins, like mini pretzel twists, peanuts, butterscotch chips, and chocolate chips. Just layer the ingredients in a pan, bake, and enjoy!
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Brookies
Can't decide between a brownie or a cookie? Thanks to this inventive treat, you can have both! This recipe combines both handheld desserts into one chocolatey masterpiece.
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Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars
Calling all toffee lovers! These decadent brown sugar cookie bars are made with homemade toffee for extra buttery, caramelized flavor.
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Pumpkin Bars
These moist, pumpkin-flavored treats are tasty enough to be enjoyed year-round! They're complete with a pumpkin-spiced cream cheese frosting that's utterly irresistible.
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No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
Creamsicle lovers will go crazy for these nostalgic orange vanilla cheesecake bars! The recipe calls for two types of cheesecake filling—orange and vanilla—which are layered atop a sweet graham cracker crust.
Cherry-Almond Bars
These fruit and nut bars are salty, sweet, and so easy to make! They're chock full of toasted sliced almonds, chopped dried cherries, and white chocolate chips.
Get Ree's Cherry-Almond Bars recipe.
Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars
These tangy bars are everything you love about zesty key lime pie and cheesecake in one handheld package! They're made with a chocolate cookie crust for a tasty contrast with the bright lime flavor.
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Snickerdoodle Bars
Soft, chewy snickerdoodle cookies get a bite-sized makeover in this recipe! They look extra adorable when sliced into diamonds and topped with sparkling cinnamon sugar.
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Chocolate-Marshmallow Bars
These bars are studded with sweetened shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Prep time is only 10 minutes, so you'll be on your way to your new favorite sweet snack in no time!
Get Ree's Chocolate-Marshmallow Bars recipe.
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