14 Must-Try Amish Dessert Bars You’ll Love

Cookies and pies might get all the glory – but dessert bars are an underrated favorite on the Amish sweets-and-goodies menu.

The Amish make them for their families – a handy treat to have on hand in the pantry. They’re also made and served in some Amish churches – as part of the after-church fellowship meal.

This list of 14 Amish-style dessert bars draws on classic Amish and PA Dutch ingredients – including apple butter, molasses, oats and rhubarb – and also includes seasonal favorites using pumpkin and pecan.

Dig into this list of dessert bar favorites to find the next special homemade treat for your family! ~Erik

Fourteen Amish Dessert Bar Recipes

If you’re craving something sweet, look no further than these 14 Amish dessert bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional flavors that capture the essence of Amish baking.

From rich chocolate treats to fruity delights, there’s a bar for every taste. Dive in and discover your new favorite dessert! *Article created with AI assistance

1. Amish Apple Butter Bars

Amish Apple Butter Bars are cozy, comforting treats that highlight the sweet and spiced flavors of apple butter. These bars deliver a delightful balance of sweetness with a hint of cinnamon, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table.

They are straightforward to prepare, so whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.

With a rich, buttery crust and a luscious apple butter filling, these bars are sure to please everyone. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature with a cup of coffee. Once you try them, they may become a regular in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Evenly layer the apple butter over the batter, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top.
5. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the bars to cool in the pan. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.

2. Shoofly Bars

Shoofly Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional Shoofly Pie – common in some Amish communities (especially Lancaster County, PA). These bars offer all the rich, molasses flavor in a convenient bar form.

They are not only sweet but have a comforting, homey taste that makes them perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of a crumbly topping with a gooey base creates a wonderful texture.

Making Shoofly Bars is quite simple, making it an accessible treat for bakers of any skill level. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Set aside half of this mixture for the topping.
3. In another bowl, mix together the molasses, hot water, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the molasses mixture into the crumbly flour mixture and stir until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

3. Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Peanut Butter Dream Bars combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a smooth, sweet frosting that’s hard to resist. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up, making them a great option for both experienced bakers and those just starting out in the kitchen.

The layers of buttery crust, fluffy peanut butter filling, and drizzled chocolate create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and peanut butter.
3. Mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
5. For the frosting, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and remaining peanut butter until smooth. Spread over the cooled bars.
6. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the frosting. Let set before cutting into squares.

4. Amish Oatmeal Bars

Amish oatmeal bars are a delightful treat that brings together the simple ingredients of oats, brown sugar, and butter. These bars have a soft and chewy texture, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to any meal.

The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla come through beautifully. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just to enjoy at home, these oatmeal bars are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your homemade Amish oatmeal bars!

5. Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Bars

Old-fashioned butterscotch bars are a delightful treat that brings back memories of simpler times. With a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness, these bars are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.

The chewy base pairs beautifully with the smooth butterscotch topping, creating a texture that’s both satisfying and comforting. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a touch of contrast, and you’ll have a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the butterscotch chips and nuts, if using.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

6. Amish Pumpkin Bars

Amish pumpkin bars are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their soft, moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor, these bars are both comforting and satisfying.

These bars are often topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, adding an elegant visual touch to their homestyle appeal. The blend of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhances the pumpkin flavor, creating a warm and inviting taste. Bringing these Amish pumpkin bars to gatherings will surely impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

7. Sour Cream Raisin Bars

Sour Cream Raisin Bars bring a delightful twist on traditional dessert bars. With a rich, creamy filling and a hint of tanginess from the sour cream, these bars are both comforting and satisfying. They combine the sweetness of raisins with a soft, cake-like base, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Once baked, these bars can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and they pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a nostalgic treat that is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the raisins gently to avoid breaking them. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious Sour Cream Raisin Bars!

8. Dutch Butter Bars

Dutch Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines a tender, buttery base with a rich, creamy filling. These bars are sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them hard to resist. 

With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these bars quickly. They are an ideal addition to any gathering, offering a taste of home-baked goodness that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

9. Amish Rhubarb Custard Bars

Amish Rhubarb Custard Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of rhubarb, a staple of Amish gardens, with a luscious custard filling. The sweetness of the custard pairs harmoniously with the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a balanced flavor profile.

With a buttery crust that holds the creamy filling perfectly, these bars are a simple yet satisfying dessert option. They’re a great way to highlight fresh rhubarb and make for an inviting dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth. Stir in the diced rhubarb.
4. Pour the filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden on top.
5. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy!

10. Blackberry Crumble Bars

Blackberry crumble bars combine the tartness of fresh blackberries with a buttery crumble topping. The balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors makes every bite a joy. 

These bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with their vibrant blackberry filling peeking through the golden crumble. They are great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Serve them warm or chilled, and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside to marinate.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base.
5. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the base, then sprinkle the remaining crumble on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

11. Amish Chess Pie Bars

Amish Chess Pie Bars are a twist on the classic chess pie, bringing together a creamy, sweet filling atop a buttery crust. These bars have a rich, custard-like texture with a hint of vanilla.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time. They’re great served warm or chilled, and a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, softened butter, and ½ cup sugar until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, 1 cup sugar, cornmeal, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour the Filling: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly.
6. Bake the Bars: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Dust: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

12. Maple Pecan Bars

Maple Pecan Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors that embody the essence of comfort food. These bars feature a rich, buttery base topped with a gooey maple filling and crunchy pecans.

The combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans creates a deliciously sweet and slightly earthy flavor profile. The texture is just right—soft yet firm enough to hold together, making them perfect for serving at any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even layer.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Pour the maple mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

13. Amish Cherry Delight Bars

Amish Cherry Delight Bars blend sweet and tart flavors with a buttery crust – along with a rich cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Not only are they simple to whip up, but the layers of flavor make them a hit among both kids and adults. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a casual dessert night, these bars will surely leave a smile on everyone’s face.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups cherry pie filling
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
4. In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

14. Brown Sugar Walnut Bars

Brown Sugar Walnut Bars combine a rich, buttery texture with the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the nutty crunch of walnuts.

Each bite delivers a satisfying chewiness, complemented by the walnutty crunch. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a lovely touch and makes them feel just a bit special.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at your next gathering, these bars are sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture until just blended. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool in the pan, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars and serving.