Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, potluck or bake sale, dessert bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert option for nearly every occasion. You can go classic with fudge brownies and snickerdoodle bars, or dazzle taste buds with blueberry lattice bars and pistachio-cherry s’more bars. Either way, these convenient treats can be packed up right in their baking pan and brought to the festivities without risking total transport disaster.
But as easy as this on-the-go confection is, dessert bars aren’t always the prettiest treat on the dessert table. (Especially when one of these gorgeous cakes are on the table!) Luckily, Taste of Home’s Test Kitchen experts have the answer: perfectly sliced dessert bars. It might not seem the most exciting, but clean-cut bars look professional and will ensure every slice is as even as the next.
Keep reading to learn our Test Kitchen’s preferred cutting methods and more must-have baking tips.
Psst: Here’s how to fix the 10 most common baking problems.
Before You Bake
Prevent your dessert bars from sticking to their pan by properly preparing and greasing the pan. First, line your baking pan with two layers of parchment paper. For your first layer, you’ll want the parchment paper to reach up the sides of the pan, so cut the paper a little long. Then, layer the parchment paper with one piece going lengthwise along the pan and the other going widthwise.
Next, grease the parchment paper with shortening, butter or cooking spray. While this might feel frivolous given the parchment paper, trust us when we say it will help ensure not a crumb of your dessert bars will get left behind.
Once the pan has been prepped, fill it with your dessert bar batter and bake as directed. Here are some of our absolute favorite dessert bar recipes for inspiration.
Our Secret Weapon for Cutting Bars
Rather than a standard kitchen knife Taste of Home’s Test Kitchen turns to a bench scraper to cut dessert bars. If you’re unfamiliar, a bench scraper is a super-tool made of thin metal that can be used to divide doughs, chop veg, cut pasta and scrape bits and pieces off your counters and pans.
This tool is especially helpful when cutting dessert bars as the long edge of the scraper gives you more control over your cuts than a knife would. Plus, a scraper gives you control to use an up/down cutting motion, rather than the dragging of a knife, meaning your edges won’t be full of crumbs and loose chunks.
The Test Kitchen’s go-to brand is Norpro, whose stainless steel scraper comes with measurements right on the side so you measure each piece out before you cut.
Want to cook just like our Test Kitchen? Check out all of our experts’ favorite kitchen tools here.
Method 1 for Slicing Bars: Squares
After your bars have cooled completely, lift the bake from the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board.
For an 8×8 pan:
- Using your bench scraper, measure out to the middle of the full-sized piece and cut down.
- Measure the halfway point between the middle cut and the edge. Cut straight down, and then repeat on the other side of the middle cut. Now you should have four columns of bars that are each 2-inches wide.
- Turn the dessert and repeat your cuts until you have 16 two-inch squares.
For a 13×9 pan:
- Start on the shorter side facing toward you. Measure to the middle point and cut away from you.
- Find the halfway point between the edge and the middle cut, and cut all the way down. Repeat on the other side of the middle cut. Now you’ll have four columns that are 2 ¼ -inches wide.
- Turn the pan longways. Measure to the middle of the full-sized piece and cut through the columns. From the edge, measure out 2 1/10-inches using the bench scraper, make a mark, then measure and mark another 2 1/10-inches. Cut down from the two marks.
- Repeat on the other side of the middle cut. Now you’ll have 21 2¼ x2 1/10-inch square bars.
Editor’s note: When you’re cutting with a bench scraper, be sure to cut by pressing the scraper straight down and pulling it straight out, rather than sawing. This will keep your cuts straight and even.
Method 2: Wedges
Always allow the bars to cool completely, then remove them from the pan using the parchment paper. This is just like cutting squares, except you’ll be slicing every square in half to make triangle-shaped wedges.
For an 8×8 pan
- Cut larger squares than you would for the standard square cut. They can be 4 inches by 4 inches here.
- Then take your bench scraper and cut corner to corner so you have triangular wedges.
For a 13×9 pan
- Cut three long rows into your bars (that’s three 3-inch rows).
- Then cut across the other way to form rectangles—they should be between 3 and 4 inches across
- Cut each rectangle in half diagonally with the bench scraper or a sharp knife.
Method 3: Long Rectangles
Again, allow your bars to cool completely, then remove them from the pan using the parchment paper lining.
For an 8×8 Pan:
- On one side, make three marks that are 2-inches apart and cut down. Turn the bars and make one mark in the middle, 4-inches from the edge, and cut down. You’ll have eight 2×4-inch rectangles.
For a 13×9 Pan:
- On the long side of the pan, make a mark and cut down ever 2 1/10-inches, so you have 6 columns. Turn the pan to it’s shorter side and make one cut down the middle, 4 ½-inches from the edge. You’ll end up with 12 2 1/10×4 ½-inch rectangles.
