Looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings? Dessert bars are a great option. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or snacks.

With so many flavors and types to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

These 33 dessert bar recipes offer tasty options for any occasion. From classic chocolate chip cookie bars to fruity lemon squares, you’ll find plenty of ideas to try.

Many recipes use just a few ingredients, making them quick and simple to whip up. Whether you prefer rich and gooey or light and refreshing, this collection has dessert bars you’ll love.

1. Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. You’ll love the contrast between the cake’s crisp exterior and its gooey center.

To make this treat, start by melting chocolate and butter together. Mix in sugar, eggs, and a bit of flour to create the batter.

Pour the batter into greased ramekins and bake at a high temperature for a short time. This helps create that signature molten center.

When you cut into the cake, warm chocolate will ooze out. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect hot-and-cold combo.

2. Classic New York Cheesecake

New York cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that’s sure to impress. You’ll need cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and graham crackers for the crust.

Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture into a graham cracker crust in a springform pan.

Bake the cheesecake in the oven until it’s set but still jiggly in the center. Let it cool completely before serving.

For extra flavor, top your cheesecake with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This classic dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.

3. Tiramisu with Espresso

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone. To make it, you’ll need espresso, ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder.

Start by mixing mascarpone with egg yolks and sugar. Whip egg whites separately and fold them into the mascarpone mixture.

Dip ladyfingers in strong espresso and layer them in a dish.

Spread the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers, ending with cream on top.

Dust with cocoa powder and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

This no-bake dessert is perfect for entertaining. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. The result is a rich, coffee-infused treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

4. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that combines tart and sweet flavors. You’ll love the creamy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping.

To make the filling, you’ll whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Cook this mixture until it thickens, then add egg yolks and lemon juice for flavor.

For the meringue, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Spread this over the lemon filling and bake until golden brown.

Serve your lemon meringue pie the same day for the best taste and texture. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

5. Raspberry Sorbet

Raspberry sorbet is a refreshing and fruity dessert perfect for hot summer days. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by making a simple syrup with sugar and water. Let it cool, then mix it with raspberry puree and lemon juice.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze for about 20-25 minutes. For a firmer texture, freeze it for an extra hour.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use frozen raspberries. Blend them with honey and lemon juice, then freeze until scoopable.

This sorbet is great on its own or as a palate cleanser between courses. You can also serve it with fresh berries for extra flavor.

6. Pistachio Baklava

Pistachio baklava is a rich, sweet dessert that combines flaky phyllo dough with nuts and honey syrup. To make it, you’ll layer sheets of phyllo with melted butter and crushed pistachios.

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Cut the phyllo sheets to fit the pan if needed.

Layer about 10 sheets of phyllo in the pan, brushing each with melted butter. Add a layer of crushed pistachios mixed with powdered sugar. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the ingredients.

Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

While it’s baking, make a honey syrup. Pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava when it comes out of the oven. Let it cool before serving.

7. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. You’ll love its sweet, nutty flavor and gooey texture.

To make pecan pie, start with a flaky pie crust. Fill it with a mixture of corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla. Then add plenty of pecans.

Bake your pie until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or bourbon to your filling. You can also make mini pecan tarts for bite-sized treats.

Serve your pecan pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

8. Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Vanilla crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that’s sure to impress. You’ll love its rich, creamy custard and crispy caramelized sugar topping.

To make it, start by heating cream with a vanilla bean. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light. Slowly mix the warm cream into the eggs, then pour into ramekins.

Bake the custards in a water bath until set but still jiggly. Chill them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it. The contrast of cool custard and warm, crunchy topping is what makes this dessert special.

9. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert that will warm your heart. It’s a moist cake made with dates and covered in a rich toffee sauce.

To make it, start by soaking chopped dates in hot water. Mix the date mixture with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs to create the cake batter.

Pour the batter into a baking dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. While it’s baking, prepare the toffee sauce by heating cream, brown sugar, and butter.

Once the cake is done, poke holes in it and pour some of the warm toffee sauce over the top. Serve the pudding warm with extra sauce on the side.

10. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a classic treat that blends cool mint flavor with rich chocolate chips. You can easily make this refreshing dessert at home.

Start by mixing heavy cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract in a bowl. For a green color, add a drop or two of food coloring if desired.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes, add frozen dark chocolate chips to distribute them evenly.

Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Let it firm up in the freezer before serving. You’ll love the refreshing mint taste paired with crunchy chocolate bits in every bite.

11. Black Forest Gateau

Black Forest Gateau is a classic German dessert that combines chocolate, cherries, and cream. You’ll love this rich and indulgent cake.

Start by baking two layers of chocolate sponge cake. Once cooled, slice each layer in half horizontally.

Brush the cake layers with cherry syrup for extra flavor. Then spread whipped cream and add pitted cherries between each layer.

Cover the entire cake with more whipped cream. Decorate the top and sides with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

For an authentic touch, add a splash of cherry liqueur to the syrup. This gives your Black Forest Gateau a grown-up twist.

Chill the cake before serving to let the flavors meld. You’ll impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert.

