Sunny days and paper plates go hand in hand with good food that’s easy to share. These 39 bar cookie recipes are just that. They are simple to make, easy to pack, and always the first thing to disappear. When you want a sweet treat that fits right in with the sunshine and the crowd, these cookies steal the show every time.
Classic Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Butterscotch Brownies
Grab a napkin and a square of these chewy bars packed with buttery sweetness and a hint of chocolate. They’re rich without being too heavy, making them perfect for sharing on a picnic blanket. Slice them up and let everyone enjoy this easy-to-make classic.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Frosted Banana Bars
Peel open a pan of these soft banana bars topped with thick frosting that holds up well on the go. They’re a great way to use up ripe bananas and are easy to slice and pack for a laid-back picnic. Make a batch and watch them disappear from the cooler.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Lemon Squares
Serve up a square of sunshine with these zesty bars that balance sweet and tart flavors. They hold their shape after baking, so they’re easy to pack without making a mess. Add them to your picnic spread for a bright and refreshing treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Candy Cookie Brownies
Toss these candy-loaded bars into your cooler for a fun twist that’s part cookie, part brownie. Each bite is filled with sweet crunch from candy pieces baked right into the mix. Share them around and bring a little extra joy to your picnic.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Set these down and watch them disappear, thanks to the juicy berries and crumbly topping that everyone loves. Baked in one pan, they hold together well, making them easy to slice and pack. Bring fruity flavor and soft texture to your sunny day outing.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Let the caramel melt and the chocolate shine with these rich bars that feel fancy but are easy to make. The layers hold their shape well, so they travel without falling apart. Pack them up and enjoy a bakery-style treat outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Classic Brownies
Grab a blanket and pass the pan because these rich brownies are made for sharing. They bake all at once and cut into perfect squares, making cleanup quick and easy. Their deep chocolate flavor and soft, fudgy middle make them a picnic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
S’mores Cereal Bars
Trade the campfire for a mixing bowl and whip up these easy no-bake bars with marshmallows and graham cereal. They’re chewy, sweet, and set up quickly in the pan, so you can slice and go. Stack them in your basket for a playful picnic treat.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Cereal Bars
7 Layer Bars
Toss all your favorites in one dish and bake up these sweet, gooey bars full of chocolate, coconut, and more. They’re rich, messy in the best way, and come out of the pan ready to serve. Cut them into squares and share the layers of goodness.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Raspberry Jam Bars
Load up on flavor without a lot of work with these jam-filled bars that come together in no time. A golden crust and crumb top sandwich the sweet and tart fruit, making each bite soft and balanced. Slice them cleanly and pack them for your next picnic.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
S’mores Brownies
These brownies start with a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with thick chocolate brownie batter and a swirl of toasted marshmallow. They capture the fun of a campfire treat, but in a neat little square you can easily eat by hand. Bring these to your next gathering and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Brownies
Surprise Brownies
Share these brownies and watch smiles spread as everyone finds a hidden filling baked inside each square. From the outside, they look like ordinary brownies, but each bite holds a secret surprise that adds an exciting twist. Bake a batch and surprise your friends with something unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Brownies
Cherry Crumb Bars
Treat your picnic crew with soft bars bursting with sweet cherry flavor, nestled between a buttery base and crumbly topping that holds everything perfectly in place. The jammy middle stays put in every bite, making these bars both delicious and easy to eat on the go. Slice them up and bring some fruity goodness to your next outing.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Brighten your dessert spread with these fresh and citrusy cheesecake bars, where vanilla and orange come together for a lively flavor. The crushed cereal crust adds a satisfying crunch without any fuss, making these bars as easy to prepare as they are to slice. Make these bars for a fresh and sweet addition to any meal outside.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Keep things simple but satisfying with these hearty bars made from chewy oats and melty chocolate chips that stand up well in lunchboxes or coolers. They’re rich and chewy with just the right balance to feel homemade while traveling like pros. Pack these bars when you want a snack that feels like it came from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Chewy S’mores Bars
Enjoy all the gooey campfire flavor without the mess by baking these chewy bars ahead of time and packing them easily. A thick graham cracker crust holds melted chocolate and soft marshmallows together for a delightfully sticky-sweet bite. Make these bars your go-to treat for sunny days and outdoor fun.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Delicious Baked Lemonade Bars
Bring the refreshing zing of lemonade to your picnic without the need for a drink with these creamy, tart bars. The smooth filling balances perfectly with a soft crust that’s easy to pick up and enjoy anywhere. Add these bars to your dessert table and brighten up the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Baked Lemonade Bars
Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
Skip the mixing hassle and bake straight away with these layered bars where caramel, nuts, and chocolate blend into a rich and gooey treat. They cut cleanly and hold up well for packing, making them perfect for sharing outdoors. Try these bars when you want a special dessert with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
No oven needed for these chewy, no-bake bars that combine bold chocolate flavor with sweet cherries for a tasty punch. A crunchy cereal base keeps them sturdy enough to travel in your cooler without falling apart. Prepare these bars for a cool and easy treat on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Bring a tray of these soft, frosted brownies to any picnic and watch how quickly they disappear because they’re made to feed a crowd with very little work. Baked in one big pan, they’re easy to slice and great for sharing outside. Serve these brownies when you want a dessert that travels well and pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Slice into these rich brownies that mix deep chocolate flavor with tart cherries for a deliciously balanced bite. The cherries add a bright pop that cuts through the fudgy richness and makes every square special. Share these brownies when you want something that feels both sweet and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Double Chocolate Blondies
These blondies aren’t your usual—they’re loaded with cocoa and chocolate chips to double up the chocolate goodness in every bite. The brown sugar base gives them a chewy, soft texture that feels like a treat every time. Bake these blondies to bring a chocolate twist to your dessert lineup.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blondies
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Add some spice and warmth to your dessert spread with these chocolate brownies infused with cinnamon and chili powder for a gentle heat. Their soft texture makes them easy to eat outdoors, and the subtle kick brings something unexpected to the table. Cut these brownies into small squares for a fun and flavorful surprise.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Honey Oatmeal Bars
These baked Honey Oatmeal Bars are crispy yet chewy treats, similar to your favorite granola bars but homemade and fresh. Known as Flapjacks in the UK, they’re straightforward to make and perfect for prepping snacks that travel well. Make a batch to have a wholesome and satisfying snack ready anytime.