Now that your dessert bars are perfectly cut, pack them back up in their pan or on a decorative platter and get ready to impress your friends and family.
Try More of Our Dessert Bar Recipes
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Bake-Sale Lemon Bars
The recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin Bernice, a farmer's wife famous for cooking up feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
Macadamia Sunshine Bars
Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Peach Crumb Bars
I had the most beautiful peaches and really wanted to bake with them. I started with my blueberry crumb bar recipe, and after a couple of tries, I am so happy with the results. My co-worker taste-testers are, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois
Chocolaty S'mores Bars
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
White Chocolate Cereal Bars
A friend shared with me this fresh take on traditional crispy treats. My husband loves them, and I feel so efficient with their quick prep time. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Raspberry Patch Crumb Bars
To give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge. —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
Lavender Lemon Bars
Hints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Chocolate Chunk Walnut Blondies
Put a stack of these beauties out at a potluck and you'll find only crumbs on your platter when it's time to head home. Everyone will be asking who made those scrumptious blondies, so be sure to bring copies of the recipe! —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor
Orange Cashew Bars
Two of my favorite ingredients, oranges and cashews, make a fantastic combination for a holiday bar—especially when you use fresh-squeezed orange juice in the glaze. —Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina
Chocolate Peanut Treats
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
Browned Butter Cereal Bars
Crispy rice treats were one of the first recipes I ever made as a kid. For this version, I wanted to make something similar but more special. Friends and family think using Cap'n Crunch and browned butter is genius, but I just call them delicious.—Kelly Krauss, Lebanon, New Jersey
South Dakota Frito Treats
Yep, they're made with corn chips! These salty sweets were a staple after meetings at the quilt guild I belonged to in South Dakota. —Carol Tramp, Wynot, Nebraska
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
M&M Oat Bars
These irresistible bars can sweeten any holiday. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Chocolate Maple Bars
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
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Bars
Lower in fat and calories than you might ever guess, these sweet bars couldn't be easier to whip up, boast a great chocolaty flavor, and make a fun, quick dessert to bring to parties or serve to company! —Jennifer Rafferty, Milford, Ohio
Zucchini Dessert Squares
We planted one too many zucchini plants a few summers ago and harvested a lot of zucchini that year. I was looking for ways to use them, and this delicious dessert is the result. —Nancy Morelli, Livonia, Michigan
Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
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
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
My family loves this peanut butter cookie bars recipe—oatmeal, brownie bars, peanuts—it's made from all our favorite things! Oatmeal, peanut butter and chocolate chips make these bars a big hit with kids of all ages. Since I always have these basic ingredients on hand, I can whip up a batch anytime. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Can't Leave Alone Bars
Convenient cake mix hurries along the preparation of these tasty bars. I bring these quick-and-easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota
Lemon Bars
These easy lemon bars are a delightful recipe from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. This easy lemon bar recipe has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. —Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona
Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars
When asked to bring a dessert for my boys' football team to share, I whipped up these unique blondies and was instantly named "the greatest mom" by all. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
No-Bake Cereal Bars
With two kinds of cereal and peanut butter, these bars taste almost like candy. —Pauline Christiansen, Columbus, Kansas
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
A fruity filling and fluffy coconut topping truly make these strawberry oatmeal bars one of a kind. They really dress up my trays of Christmas goodies. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares
It’s rhubarb season, so now’s the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. It’s bound to be a hit with the rhubarb lovers you know. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota
Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars
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 off with a scoop of ice cream. —Betty Hagerty, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Shortbread Lemon Bars
I've put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit. —Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa
Raspberry White Chocolate Bars
A co-worker's mother gave me this gem of a recipe a few years back. I can never decide what's more appealing—the attractive look of the bars or their incredible aroma while they're baking! Everyone who tries these asks for the recipe. —Mimi Priesman, Pace, Florida
Lemon Angel Cake Bars
A neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Broadway Brownie Bars
I named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
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
Easy Cake Mix Bars
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
Crispy Pretzel Bars
I often make a big batch of these peanut butter-flavored cereal bars on days that I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Kids especially love them, so they're great for picnics, potlucks and school bake sales. —Jane Thompson, Eureka, Illinois
Honey Cinnamon Bars
My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Picnic Bars
You'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
Butterfinger Cookie Bars
My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California
Buttery Coconut Bars
My coconut bars are an American version of a Filipino coconut cake called bibingka. These are a crispier, sweeter take on the Christmas tradition I grew up with. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
Microwave Oatmeal Bars
My mother shared this speedy recipe with me. There are not a lot of ingredients, so these chewy treats are easy to fix in the microwave. —Annette Self, Junction City, Ohio
