Craving a sweet treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults? Look no further! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to satisfy your family’s cravings, these show-stopping dessert bar recipes have got you covered. Let me share my top picks with you:
S’mores Cookie Bars
As someone who calls Michigan home, I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with s’mores. But there’s a catch – the perfect conditions for a campfire treat are limited to just two months out of the year (April-June and August). The wind and chill during other times of the year make it difficult to enjoy this beloved classic. That’s why I’m so grateful for my baking skills and Pinterest, which have allowed me to create s’mores-inspired treats that can be enjoyed year-round.
Take these cookie bars, for instance – they’re a game-changer. With a texture that’s both soft and chewy, like a perfectly toasted marshmallow, and a satisfying crunch from the graham cracker crust, it’s no wonder I make them every Christmas. As I sit by the fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket, I’m transported to a moment of summer tranquility. Of course, that feeling is short-lived, as I venture outside and am reminded of the Michigan chill.
Still, these cookie bars bring me joy with each bite – a little s’more of happiness that never gets old.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
I confess: I’m an oatmeal cookie aficionado. But let me be clear – when I bite into what I assume is a rich, chocolatey treat and it turns out to be an oatmeal cookie instead, my trust issues get triggered. It’s not just a minor annoyance; for some people, the discovery of an oatmeal cookie masquerading as its chocolate chip counterpart can ruin their day.
Luckily, there are solutions like the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bar that combines the best qualities of both types of cookies in one convenient package. With real chocolate instead of raisins, these bars strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. Plus, since they’re bars rather than individual cookies, you can enjoy them warm or cold – no scooping required! All in all, this is one clever cookie (or bar) that’s hard to resist.
Rocky Mountain Avalanche Bars
The phrase ‘even the largest avalanche is triggered by small things’ resonated deeply with me. It’s a quote that perfectly captures the idea that seemingly insignificant events can snowball into bigger issues. For me, it was my dad’s relentless pacing while on the phone. The way he would pace back and forth, disrupting the entire household, became a source of frustration for me.
I thought that once I left home to attend college, our relationship would improve, but surprisingly, his pacing habits only intensified my annoyance towards him. Fast forward six years, and I found myself in a similar situation with my then-boyfriend-turned-husband. His own pacing rituals brought back memories of my childhood, leaving me wondering if this was an endemic male trait or simply a curse that befell me.
As it turns out, the quote’s wisdom proved to be more than just a philosophical musing. It served as a harbinger for a culinary adventure that would awaken my taste buds and leave them craving more. Enter the Rocky Mountain Avalanche bars, a delightful concoction of peanut butter, white chocolate, rice krispies, and marshmallows. The combination is nothing short of genius, with each component playing off the others in perfect harmony.
The creamy textures of the peanut butter and white chocolate provide an excellent contrast to the crunchy rice krispies and soft marshmallows, resulting in a truly peak culinary experience.
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
When it comes to desserts, I’m all about keeping things real – no artificial additives or unknown ingredients for me! If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’m a big fan of baking from scratch. However, life gets busy, and sometimes we need something quick and easy without sacrificing taste. That’s where this cookie bar recipe comes in. It’s the perfect compromise between convenience and homemade flavor.
With just a few simple ingredients – yellow cake mix, olive oil, eggs, and chocolate chips or chunks – you can whip up a treat that will fool even the most discerning palates. These gooey, chocolatey bars are perfect for when time is of the essence, but they’re also so good that you’ll want to make them all the time. And the best part? You’ll feel like a genius for saving yourself time and energy!
Seven Layer Bars
As the holiday season approaches, it’s natural to reflect on our annual traditions. For me and my family, Christmas is a time of flexibility, with plans shifting from year to year. Some years we join my husband’s extended family for a festive celebration, while others find us cozying up at home with loved ones.
Regardless of the destination, I always seem to take on more responsibility than I can handle when it comes to holiday baking – a trait that’s become second nature for this type A personality. Despite being particular about certain ingredients in desserts, I’ve found a unique recipe that my dad adores: 7-layer magic cookie bars. These sweet treats combine the best of walnuts, coconut, butterscotch, chocolate chips, and cracker crumbs to create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
The result is a bar that’s both moist and crunchy, with no single flavor overpowering the others. If you have someone in your life who loves these ingredients, I highly recommend adding these bars to your holiday cookie plate. They’re sure to be a hit!
Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake – the ultimate dessert that brings people together! I mean, who can resist its creamy, sweet goodness? Not me, that’s for sure. In fact, I’m a big fan of cheesecake in any form, whether it’s a classic slice or one of these amazing layered bars with a sugar cookie crust and crumb topping. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family, and its versatility is unmatched. You can enjoy it on a date night, at a party, or just because.
And let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too much cheesecake. So go ahead, indulge in that extra slice (or three). After all, life is short, and cheesecake is delicious!
Salted Caramel Billionaire Bars Recipe
As I imagine myself as a wealthy individual, I’m reminded of Gwen Stefani’s catchy yet cringe-worthy tune. If I were a billionaire, after ensuring loved ones are secure and making significant charitable donations, I’d pursue two passions: building an expansive cat sanctuary on a large plot of land (yes, I confess to being a potential crazy cat lady) and traveling the world. The allure of travel is undeniable – it can transform one’s life for the better.
So, what would you do with billions of dollars? As I ponder this question, my mind wanders to the sweet treats that would surely be in abundance. Speaking of which, have you ever tried making billionaire caramel bars? These indulgent treats are packed with salted caramel and chocolate chip flavors, perfect for snacking both cold and warm. The best part? They’re even more irresistible when served slightly warmed, as the caramel and chocolate melt together in a delightful explosion of flavors.
It’s no wonder these bars are a crowd-pleaser!
Lemon Bars
When life gives you lemons, make some scrumptious lemon desserts! As Recipe Girl, I’m always on the lookout for sweet treats that capture the essence of spring and summer. Lemon is a flavor that never goes out of style – it’s clean, refreshing, and when used in moderation, adds a delightful twist to any dessert. This particular recipe has stolen my heart with its flaky shortbread crust, luscious lemon filling, and crunchy glaze.
What I love most about these treats is the simplicity of the ingredients: just 7 in total! No fancy-schmancy recipes or excessive prep time needed here. And did I mention they’re perfect for a springtime breakfast, Mother’s Day dessert, or a sunny summer morning? These are my go-to rolls – I just can’t get enough!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
There’s something undeniably alluring about recipes that feature Oreos as a primary ingredient. For me, it’s an irresistible urge to give them a try. And I’m not alone – the humble Oreo is the most popular box dessert at stores, and its enduring popularity speaks volumes. The secret to their addictive nature? They’re delightfully simple yet undeniably delicious. It’s no wonder people can’t get enough of that creamy filling and crunchy cookie exterior.
As someone who’s had a love affair with Oreos, I’ve learned to choose my battles when it comes to indulging in desserts. But this strawberry cheesecake bar recipe is an exception. The combination of golden Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry sauce is a match made in heaven. It’s the perfect treat for hot summer days or gatherings with friends and family.
What’s more?
These bars hold up remarkably well when frozen, making them a convenient option for busy summer schedules. So go ahead, indulge in the berry sweetness and creamy goodness – you won’t regret it!
Reese’s Fluffernutter Bars
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating story behind Reese’s? As it turns out, I’m a huge fan of Reese’s and decided to write an entire biography on H. B. Reese during my college days. Little did I know that his journey would be filled with interesting twists and turns. So, let me regale you with some fun facts about the man who brought us our beloved Peanut Butter Cups.
One thing that might surprise you is that Reese’s initial success came after he created two candy bars inspired by his own kids! Before that, Reese was actually in the dairy business, managing Hershey’s iconic ‘Round Barn’ facility. However, when the barn shut down in 1919, he took a bold step and started his own candy company, R&R Candy Co., where he experimented with chocolate-covered almonds and raisins – though it didn’t quite take off.
This might be due to the fact that people often don’t consider raisins as ‘candy’ per se! After R&R Candy Co. went bankrupt, Reese returned to Hershey’s, but his passion for creating treats never faded. In his basement, he continued to experiment with new recipes, including the Lizzy Bar, a chocolate-covered caramel and shaved coconut candy bar named after his daughter, and the Johnny Bar, made with molasses and named after his son.
