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Easy Make-Ahead Potluck Dessert Bars

make-ahead potluck dessert bars - featured image
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These dessert bars are quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. They feature a buttery crust with a gooey chocolate and nut filling, and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or chunks (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Sea salt flakes for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly but starting to come together. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the base for 12 minutes until set but not browned.
  4. While the base bakes, whisk eggs and brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and slightly frothy. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, gently to combine.
  6. Remove the base from the oven and pour the filling evenly over it. Spread gently with a spatula.
  7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set around the edges but slightly gooey in the center.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.
  9. Cut into bars and optionally dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with sea salt flakes before serving.
  10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Do not overbake the base to keep bars chewy. Use room temperature eggs for smoother filling. Chill bars before cutting to prevent crumbling. Browning the butter before mixing adds a nutty flavor. Bars can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated. For easier removal, line pan with parchment paper.

Nutrition

Keywords: dessert bars, potluck dessert, make-ahead dessert, easy dessert, chocolate bars, nut bars, quick dessert

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-make-ahead-potluck-dessert-bars-recipe-perfect-for-any-occasion/