12. Caramel Flan

Caramel flan is a creamy custard dessert with a layer of golden caramel sauce. You’ll love its silky smooth texture and rich flavor.

To make the caramel, heat sugar in a pan until it turns amber. Pour it into a baking dish, coating the bottom.

For the custard, mix eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the caramel in the dish.

Bake the flan in a water bath until set. Once cooled and chilled, flip it onto a plate. The caramel will flow over the custard, creating a delicious sauce.

Caramel flan is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day. You can add flavors like coffee or coconut for variety.

13. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a beloved Thai dessert that combines sweet and creamy flavors. You’ll need glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and ripe mangoes to make this treat.

Soak the rice for several hours before steaming it. While it cooks, prepare a sweet coconut sauce by simmering coconut milk with sugar and salt.

Mix the cooked rice with some of the coconut sauce and let it absorb the flavors. Slice fresh mangoes and arrange them on a plate with a scoop of the sticky rice.

Drizzle extra coconut sauce over the top before serving. The contrast between the warm, sweet rice and cool, juicy mango creates a delightful taste experience.

14. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are simple, sweet treats that you can easily make at home. They require just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

To make coconut macaroons, you’ll need shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and egg whites. Some recipes also include a small amount of flour.

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Mix the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the coconut mixture.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the macaroons are golden brown on the outside.

Let them cool completely before serving. For extra indulgence, you can dip the bottoms in melted chocolate.

15. Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Cinnamon roll bread pudding combines two classic desserts into one delicious treat. You can make it using leftover cinnamon rolls or store-bought ones.

Cut the cinnamon rolls into small cubes and place them in a greased baking dish. In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Pour this custard mixture over the cinnamon roll cubes. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Bake the pudding in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve your cinnamon roll bread pudding warm. You can top it with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

16. Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Churros with chocolate sauce are a tasty dessert you can make at home. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.

To make churros, mix water, sugar, salt, and oil in a pan. Bring it to a boil, then add flour. Stir until it forms a dough ball.

Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden. Roll the fried churros in cinnamon sugar.

For the chocolate sauce, melt dark chocolate with cream. This makes a rich, thick dip for your churros.

Serve the churros warm with the chocolate sauce on the side. They’re great for snacks or dessert.

17. Apple Strudel

Apple strudel is a classic dessert that’s easier to make than you might think. You’ll need apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and puff pastry.

Start by mixing sliced apples with sugar, raisins, and cinnamon. Roll out the puff pastry and spread the apple mixture on top.

Carefully roll up the pastry, sealing the edges. Place it on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.

Bake your strudel at 350°F until it’s golden brown and flaky. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

18. Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for summer. It’s known for its tangy, refreshing flavor and creamy texture.

To make key lime pie, you’ll need a graham cracker crust and a filling made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. The filling is poured into the crust and baked until set.

You can top your pie with whipped cream or meringue. Some recipes add a twist by including coconut or sour cream in the filling.

Key limes are smaller and more tart than regular limes. If you can’t find them, you can use bottled key lime juice or regular lime juice as a substitute.

19. Banoffee Pie

Banoffee pie is a delicious dessert that combines bananas, toffee, and cream.

You’ll start by making a graham cracker crust. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into a pie dish.

Next, you’ll create a toffee layer using butter and sugar. Cook them together until they form a caramel-like sauce.

Pour this over the crust and let it cool.

Slice ripe bananas and arrange them on top of the toffee layer. Cover the bananas with a generous amount of whipped cream.

For the finishing touch, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.

Chill the pie before serving to let the flavors meld together.

20. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cupcakes are a classic dessert that you can easily make at home. These treats have a rich, velvety texture and a subtle cocoa flavor.

To make them, you’ll mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, milk, red food coloring, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then bake in cupcake liners.

Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch.

These cupcakes are great for parties or as a special treat.

You can customize them with different frostings or toppings to suit your taste.

21. Pumpkin Pie with Nutmeg

Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert, and nutmeg plays a key role in its flavor.

You’ll need canned pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices including cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Mix the ingredients until smooth and pour into a pie crust.

Bake at 375°F for 40-55 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set but still jiggles slightly in the center.

For the best flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg. It’s easy to do and makes a big difference.

A small effort here gives you amazing results in your pumpkin pie.

Let the pie cool before serving. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it wrapped tightly in the fridge.

22. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a classic summer dessert that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and biscuits or cake.

Start by slicing the strawberries and mixing them with sugar. Let them sit to release their juices.

For the base, you can use store-bought biscuits or make your own. Some recipes use a simple cake instead.

To assemble, split the biscuits or cake. Layer with strawberries and top with whipped cream.

This dessert is perfect for picnics or backyard gatherings.

You can prepare the components ahead of time and put them together just before serving.

23. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that combines juicy peaches with a sweet, cakey topping. You can make it with fresh or canned peaches, depending on what’s available.

To start, mix sliced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice. Pour this mixture into a baking dish.

For the topping, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter to create a batter.

Spread this over the peaches.

Bake the cobbler until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect summer treat.

24. Egg Custard Tart

Egg custard tart is a classic British dessert you’ll love. It features a flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy egg custard.

