Set out a tray of bar cookies and watch them disappear. There’s something about that gooey center or crisp edge that keeps people coming back for more. These 27 recipes include all the favorites: lemon squares, chocolate bars, and layered treats packed with flavor. They’re easy to slice, easy to pack, and perfect for sharing at cookouts, school events, or work potlucks.
Classic Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These chewy bars mix oats and chocolate chips for a dessert that always disappears fast. They’re soft, sweet, and hold their shape without falling apart. You only need one bowl and one pan, but they still taste like you did more. No one ever skips dessert when these show up because they’re easy, reliable, and just plain good.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Lemon Squares
These lemon bars bake with a tart, creamy middle and a crust that holds firm with every slice. The bright flavor balances out richer desserts, and you don’t have to worry about them falling apart. They’re easy to stack, pack, and serve. No one ever skips dessert when these are on the table because they hit just the right note.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Cherry Crumb Bars
A buttery crust, cherry filling, and golden crumble topping make these bars sweet, fruity, and just the right kind of crunchy. They hold their shape and don’t need extra garnish to feel special. You can slice and serve them with no fuss. Bars like these always disappear first because no one wants to miss out on dessert.
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Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Chocolate chips, cereal, and dried fruit mix together in these no-bake bars that set up firm in the fridge and slice clean. They’re chewy, sweet, and only take a few minutes to pull together from start to finish. There’s no baking involved and no mess to clean up after. Dessert always stays on the table when it’s this simple and still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Double Chocolate Blondies
These blondies mix dark and white chocolate chips into one pan of chewy, soft squares that slice clean and hold their shape. You can bake and pack them without giving it a second thought. They’re simple but always get eaten. Bars like these show up with low effort and leave with high praise.
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Raspberry Jam Bars
Raspberry jam gives these bars a fruity bite, while the crumb topping adds a little crunch that brings it all together. They look great, stack well, and don’t need any extra touches to feel finished. No frosting, no mess. No one ever skips dessert when bars like these make things feel homemade in half the time.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Classic Brownies
These brownies have rich chocolate flavor, slice cleanly, and stay soft without turning sticky. They’re a hit just as they are, with no need for frosting or toppings. You can bake them in one pan and cut tidy squares that stack up with no mess. When a classic is this easy and this good, dessert never gets skipped.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Butterscotch Brownies
These soft butterscotch bars bake in one pan, slice easily, and stay chewy for days. They don’t need anything extra to be a solid treat. Just bake, cool, and serve. No one ever skips dessert when these are around because they feel warm and homey without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Rich chocolate and tart cherries make these brownies stand out, and the fudgy texture keeps them easy to cut and carry. They stay neat, travel well, and still feel like something special. Bold flavor meets a simple bake that’s easy to count on. These are the kind of brownies that always disappear first from the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Blueberry Crumb Bars
These blueberry bars bake soft berries between a golden crust and crisp topping. You can pack them early and know they’ll still taste fresh hours later. They slice neatly and stay firm, which makes serving simple. No one ever skips dessert when fruit bars like these are part of the mix.
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Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
Chocolate, coconut, caramel, and crunchy nuts all bake into one thick, chewy bar that holds together with no fuss. They look impressive, but only need one pan and a handful of easy steps. You can skip the mixer and still get something rich and satisfying. These bars prove that bold, layered flavor doesn’t have to mean extra work.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
S’mores Brownies
Graham crackers, soft marshmallows, and melted chocolate all bake into thick brownies that taste like a s’more without the campfire. They’re easy to slice and hold their shape without falling apart. You can serve them anywhere without the sticky mess. These brownies bring that classic flavor in a way that’s simple, fun, and always welcome.
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Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies mix chocolate and cinnamon for a sweet bite with a bit of warmth and spice. They slice clean and travel well, which makes them great for sharing. You don’t need any fancy toppings to make them stand out. No one ever skips dessert when something this simple still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Baked Lemonade Bars
These lemon bars have a tart, creamy center and a crust that holds up nicely with every slice. They stay firm, stack well, and can even be made ahead without falling apart. The flavor is fresh and balanced, never too sharp or too sweet. A batch like this always brings something bright to the table without making a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemonade Bars
S’mores Cereal Bars
These bars turn marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers into a quick, no-bake dessert that’s easy to carry. There’s no oven, no fuss, and barely any cleanup. They hold together well and still feel like a treat. No one ever skips dessert when a classic shows up in bar form.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Cereal Bars
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies bake with a rich base and a smooth glaze that sets firm and clean every time. You can slice them ahead, and they hold their shape without sticking. They’re sweet, simple, and easy to serve when you need something reliable. These are the kind of brownies that always impress without making things complicated.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
7 Layer Bars
Chocolate, coconut, and crunchy nuts all stack up in these chewy bars that bake in one pan. They cut clean and hold their shape, even on the go. You don’t need a long list of steps to pull them off. No one ever skips dessert when bars like this offer big flavor with barely any effort.
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Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These bars layer thick caramel and chocolate over a crust that stays crisp and firm. They hold their shape without melting or falling apart, which makes them perfect for packing or sharing. You only need one pan and some basic kitchen tools to pull them together. They bring that bakery-style look and flavor without needing hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
These banana bars are soft, sweet, and topped with a bit of frosting that ties it all together. They slice easily, stay fresh for days, and don’t need plates or extra cleanup. They’re easy to carry and even easier to eat. No one ever skips dessert when something this cozy is in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Chewy S’mores Bars
These bars taste just like s’mores but come together quickly in one simple pan. Chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers melt into chewy squares that are easy to grab and eat. There’s no sticky mess and no long wait. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast because everyone wants a piece.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Surprise Brownies
These bars look basic at first, but there’s a creamy layer inside that makes each bite feel like more. They cut clean, pack well, and don’t need any frosting or extras. You get a full-flavor dessert without much work. No one ever skips dessert when something this easy still feels like a surprise.
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Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
These bars mix orange and vanilla for a cool, smooth flavor with a soft crust that holds its shape. They’re simple to prep and taste best chilled, which also makes cleanup quick. The flavor is a little different, but still easy to enjoy. These bars are the kind of treat that always gets people talking.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Candy Cookie Brownies
These brownies are filled with colorful candy that melts into the chocolate base for a soft and fun dessert. They cut well, pack easily, and stay together on the go. People grab them fast, and they never last long. No one ever skips dessert when something this cheerful is on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Buckeye Brownies
These brownies layer creamy peanut butter fudge between a rich chocolate base and a smooth top. They hold their shape, slice clean, and travel well without falling apart. The mix of sweet and salty always works and comes together without much effort. Chocolate and peanut butter fans will want to keep this easy bar recipe close.
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Peach Crumble Bars
These bars sandwich juicy peach filling between buttery layers that bake into soft, golden crusts. They slice clean and hold together, even when packed up for later. The flavor is bright and sweet without being too much. No one ever skips dessert when a fruit bar is this easy to share and just as easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars
Zucchini Brownies
These brownies start with a rich chocolate base and get a boost of moisture and texture from shredded zucchini. The zucchini blends in so well that all you notice is how soft and fudgy each bite turns out. You get a classic treat with a smart, simple twist. It’s the kind of dessert that surprises everyone in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Brownies
Honey Oatmeal Bars
These chewy bars bake up with a crisp edge and a soft center that’s perfect for snacking or dessert. They’re simple to prep and don’t need much cleanup, and you can cut them into tidy pieces that hold their shape. The oats and light sweetness make them feel like a treat, but not a splurge. No one ever skips dessert when bars this easy feel just right any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Oatmeal Bars