Dessert bars are the ultimate treat—they're quick, easy and are made even better with lots of chocolate.
24 of the Best Dessert Bars for Chocolate Lovers
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
With their three decadent layers, these brownies are my family’s absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
1/24
2/24
Frosted Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 277 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/24
Kahlua Dream Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always double this recipe so everyone gets a piece. For a glaze with deeper flavor, use 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate and 2 ounces semisweet.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 88 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
4/24
Minty Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always looked forward to my grandma’s gooey rich cream cheese bars while I was growing up. This version includes mint, which is one of my favorite flavor add-ins. —Jill Lutz, Woodbury, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 260 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/24
Toffee Turtle Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an easy way to make turtle candies for a big group. These bars are very rich, so a little square will do ya. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 134 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/24
Layered Chocolate-Raspberry Triangles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My chocolaty triangles layered with raspberry jam are a must during the holiday season. The cakelike bars look festive, and one batch goes a long way.—Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 triangle: 158 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/24
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 201 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/24
Caramel Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
After over 20 years of making this shortbread, I’ve finally found the perfect pairing—salted caramel and dark chocolate. So I layered them with my favorite shortbread crust. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 334 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/24
Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had recipes for chocolate chip cookies and pecan meringues in my collection for a number of years—and I combined them to make these bars! They're a lovely addition to any holiday cookie tray. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 207 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/24
Chocolate Toffee Crunchies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
From the buttery crust to the golden toffee, melted chocolate and chopped pecans, these bars are filled with Noel flavor. —Joni Crans, Woodhull, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 93 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/24
Chocolate Peanut Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales— and they were the first to sell out. I still make them for family and friends who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Christy Asher, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 148 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/24
Fudgy Macaroon Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Anyone with a sweet tooth will make a beeline for my dessert tray when these rich squares show up. They're attractive on the platter and delectable with fudge and coconut. —Beverly Zdurne, East Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 219 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/24
Caramel Peanut Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts and gooey caramel peek out from between golden oat and crumb layers. Delicious!—Ardyce Piehl, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 197 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/24
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My twist on rice crispy bars includes crunchy crushed pretzels. Then I top them with a creamy peanut butter coating and rich chocolate topping. Garnished with peanuts and even more pretzels, I don’t think I'd ever go back to plain old bars again. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 136 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/24
Behr Track Cookie Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they’re super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 185 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/24
Chocolate Malt Crispy Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chunky, chewy squares are a feast for the eyes. Malted milk flavor coats this treat from top to bottom. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 256 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/24
Caramel Chocolate Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich, gooey bars are my most-requested treats. They're popular at school functions, family barbecues and picnics. We like them alone or topped with a scoop of ice cream. —Betty Hagerty, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 156 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/24
Triple-Layer Cookie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just loves these chewy chocolaty and peanutty bars. They're perfect for dessert and snacks. I make them whenever I get a craving for something sweet and special. —Diane Bradley, Sparta, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 194 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/24
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
20/24
Crispy Chocolate Squares
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks will think you slaved away on these fast and fudgy treats. People often request the recipe and are surprised to find out how easy they are to make. Even kids can make 'em! —Karen Speidel, Wheeling, Illinois
21/24
Chocolate Maple Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! —Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 143 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/24
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 176 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 117 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.
23/24
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these dairy-free chocolaty peanut bars, and my kids and their friends can’t get enough! —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 390 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
24/24
Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 175 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.