To make it, you’ll need to blind bake a pastry crust first. Then, prepare the custard by mixing eggs, sugar, and warm milk or cream.

Pour the custard into the crust and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at a low temperature until the filling is set but still jiggly.

The result is a smooth, silky custard with a hint of nutmeg.

Its simple flavors and delicate texture make it a timeless treat.

25. Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti are crisp Italian cookies perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.

To make them, mix flour, sugar, eggs, and almond extract in a bowl. Add chopped almonds for extra crunch.

Shape the dough into logs and bake until golden. Let them cool, then slice diagonally.

Bake the slices again at a lower temperature to dry them out.

The result is a crunchy, nutty treat that keeps well for weeks.

You can customize your biscotti by adding dried fruit or dipping them in chocolate. They make great gifts or a tasty afternoon snack.

26. Maple Bacon Donut

Maple bacon donuts combine sweet and savory flavors in one delicious treat. You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by frying or baking your donut base. While they cool, cook some bacon until crispy. Crumble it into small pieces.

Make a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk.

Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, then sprinkle the bacon bits on top.

For extra maple flavor, add a teaspoon of maple extract to your donut batter.

You can also brush the bacon with maple syrup before cooking it.

27. Espresso Gelato

Espresso gelato is a delicious Italian frozen treat that combines the rich flavor of coffee with creamy gelato. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by mixing egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cream in a saucepan.

Heat the mixture gently, stirring constantly until it thickens.

Add strong espresso coffee to the base for that intense coffee flavor.

Cool the mixture, then churn it in an ice cream maker.

Freeze the gelato for several hours before serving.

Scoop it into cups or cones for a refreshing dessert.

For an extra treat, try an affogato. Put a scoop of espresso gelato in a glass and pour hot espresso over it. Enjoy immediately!

28. Rum Raisin Bread Pudding

Rum raisin bread pudding is a comforting dessert that combines sweet and boozy flavors. You’ll love the soft, custardy texture and rich taste.

To make it, soak raisins in rum for extra flavor. Toast bread cubes and place them in a baking dish.

Mix milk, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a pan.

Pour this mixture over the bread and raisins. Let it soak in for a few minutes.

Bake the pudding until golden brown and set.

Serve your rum raisin bread pudding warm.

You can top it with a vanilla sauce or ice cream for an extra treat.

29. Orange Blossom Madeleines

Orange Blossom Madeleines are delicate French sponge cakes with a distinctive shell shape. You’ll love their light, fluffy texture and subtle orange flavor.

To make these treats, mix eggs, sugar, and honey until pale and thick. Add orange blossom water for a unique floral taste.

Fold in flour and melted butter gently to keep the batter airy.

Chill the mixture for about 45 minutes to thicken it.

Grease and flour your madeleine pan before scooping in the batter.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes for standard-sized madeleines.

These sweet cakes are perfect with tea or coffee.

Their pretty shape and aromatic orange flavor make them a special dessert for any occasion.

30. Irish Cream Mousse

Irish Cream Mousse is a rich and creamy dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion. You can make it with Baileys Irish Cream, heavy whipping cream, and a few other simple ingredients.

To prepare this mousse, you’ll whip cream until stiff peaks form. Then fold in Baileys and sweetener to taste.

Some recipes add Greek yogurt for extra tang and texture.

You can serve the mousse in individual glasses or bowls.

Top it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a pretty presentation.

This dessert is best made ahead of time and chilled before serving.

Irish Cream Mousse is an easy no-bake treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

The smooth texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleasing dessert option.

31. Matcha Green Tea Cake

Matcha green tea cake offers a unique and delightful flavor. This dessert combines the earthy taste of matcha with the sweetness of cake.

To make it, you’ll mix matcha powder with flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Then combine the wet and dry ingredients.

Pour the batter into a lined cake pan and bake until done.

The result is a moist, light green cake with a subtle tea flavor.

For extra flair, you can add a matcha frosting or dust the top with powdered sugar.

Some recipes include pistachios or raspberries for added texture and taste.

32. Salted Caramel Brownies

Salted caramel brownies are a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with sweet and salty caramel. These brownies are fudgy, moist, and packed with flavor.

To make them, you’ll start with a classic brownie batter. Then, swirl in homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.

A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the richness of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.

These brownies are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your friends and family.

The combination of gooey caramel and fudgy chocolate makes them irresistible.

You can serve them warm for an extra indulgent experience. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

33. Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge is a sweet treat that’s easy to make at home. You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this creamy dessert.

To make it, you’ll combine brown sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan.

Cook the mixture until it boils, then remove from heat.

Next, stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the fudge into a lined pan and let it chill in the fridge.

After a few hours, your fudge will be firm enough to cut into squares.

The result is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth confection that peanut butter lovers will adore.

Understanding Baking Times

Baking times in recipes are guidelines. Your actual baking time may vary.

Start checking doneness a few minutes early.

Look for visual cues. Golden brown edges often mean cookies are done.

A toothpick inserted in the center of cakes should come out clean.

Carry-over cooking happens after you take items out of the oven. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.

Don’t open the oven door too often. This lets heat escape and can cause uneven baking or sinking.

Use the oven light to check progress.