These innovative treats were a hit, prompting Reese to quit Hershey’s and found H. B. Reese Candy Co. It’s intriguing to think that if it weren’t for these two early successes, we might never have had the iconic Peanut Butter Cups we know and love today.
Speaking of which, there are countless reasons why you should stop what you’re doing right now and get creative with some Reese’s-inspired treats, like those delectable Fluffernutter bars that combine rich peanut butter cookie dough, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and marshmallow fluff for a next-level dessert experience. And trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be hooked – I mean, who can blame me for wanting to keep them all to myself?
Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Dear reader, I’m curious – what’s your go-to Valentine’s Day gift? Do you swoon over sentimental gestures, indulge in sweet treats, or appreciate thoughtful tokens of appreciation? For me, it’s all about the surprise and thought that goes into a special delivery. My husband knows just how to make my day with an unexpected bouquet, and I adore the romanticism behind it.
While flowers are lovely, I must admit that I’m a sucker for homemade goodies – especially when they involve chocolate.
The combination of textures and flavors in a well-crafted dessert is pure bliss. And that’s exactly what these raspberry bars offer: a delightful twist on the classic fruit-filled chocolates. With their chewy center, gooey jam, and crispy edges, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or holiday celebration.
As someone who’s particular about fruity desserts, I can confidently say that these bars are top-notch in my book.
So why not fill this Valentine’s Day with some love and indulgence? Treat yourself, your loved ones, or your friends to a sweet surprise – after all, it’s the thought that counts!
Oreo Magic Bars Recipe
There’s something special about Fridays, don’t you think? They’re like a little slice of weekend heaven right in the middle of the week. For me, Mondays and Tuesdays can be a real slog, but finally getting to Friday is always a reason to celebrate. It’s the perfect excuse to spend quality time with loved ones, whether that means whipping up a sweet treat or heading out for dinner together.
As someone who’s deeply devoted to all things Oreo, I’m thrilled to share another show-stopping recipe with you. These magic bars are truly next-level – they’re so good, you’ll want to make them again and again. And what sets them apart is the generous helping of crushed Oreos throughout the bars themselves. When you bring these babies to the table, everyone will know exactly what they’re getting into, and they’ll be eager to take a bite.
But here’s the best part: as people dig in, they’ll discover that these bars have a delightful surprise – gooey centers courtesy of melty chocolate chips. It’s like a party in your mouth! With this recipe, every day can feel like Friday.
Sugar Cookie Bars
As a self-proclaimed Snapchat enthusiast, I often find myself lost in the world of filters and friend updates. On the other hand, my husband is deeply invested in Twitter. He loves staying connected with his college buddies, following sports and news, and keeping tabs on his favorite pro golfers. And, of course, he can’t resist the allure of the current president’s tweets – whether he agrees or disagrees with them.
But despite our differences in social media preferences, my husband and I share a love for cookies. Or, rather, one specific type of cookie: sugar cookies. There’s just something about their classic charm that makes them perfect for any occasion. And when we got into a friendly disagreement over the matter (with him advocating for Macadamia nut cookies – what?!), I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands.
Enter Twitter Poll, where our followers could weigh in on the great cookie debate. Let’s just say I won with flying colors, and my husband graciously accepted defeat (though he did have a chance to rally support for chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies – but that would’ve been cheating). In any case, when I stumbled upon this incredible sugar cookie bar, I knew I had to give it a try.
And let me tell you, these babies are absolute perfection: thick, delicious, and covered in creamy whipped frosting topped with sprinkles. It’s like my wildest cookie dreams came true. And the best part? They’re so good, even Gretchen Wieners (or Josh, for that matter) couldn’t resist the allure.
Zucchini Bars
When it comes to unconventional ingredients in familiar foods, I’m not alone in my curiosity. The sudden surge of zucchini’s popularity has left me wondering: what’s behind this green revolution? As someone who initially questioned the trend, I’ve come to appreciate its unique benefits and surprising versatility. Zucchini boasts an impressive nutritional profile, packed with antioxidants, fiber, and a lower calorie count than traditional grains.
Its potential to reduce blood sugar levels only adds to its allure. But can these health perks translate to a tasty experience? In the case of these scrumptious zucchini bars, the answer is a resounding yes! The cinnamon-infused, moist, and nutty flavors meld together in harmony, while the cream cheese frosting provides the perfect complement. If you’re seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste, these treats are an excellent starting point.