Get the Recipe: Honey Oatmeal Bars
Old-Fashioned Pecan Cake Bars
These bars combine a soft yellow cake base with just the right crunch from toasted pecans for a classic flavor and texture balance. They’re simple to prepare using common ingredients but deliver a comforting homemade feel. Bake these bars to bring a traditional dessert to your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pecan Cake Bars
Ice Cream Bars
Treat yourself to homemade ice cream bars made with rich vanilla protein ice cream coated in a simple two-ingredient chocolate shell. They’re a cool and creamy delight that’s easy to hold and enjoy outside on warm days. Make these bars for a refreshing and satisfying outdoor dessert.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Bars
Graham Cracker Cookie Bars
These bars start with a crisp graham cracker crust and layer on delicious flavors, with or without coconut, for a tasty, crunchy treat. They’re easy to bake in one pan and cut into squares that travel well. Try these bars to add a classic crunchy dessert to your picnic.
Get the Recipe: Graham Cracker Cookie Bars
Tiramisu Brownies
Enjoy the rich and elegant mix of coffee and chocolate with these tiramisu-inspired brownies that everyone will appreciate. The flavors blend smoothly, offering a grown-up twist on a classic brownie. Bake these brownies for a dessert that brings a little extra to your outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Brownies
Peach Crumble Bars
Juicy peach filling gets sandwiched between layers of buttery shortbread crust in these irresistible bars that taste like summer in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make using basic pantry ingredients, making them a go-to for effortless dessert success. Bring these bars along to add a fresh and fruity touch to any picnic.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
These no-bake bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with rich chocolate and peanut butter for a sweet and slightly salty snack. They’re chewy and fudgy in the middle, making them irresistible and quick to prepare. Make these bars when you want a homemade treat that travels well.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Molly Bars
Gooey, crunchy, and topped with chocolate, these no-bake Molly Bars mix peanut butter and cereal for a snack everyone will love. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for packing along on any outing or picnic. Prepare these bars to enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat wherever you go.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars
4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies
Try the delicious mix of rich chocolate, creamy yogurt, and Milky Way candy bars with this simple four-ingredient recipe. These brownies come together quickly and bake moist and flavorful every time. Bake these brownies when you want a quick dessert that feels special.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Get all the sweet flavor of strawberry shortcake packed into a convenient bar that’s easy to hold and eat anywhere. These bars combine juicy strawberries, fluffy cake, and a crumbly topping for a perfect balance of textures. Serve these bars to bring a classic dessert in a handy form to your next outing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Strawberry Streusel Bars
These bars feature a soft and chewy bottom, gooey strawberry jam center, and a crispy crumb topping that make every bite a delight. They’re easy to make and slice, making them a convenient choice for sharing at any outdoor event. Make these bars for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Streusel Bars
Buckeye Brownies
Buckeye Brownies combine fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy peanut butter fudge filling, all topped with a rich chocolate layer for a decadent treat. They bring the best of peanut butter and chocolate together in every bite and are easy to slice and serve. Cut these brownies when you want a rich and shareable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies
Cherry Pie Bars
Buttery pie crust topped with sweet cherries and a shiny glaze come together in these simple bars that taste like a handheld cherry pie. They’re easy to bake and slice, making them ideal for potlucks and picnics. Bake these bars to add a classic fruit dessert to your outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars
Browned Butter Blondies
Bake a pan of these rich and buttery blondies filled with toasted pecans and topped with a spicy cinnamon glaze that adds a special touch. They come out soft and full of flavor, perfect for sharing at any gathering. Try these blondies when you want a little extra warmth in your dessert.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Blondies
Homemade Kit Kat Bars
Create your own delicious Kit Kat bars at home with this simple recipe that combines crunchy wafers and smooth chocolate. They’re a fun twist on a candy favorite and perfect for packing in your picnic basket. Make these bars to enjoy a crunchy, chocolate treat anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Kit Kat Bars
Zucchini Brownies
These brownies offer a moist, fudgy chocolate base with the unexpected addition of shredded zucchini for a subtle freshness that sneaks in some veggies. The result is a delicious way to enjoy brownies with a bit of added moisture and nutrition. Bake these brownies for a dessert that sneaks in a little extra good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Brownies