22 Dessert Bars That Sit Out Well at a Party

A dessert table is easier to manage when guests can help themselves to treats that don't need slicing or serving utensils. These brownies, blondies, fruit bars, and buttery shortbread treats are perfect for arranging on platters so everyone can grab a favorite. From rich chocolate squares to bright lemon bars, there's something here for every sweet tooth. Just follow each recipe's storage instructions, especially for desserts with perishable fillings or toppings.

Carmelita Bars with Thick Oat Layers & Gooey Caramel

Buttery oat layers sandwich gooey caramel and melted chocolate in these rich dessert bars. Cut them into small squares for a sweet treat guests can easily pick up from the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Carmelita Bars with Thick Oat Layers & Gooey Caramel

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

These bars bring together toasted pecans, chocolate, and a buttery shortbread crust for all the flavor of pecan pie in an easier-to-serve form. They're especially convenient when you want individual portions without cutting a pie at the party.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Easy Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

A tangy lemon filling and sweet graham cracker crust make these bars a refreshing choice among richer desserts. Their bright citrus flavor is a welcome addition to a platter filled with brownies and chocolate treats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Shortbread Toffee Bars with Chocolate

Buttery shortbread, sweet toffee, and chocolate create a delicious combination of crisp and rich textures. Slice these into small pieces to add something crunchy to your party dessert selection.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Toffee Bars with Chocolate

Praline Graham Cracker Bars

Crunchy graham crackers topped with a sweet praline mixture make a simple treat with plenty of buttery, nutty flavor. They're a nice alternative to soft brownies and cake-like desserts.
Get the Recipe: Praline Graham Cracker Bars

Strawberry Crisp Bars

Sweet strawberries and a buttery crumble topping give these bars the flavors of homemade fruit crisp. They're a colorful option when you want to balance chocolate desserts with something fruity.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crisp Bars

Cherry Streusel Bars

A sweet cherry filling and buttery streusel topping make these bars taste like a homemade fruit dessert. Their bright color also looks lovely on a platter alongside cookies and brownies.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Streusel Bars

Dulce de Leche Brownies

Rich chocolate brownies get an extra layer of caramel-like sweetness from dulce de leche. These are a great choice for chocolate lovers who want something a little more indulgent than a classic brownie.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Brownies

Shortbread Apple Bars Recipe (Easy!)

Tender apples and buttery shortbread bring familiar apple pie flavors to these easy-to-portion bars. They're especially fitting for a fall gathering when guests are craving cozy seasonal desserts.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Apple Bars Recipe (Easy!)

Cinnamon Apple Blondies

Chewy blondies filled with apple and warm cinnamon make a delicious change from chocolate brownies. Their comforting fall flavors work especially well for casual gatherings and potluck dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Blondies

Easy Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut butter gives these sweet bars a rich, familiar flavor that's always popular with peanut butter fans. They're an easy addition to a mixed dessert platter, especially when you want something that doesn't require baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Bars

Layered Snickerdoodle Bars with Cinnamon Sugar

All the buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodle cookies is packed into these layered dessert bars. They're a convenient choice when you want the taste of homemade cookies without shaping individual portions.
Get the Recipe: Layered Snickerdoodle Bars with Cinnamon Sugar

Gooey Turtle Brownies with Homemade Caramel

Chocolate, homemade caramel, and pecans turn these brownies into a rich turtle-inspired dessert. Cut them into smaller squares so guests can enjoy a little of everything on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Turtle Brownies with Homemade Caramel

Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Sweet strawberries and buttery shortbread make a lovely combination in these fruit-filled bars. Their bright berry flavor adds variety to a spread of caramel, chocolate, and nutty treats.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Homemade Fudgy Brownies

These homemade brownies deliver deep chocolate flavor and a fudgy texture, with flaky salt balancing the sweetness. A platter of classic brownies is always a welcome sight at a party.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fudgy Brownies

Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies with Brown Butter

Tart raspberries balance sweet white chocolate in these rich brown butter blondies. Their pretty berry color makes them stand out among traditional chocolate brownies and cookie bars.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies with Brown Butter

Apricot Bars with a Shortbread Crust

A buttery shortbread crust and sweet apricot filling make these bars a delightful fruit dessert. Their slightly tart flavor is especially nice when served alongside sweeter caramel and chocolate options.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Bars with a Shortbread Crust

Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies

Crunchy pretzels and peanut butter add a sweet-and-salty twist to chocolate brownies. They're a great choice for guests who enjoy a little crunch with their dessert.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies

German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut

These rich brownies feature the familiar coconut and pecan flavors of German chocolate cake. They're a convenient way to offer a cake-inspired dessert in smaller, individual servings.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut

Gooey Pecan Bars With Buttery Shortbread Crust For a Crowd

A gooey pecan topping and buttery shortbread crust give these bars plenty of old-fashioned dessert appeal. They're made for sharing and offer a convenient alternative to serving individual slices of pecan pie.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pecan Bars With Buttery Shortbread Crust For a Crowd

Tangy And Sweet Lemon Squares Recipe

Bright citrus flavor gives these lemon squares a refreshing sweetness that balances a dessert table full of chocolate. Serve them in small portions for guests who enjoy a tangy treat.
Get the Recipe: Tangy And Sweet Lemon Squares Recipe

Moist Cake Brownies Recipe

These chocolate brownies have a softer, cake-like texture that makes them a nice alternative to dense, fudgy varieties. Cut them into squares for an easy chocolate dessert guests can enjoy without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Moist Cake Brownies Recipe