With its versatility and impressive nutritional profile, it’s little wonder zucchini has become a staple – and I’m now a believer!
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut butter is a love-hate relationship that’s been a constant companion throughout my life. In my 20s, it was the culprit behind my weight gain – I’d devour it by the spoonful whenever I felt emotional. The love affair only intensified when I became a mom. My kids adore peanut butter just as much, but the sticky chaos that ensues is another story. From high chairs to furniture and clothes, you name it, peanut butter has claimed it as its own.
There’s one exception: my beloved Peanut Butter bars, which I reserve for Christmas every year. This indulgent treat consists of a chewy oat cookie base infused with peanut butter goodness, topped with a layer of peanut butter after baking, and finished with a rich chocolate frosting. It’s a match made in heaven – peanut butter on top of peanut butter, how could it get any better?
As a Midwesterner, I take pride in letting these bars chill out in the cold air of my back porch, where they’re transformed into an even more decadent delight. In fact, I’m so smitten with this recipe that I might just consider marrying it.
Easy Choco-Banana Bars
As the last wisps of winter dissipate, Michiganders rejoice at the dawn of a new season. For those who’ve survived the cold and darkness, spring’s arrival is more than just a change in temperature – it’s a transformation of attitude. Seasonal depression may linger, but the promise of sun-kissed days is a potent antidote. As someone who’s weathered the long, dark winters, I can attest that the return of sunlight is a balm for the soul. And what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat?
Banana bread is always a crowd-pleaser, but these chocolate banana bars take the classic recipe to new heights. The best part? You get rich, velvety chocolate in all the right places – a delight for those who adore banana bread with chocolate chips. These bars are a summer staple, perfect for snacking on at any time of day. They’re healthier than many other desserts, and their versatility makes them ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as an after-dinner treat.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make – you can whip up a batch in under an hour. So, go ahead and indulge in these sun-kissed treats this summer! Let the warmth of the season seep into your bones as you savor each bite.
Snickerdoodle Blondies
The irony wasn’t lost on me when a church potluck attendee asked for the recipe of my snickerdoodle blondies, mistakenly referring to them as sugar cookies. As a self-proclaimed diva baker, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the misunderstanding. But I played it cool, thanked her and asked for her email to share the recipe. The whole drive home, however, I found myself fixating on the distinction between traditional sugar cookies and snickerdoodles.
It’s all about the topping – while sugar cookies are rolled in white sugar, snickerdoodles get a sweet and spicy treatment with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. These blondie bars take that classic flavor to the next level, boasting a tangy taste, perfectly caramelized cinnamon and sugar, and an addictive chewiness. Let’s just say they’re so good, people can call them whatever they want – even if it means calling them sugar cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Bars
I’m a self-proclaimed Trader Joe’s aficionado, with a store conveniently located in Grand Rapids. It’s been five years since they opened their doors, and my life has been forever changed. While others may opt for Whole Foods, I’ll take Trader Joe’s any day. The store offers an impressive array of products, and every visit yields a new discovery. One of the crown jewels in their product lineup is undoubtedly Cookie Butter. If you’re unfamiliar with this spread, consider it a culinary must-try.
You can either hop in your car and drive to the nearest Trader Joe’s or, if that’s not feasible, Amazon has got your back. So, what exactly is Cookie Butter? It’s made from Speculoos cookies, which are crunchy shortbread spice biscuits originating from the Netherlands and Belgium. These biscuits have a subtle gingerbread flavor and are ground into a fine consistency before being mixed with vegetable oils to create a spread reminiscent of peanut butter.
The result is a delightfully spoonable treat that elevates baked goods. Plus, it’s not excessively unhealthy and has a remarkable ability to enhance the flavor of anything it’s paired with. Speaking of which, have you tried Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter Bars? They’re essentially cookies on steroids, featuring layers of doughy chocolate chip cookie and Cookie Butter. The combination is nothing short of magical, yielding soft, chewy bars that burst with cookie flavor.
The marriage of chocolate and Cookie Butter is pure genius, making these bars one of my all-time favorite textures. They’ll undoubtedly become a staple in your holiday cookie repertoire.
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