48 Summer Dessert Bars to Bring to the Barbecue

Read Time: 15 mins

48 Summer Dessert Bars to Bring to the Barbecue2/48 Audrey’s Lemon Meringue Bars 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We have a prolific lemon tree in our backyard and are forever trying to find new ways to incorporate lemons into our culinary endeavors. My daughter, Audrey, knows my love of all things sweet and decided to test her baking skill by combining two of my lemony favorites: lemon bars and lemon meringue pie. After hours in the kitchen, these delicious lemon meringue bars

Everyone will want to indulge

were born. —Monica Fearnside, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 3/48 Raspberry Crumble Bars 31 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Raspberry Crumble Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 4/48 Mango Getaway Bars 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Mango Getaway Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 3 dozen Go to

You can make a thicker crust if desired

Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’ve always enjoyed the flavor of mango, so I created this recipe to feature the sweet tropical fruit. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania 5/48 Key Lime Blondie Bars 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Key Lime Blondie Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas

My co-worker taste testers were, too!

6/48 Peach Bars 8 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Peach Crumb Bars Recipe photo by Emily Davis for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 was so happy with the results. My co-worker taste testers were, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois 7/48 Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 2 dozen Go

to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 8/48 Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard Bars Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: After I baked, my dad would always find his way to the kitchen and ask if he could try what I made. I enjoyed asking him to taste test different creations, like these bars. He was always

ready with a compliment

ready with a compliment. Other fruits can be arranged over the custard, depending on what’s in season. —Carlin Tou, Chandler, Arizona 9/48 Vegan Tropical Magic Bars 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Vegan Tropical Magic Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 bars Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Magic bars are one of the easiest treats you can make and I decided to give them a couple of twists. By using a plant-based butter and condensed coconut milk, I made them completely vegan. I also added some macadamia nuts and dried pineapple and

mango to give them a tropical spin

mango to give them a tropical spin. —James Schend, Dairy Freed 10/48 Macadamia Sunshine Bars 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Macadamia Sunshine Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 11/48 Humble Bumble Crumble Bars 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 15

He suggested a fruity bar

min Servings 15 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 12/48 Lavender Lemon Bars 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Lavender Lemon Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Hints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 13/48 Chocolate Chip Blondies 140 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois 14/48 Macaroon Bars 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Macaroon Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 3 dozen Go to Recipe

You can assemble the chewy coconut treats in no time

From the Recipe Creator: Guests will never recognize the refrigerated crescent roll dough that goes into these almond-flavored bars. You can assemble the chewy coconut treats in no time. —Carolyn Kyzer, Alexander, Arkansas 15/48 Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars 11 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda

Make them for any occasion; they will be gobbled up quickly

Scarlati, Sandy, Utah 16/48 Peach Crumble Bars 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour Servings 9 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My favorite way to enjoy these bars is to eat one while sitting on the porch with an iced tea in hand. Make them for any occasion; they will be gobbled up quickly. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa 17/48 Chocolate Peanut Treats 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chocolate Peanut Treats Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings about 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I was in

This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck

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 18/48 Strawberry Pretzel Salad 131 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: 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 19/48

Watch them shine in this Rice Krispies Treat

Lemon-Lime Bars 15 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Lemon-Lime Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 4 dozen Go to Recipe 20/48 Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Move over, chocolate and strawberries! Dried raspberries paired with chocolate may become your new favorite flavor combo. Watch them shine in this Rice Krispies Treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 21/48 Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total

Everyone will want this recipe

Time 30 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe 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 22/48 Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars 19 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be

a hassle to make individual servings

a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin 23/48 Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting 128 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Audrey Rompon for Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 4 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa 24/48

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

📣 Join Our Community