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Classic American Dessert Bars Recipe

Classic American Dessert Bars Recipe

Livy Lane
This Classic American Dessert Bars Recipe is sweet, buttery and easy to make. These homemade bars are soft in the center with a golden crust. They are perfect for family dinners, bake sales or holiday parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Pan

  • Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper and sides. This helps the bars release easily after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • Add the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Stir everything well with a whisk. Mixing first helps the baking powder spread evenly through the batter.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

  • Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about three minutes. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Make the Batter

  • Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until almost combined. Fold in the sour cream. Then stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts without overmixing.

Bake the Dessert Bars

  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes until lightly golden. A toothpick should come out with only a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Slice

  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment paper. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Slice into even squares and serve.

Notes

  • Measure flour correctly for soft bars.
  • Do not overmix the batter.
  • Let the bars cool before cutting.
  • Add white chocolate chips instead.
  • Mix in dried cranberries.
  • Add chopped pecans instead of walnuts.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon into the batter.
  • Top with caramel drizzle after cooling.
  • Add colorful sprinkles for parties.
Keyword Classic American Dessert Bars Recipe