No oven? No problem. Try our no-bake bars while your oven takes a summer hiatus.

On those sticky summer days when you can practically rub the humidity between your fingers, there’s no doubt about it: I’m not turning on my oven. Instead, I turn to homemade ice cream, icebox cakes and no-bake desserts of all kinds. But if I’m hosting a summer party (where I’m always on dessert duty, among other tasks), I want something that’s easy to hold while mingling and casual enough for the backyard. That’s when I turn to no-bake bars.

Thankfully, we have plenty of awesome no-bake bar recipes to choose from. There are classics, like chocolate scotcheroos, peanut butter cornflake bars, Woolworth cheesecake bars and Rice Krispies treat variations loaded with all kinds of toppings (including a Dubai chocolate-inspired one!), that appease the whole group no matter the ages. But there are also trendy, unique flavors like orange creamsicle-inspired bars, three-tier Neapolitan, chocolate-raspberry and a coffee-inspired salted caramel cream cold brew dessert bar. And don’t miss our sweet and salty pretzel-loaded bars or adult-only Kahlua-spiked bars!

What I love about no-bake bars is that they can be made ahead of time. If the dessert is for a party, I always love to make my desserts the day before. It relieves so much stress on party day knowing the dessert is ready to go and up to my standards. No one wants to run out to the grocery store for a missing ingredient when they’re supposed to be getting primped for a party!

1/29

Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars

9 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Peanut butter cornflake bars were one of my favorite treats when I was a little girl. They are very versatile. A friend likes to spread a cup of melted chocolate chips over the top. Be sure to let the chocolate set before cutting into these simply delicious bars. —Laura Campbell, Lisbon, Maine
2/29

Puppy Chow Bars

Total Time:15 min
Servings:24 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, this recipe takes your favorite childhood treat and turns it into a delectable dessert bar. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
3/29

Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

21 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:about 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I was in high school, I took these sweet and crunchy squares to bake sales—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
4/29

Orange Creamsicle Bars

3 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The creamy, dreamy flavor of the creamsicle is perfectly captured in these orange creamsicle bars! The no-bake version of the ice cream truck dessert has orange and white layers with a blend of soft orange and vanilla flavors. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
5/29

Chocolate Scotcheroos

11 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was given to me by a student at my school. It has become one of my family's favorites and is so easy to make. —Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania
6/29

Rocky Road Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Piled high with chocolate chunks, gooey marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, this rocky road Rice Krispies Treats recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
7/29

Fruity Pebbles Milk ‘n’ Cereal Bars

Total Time:25 min
Servings:12 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These no-bake Fruity Pebbles milk 'n' cereal bars are a sweet treat that will take you down memory lane. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
8/29

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

11 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
9/29

Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:35 min
Servings:12 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These layered Cocoa Krispies treats have a filling just like a Dubai chocolate bar: pistachio cream, kataifi and pistachios. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
10/29

Chocolaty Nanaimo Bars

8 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
11/29

No-Bake Cereal Cookie Bars

1 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We pull out all the goodies, like raisins and coconut, for these chewy bars. For more color, sprinkle on the M&M’s once the bars are in the pan. Then press them in. —Connie Craig, Lakewood, Washington
12/29

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

23 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
13/29

Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Move over, strawberries with chocolate! Dried raspberries paired with chocolate may become your new favorite flavor combo. Watch them shine in these Rice Krispies treats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
14/29

Woolworth Cheesecake

2 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by the old-fashioned lemony treat served at Woolworth’s famous lunch counter, these no-bake cheesecake squares are a true crowd-pleaser. With a graham cracker crust and tangy-sweet filling, this nostalgic recipe hits the sweet spot every time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
15/29

Frito Candy

20 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Yep, they’re made with corn chips, but don’t let that fool you. These salty sweets were a staple after meetings at the quilt guild I once belonged to. —Carol Tramp, Wynot, Nebraska
16/29

Cherry-Coconut Slices

1 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:32 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mother got this recipe from a woman named Emmie Oddie, a well-known home economist in Canada who had a column in a farming newspaper. Oddie would test reader recipes in her own kitchen and write about them. These tasty sweets are so rich that you need only a small piece. —Judy Olson, Whitecourt, Alberta
17/29

Kahlua Dream Bars

4 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
18/29

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

1 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:24 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Peanut butter Rice Krispies treats are a recipe that my mom used to make when I was little. She would never share the recipe with anyone; she wanted it to be her little secret. When she passed away, we found the recipe when we cleaned out her house. Every time I make these Rice Krispies, people go crazy over them. —Laura Wilkey, Jeffersonville, Indiana
19/29

Calgary Nanaimo Bars

24 Reviews
Total Time:25 min
Servings:3-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This version of Nanaimo bars may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a British Columbia kitchen. They're three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta
20/29

Salted Nut Roll Bars

12 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:32 squares
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This salted nut roll bars recipe came from my sister-in-law. It’s simple to prepare and delicious. There’s no need to keep it warm or cold, so it’s perfect for the potluck that has you traveling longer distances. —Kathy Tremel, Earling, Iowa
21/29

Napoleon Cremes

3 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For the annual Christmas open house we host, I set out a buffet with lots of food and candies like these lovely layered treats. They're so creamy, and with a green pistachio layer of pudding peeking out, they're very merry. —Gloria Jesswein, Niles, Michigan
22/29

Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars

9 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a swim coach for kids, and I started making these bars for them as a snack. I wanted something that was easy to eat but would also give them energy. The kids loved them from the very first time I brought them. Now I bring them to every team event. —Sarah Riviere, Prescott, Arizona
23/29

White Chocolate Cereal Bars

2 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
24/29

Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:50 min
Servings:12 bars
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We capture the flavor of one of Starbucks' sweetest coffee drinks in a marshmallowy dessert bar! Salted caramel cream cold brew Rice Krispies treats have a gooey filling of coffee cream, caramel sauce and crushed cookies. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
25/29

Crispy Chocolate Squares

4 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:about 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Folks will think you slaved away on these fast and fudgy treats. People often request the recipe and are surprised to find out how easy they are to make. Even kids can make 'em! —Karen Speidel, Wheeling, Illinois
26/29

Neapolitan Crispy Bars

11 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Talk about a conversation piece! These fun, yummy bars will get people talking. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
27/29

Chocolate Chip Bars

4 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: People are always surprised when I tell them these chocolate chip bars come from the microwave. Chock-full of chocolate chips, the bars are especially good served with a big glass of cold milk. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
28/29

S’mores Bars

33 Reviews
Total Time:15 min
Servings:1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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 the bars too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
29/29

Crispy Pretzel Bars

9 Reviews
Total Time:20 min
Servings:about 3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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

No-Bake Bars FAQ

What are some unique flavors for no-bake bars?

Unique flavors for no-bake bars are fun flavor combos or established flavors infused into a no-bake bar recipe. Our favorite unique bar flavors include puppy chow, orange creamsicle, rocky road, Fruity Pebbles ‘n’ milk, Dubai chocolate, chocolate-raspberry, Woolworth, Neapolitan, and even bars with Fritos or Kahlua in them.

Do no-bake bars need to be refrigerated?

Most no-bake bars need to be refrigerated, but not all of them. If your recipe includes cream, milk or ice cream, it is perishable and needs to be refrigerated. Other perishable ingredients often found in bars include pudding (even if it’s made from a mix), eggs, ganache, condensed milk, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, pistachio cream or whipped topping. If you’re unsure whether to refrigerate or leave the bars at room temperature, search the recipe for storage instructions. Always err on the side of caution by covering the bars and refrigerating them for up to four days.

Can you freeze no-bake bars?

You can freeze most no-bake bars, as long as they don’t have a creamy filling. Usually, unbaked creamy fillings (such as pudding or cream cheese) do not freeze well. For the bars you can freeze, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container, separating stacked layers with pieces of parchment or waxed paper. Freeze the bars for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on their recommended storage.