If you love sweet treats, you're in for a real treat with these five best bars recipes! From gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that remind you of the classic cookie to zesty Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars, there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds. And let's not forget the rich Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies or the easy No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars—perfect for those lazy weekends! Curious about the last recipe? Stick around to find out!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer the perfect blend of chewy and gooey goodness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
These bars are simple to prepare and are ideal for sharing with friends and family. With a rich chocolate flavor and a satisfying texture, they can easily become a favorite dessert.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a sweet snack, these cookie bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into squares.
Extra Tips:
For an extra decadent touch, consider adding nuts or using a mix of chocolate chips, like dark and milk chocolate.
If you prefer a thicker bar, you can use an 8×8 inch pan instead, but be sure to increase the baking time slightly.
These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or they can be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert!
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of juicy blueberries, all nestled within a buttery crumbly crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a personal treat, these bars are easy to make and offer a revitalizing flavor that will leave you wanting more.
With their vibrant colors and delicious taste, Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until just combined.
Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, gently toss the blueberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and organic blueberries if possible.
You can also customize these bars by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for an extra layer of flavor.
If you prefer a thicker crust, simply increase the amount of flour and sugar in the crust mixture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are a delightful treat that combines fudgy chocolate brownies with a rich peanut butter swirl, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
These brownies aren't only easy to make but also incredibly indulgent, making them a great option for parties, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delectable brownies that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top.
Swirl the peanut butter through the batter using a knife, then pour the remaining brownie batter over the top and repeat the swirling process. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool before cutting into squares.
Extra Tips:
For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the brownie batter before baking.
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the brownies fudgy. If you prefer a more intense peanut butter flavor, you can increase the amount of peanut butter used in the swirl.
Additionally, serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience!
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and Oreo cookies without the need for baking. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your family and friends with their creamy texture and chocolatey crust.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed (for topping)
Instructions:
Start by crushing 24 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mixing them with the melted butter until well combined.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan to create the crust.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the crushed Oreos on top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.
Extra Tips:
For a more intense Oreo flavor, consider using double-stuffed Oreos for both the crust and topping.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling, and for an added touch, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving.
These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a great option for parties or gatherings.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel, the crunch of pecans, and a hint of sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. These bars are ideal for dessert lovers and make a fantastic addition to any gathering, from bake sales to holiday parties.
With a buttery crust and a gooey caramel filling, these bars are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Extra sea salt for topping
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour and chopped pecans, mixing until the dough comes together.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel filling by combining the granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Pour the caramel over the baked crust, spreading it evenly, then return it to the oven for another 10-12 minutes.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and topping with extra sea salt.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use fresh pecans and toast them lightly before adding them to the crust. This will improve their nuttiness and add a deeper flavor profile.
If you prefer a thicker layer of caramel, you can double the caramel ingredients for an even richer bar.
Make sure the caramel isn't too hot when pouring it over the crust, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
Finally, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for an hour after baking for easier slicing and to help the caramel set properly.