Nutty Cheesecake Squares
I grew up on a farm and have had a lot of good recipes handed down to me. This is one of my favorite desserts to serve when guests come over or at family gatherings and church suppers. —Ruth Simon, Buffalo, New York
Blueberry Lattice Bars
Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for new berry recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely, yummy bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Toffee Pecan Bars
Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Caramel Apple Bars
These bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas
Makeover Cream Cheese Streusel Bars
With an oh-so-chocolaty crust, a crispy, crunchy topping and soft cream cheese filling, these delectable bars are over-the-top indulgent. —Janet Coops, Duarte, California
Chocolaty Nanaimo Bars
If a pastry could be a friend, the Nanaimo bar would be my BFF. This version won Cookie of the Fair at the 2006 Iowa State Fair. —Kelly McCulley, Des Moines, Iowa
Caramel Peanut Bars
Rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts and gooey caramel peek out from between golden oat and crumb layers. Delicious!—Ardyce Piehl, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
My family's love of raspberries and cheesecake make this a perfect dessert for us. The luscious treat is best eaten with a fork. —Jill Cox, Lincoln, Nebraska
Cherry Coconut Bars
I came across these easy maraschino cherry bars while stationed at a Michigan Air Force base in 1964 and have been making the recipe ever since. My children don't think an event is special unless they are part of it. —Marguerite Emery, Orland, California
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
S'mores Crispy Bars
My aunt always brought s’mores-style bars to our family's summer cottage. Plain or frosted, they’re perfect for eating on the run. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Chocolate Toffee Crunchies
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
Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars
If you're looking for a fun snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to mix and can be pressed into a pan to form bars or shaped into balls. —Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Apple-Peanut Blondies
These blondies are mostly layers of apples, with a little bit of blondie mixed in, creating the perfect layered dessert. I started with a similar recipe and did a little bit of tweaking to make it our family's own. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Fudgy Macaroon Bars
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
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
With their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
When you don't have time to bake a real cheesecake, reach for this easy recipe. An almond-flavored dough serves as both crust and topping for a soft fudgy filling. —Louise Good, Flemington, New Jersey
Pistachio Brownie Toffee Bars
These coveted brownie bars are homey and chocolaty awesome. They've been a sought-after staple on Christmas cookie trays for years. —Troy Shaw, Warrenton, Oregon
Toffee Turtle Squares
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
Glazed Ginger Bars
I can’t think of the holidays without these luscious bars. The scent and flavor of ginger are just right for the season, and the light glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Chocolate Chip Bars
People are always surprised when I tell them these chocolate chip bars come from the microwave. Chockfull of chocolate chips, the bars are especially good served with a big glass of cold milk. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Trail Mix Blondie Bars
These blondies started as a baking emergency. There was a potluck at my daughter's preschool, and I was out of ingredients. Muffin mix came to the rescue. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Bars
Colorful dried cherries and pistachios star in this take on seven-layer bars. To switch it up even more, try cinnamon or chocolate graham cracker crumbs instead of plain and substitute pecans or walnuts for the pistachios. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
These yummy pecan bars start with a homemade pastry crust and pile on lots of semisweet chocolate. They’re perfect for a holiday bake sale or casual get-together.—Heather Biedler, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Coconut-Pineapple Rhubarb Bars
I make this crunchy, buttery dessert bar with homegrown rhubarb. For an added attraction, serve it warm with frozen yogurt or ice cream. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Kahlua Dream Bars
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
Chocolate-Coconut Layer Bars
I’m a huge fan of Nanaimo bars, the no-bake layered dessert named for the city in British Columbia. For fun, I reinvented this treat with coconut lovers in mind. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Minty Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars
I always looked forward to my grandma's gooey bars when I was growing up. This chocolate version includes mint, which is one of my favorite flavor add-ins. —Jill Lutz, Baldwin, Wisconsin
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies
If you're a sweet and savory fan like me, you'll go wild over this bacon cookie bar recipe. You just can't beat a cookie, brownie and cheesecake all mixed up and sprinkled with bacon. —Katie O'Keeffe, Derry, New Hampshire
Humble Bumble Crumble Bars
While developing a treat for my bingo group, I asked my husband for ideas. He suggested a fruity bar. This berry bar is lightly sweet and so easy. —Nancy Phillips, Portland, Maine
Not Your Mama's Seven-Layer Bars
The addition of dulce de leche makes this a decadent new take on traditional seven-layer bars. You can cut this recipe in half and make it in an 8x8-in. pan. —Andrea Barlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
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
Behr Track Cookie Bars
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
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. This decadent recipe is the result, and we are really enjoying them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Raspberry & Chocolate Shortbread Bars
A very long time ago, when I was a child, I decided that chocolate and raspberries was a combination made in heaven, and that any treat made with these two delicious ingredients would be at the top of my holiday list. Any seedless jam or preserves may be used, but raspberry is our favorite. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars
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, PennsylvaniaThe post How to Cut Dessert Bars the Right Way appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko