A picnic’s always a good idea, but what makes them 100% better is spending time over something tasty. These 27 bar cookies will give you a reason to plan the next time you stretch that blanket. Not only do they taste good under the sun, but they’re also so easy to make. You can make one batch and just cut them, and they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Texas Sheetcake Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These brownies mix rich chocolate with just the right pop of tart cherries to keep things exciting. Their fudgy texture holds up well outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about them melting in the sun. They’re the kind of sweet treat that disappears fast once the picnic blanket gets rolled out.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Surprise Brownies
They look like classic brownies, but one bite in and you’ll hit a soft, sweet center that changes everything. The inside is creamy and rich, and it turns a simple bite into something more fun. Bring a plate of these to your next picnic and get ready for everyone to ask what your secret is.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Brownies
Cherry Crumb Bars
Sweet cherry filling sits between a buttery crust and golden crumble, giving every bite a little crunch and a lot of flavor. They’re firm enough to hold in your hand, so you can grab one and keep chatting without missing a beat. They bring just the right fruity touch to any sunny day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
These bars are loaded with crunchy cereal, two kinds of chocolate, and dried cherries for a chewy treat that doesn’t need an oven. They’re easy to wrap and pack, which makes them perfect for grabbing on your way out the door. Kids love the chocolate, adults love the tart cherry, and everyone’s happy at the table.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Creamy vanilla meets bright orange in a cool layer that sits on top of a soft and buttery crust. They’ve got that fresh citrus flavor that goes great with warm weather and good company. Take them along for your picnic and they’ll feel like a little bite of sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
A rich, deep chocolate brownie with a shiny glaze on top, these big-batch treats are made to share. They slice up easily and go a long way, so there’s plenty for everyone at the table. Bring these along when you need something easy that still feels like a special dessert.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These bars come stacked with sweet caramel and dark chocolate layered over a buttery base. They’re rich and chewy, but still easy to pack without making a mess. When you want something bold and sweet that holds up in the heat, these are the ones to bring.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
Ripe bananas make these bars soft and full of flavor, and the smooth frosting on top gives them a sweet finish. They feel like banana bread’s fun cousin that showed up for the party. Make a batch for the picnic, and don’t expect to bring any home.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
S’mores Cereal Bars
All the gooey goodness of a campfire s’more gets packed into a crispy, no-bake bar that travels like a dream. There’s chocolate, marshmallow, and graham flavor in every bite, but without the need for a fire. They bring backyard fun wherever you take them.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Cereal Bars
Baked Lemonade Bars
These bars taste like a cold glass of lemonade, thanks to their bright citrus filling and sweet crust. The soft, tangy middle is just right for hot days when you want something cool. You won’t find a better way to wrap up a picnic lunch.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemonade Bars
Candy Cookie Brownies
These brownies are loaded with colorful candy pieces that melt into the fudgy base for a little crunch and a lot of fun. They’re great for kids but sweet enough to please the grown-ups, too. Make a tray, cut them up, and watch them vanish from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Classic Brownies
Deep cocoa flavor and a soft, chewy bite make these the kind of treat people always reach for first. They don’t need extras or toppings to steal the show. Toss a stack into a container and call dessert handled.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These bars blend oats with gooey chocolate chips to make something hearty and sweet at the same time. They’re sturdy and don’t crumble, so they travel well and stay fresh all day. When you need a treat that satisfies but isn’t too rich, they’re the perfect pick.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Chewy S’mores Bars
With marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham crackers all packed into one chewy square, these bars hit every note of a favorite treat. They’re great for when you want the taste of summer without the mess. Just pass them around and enjoy the smiles.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Raspberry Jam Bars
Sweet raspberry jam fills the middle of these bars, tucked between a soft crust and a golden topping that crumbles just right. The fruit gives each bite a fresh, bright flavor that pairs perfectly with the sunshine. They’re a pretty, easy-to-eat option for your next outdoor spread.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies bring a little cinnamon and a hint of spice to the table, adding something new to a classic dessert. The flavor is bold but still familiar, and they cut cleanly into squares. Bring them along when you want to surprise people with something they’ve never tried but will definitely want again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
These bars layer caramel, chocolate, coconut, and nuts into one sweet, sticky treat that’s full of texture. Every bite has a little crunch, a little chew, and a whole lot of flavor. They’re just the thing to brighten up a sunny afternoon with something rich and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
Double Chocolate Blondies
These blondies are packed with white and dark chocolate chips for twice the flavor and a chewy bite that holds together well. They look simple, but one taste and you’ll see why they’re always a favorite. They’re easy to bake, carry, and share—perfect for picnic tables and folding chairs.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blondies
7 Layer Bars
There’s a lot going on in these bars—chocolate, nuts, coconut, and more—all stacked into one sweet bite. They’re rich without being fussy, and they hold their shape on the go. Pack them up and you’ve got a dessert that feels like more than just a snack.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Lemon Squares
A buttery crust topped with zesty lemon filling gives these squares a bright and tangy flavor that cuts through the summer heat. They’re cool and refreshing with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more. Every picnic needs something like this to balance out all the chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Butterscotch Brownies
These bars bring the warm, deep flavor of butterscotch in a soft, chewy bite that’s easy to grab and go. They’re rich without being heavy, and they taste even better under blue skies. When you want something sweet that feels cozy and fun, these hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
S’mores Brownies
These brownies bake graham crackers, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows into one thick square that’s perfect for sharing. They bring that fire pit feeling to the picnic blanket without needing to light a flame. Just slice them up and let everyone dig in.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Brownies
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Juicy blueberries shine in these bars, layered between a soft crust and a crispy crumb topping. They’re packed with fruit flavor that feels just right on a warm day. Bring a basket of these to the park and watch them disappear one by one.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These bars take the best parts of strawberry shortcake and turn them into something you can carry in your hand. Fresh berries, soft cake, and creamy layers come together in a sweet bite made for sunny weather. They feel light but taste rich, making them a great ending to your outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Molly Bars
Molly Bars mix peanut butter and cereal into a chewy square that’s easy to slice, wrap, and pack. They’ve got a sweet and salty flavor that’s great for snacking on the go. Make them in minutes, share them all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars
These bars feature tart yellow plums baked into a soft center with a crumbly top that gives just enough crunch. The fruit keeps them from feeling too heavy, and the texture holds up in a cooler or picnic basket. They bring a little something special to any outdoor table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars
Graham Cracker Cookie Bars
Crushed graham crackers give these bars a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the chocolate layer on top. They’re easy to break apart and even easier to eat while standing around with a paper plate. They bring all the picnic flavors you love into one easy treat.
Get the Recipe: Graham Cracker Cookie Bars