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Anything Bars

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Anything Bars are chewy, buttery dessert bars with a customizable base and endless mix-in options. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for using up pantry staples—always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 cups total mix-ins, such as:
  • – Chocolate chips, chunks, or chopped bars (dark, milk, white)
  • – Butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips
  • – Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts)
  • – Shredded coconut (toasted or plain)
  • – Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins)
  • – Mini pretzels or crushed potato chips
  • – Cereal (Chex, Rice Krispies, Cornflakes)
  • – Mini marshmallows
  • – M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
  • Optional toppings:
  • – Flaky sea salt
  • – Drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease paper and pan edges.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined and creamy.
  4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix. Batter will be thick.
  6. Fold in 2-3 cups of your chosen mix-ins until evenly distributed. If batter is too stiff, add a splash of milk.
  7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra mix-ins or flaky sea salt on top if desired.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Bars are done when top is golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Lift out using parchment and slice into bars or squares.
  10. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. For gooey chocolate, microwave a bar for 10 seconds before eating.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter for the best chewy texture. Stick to 2-3 cups of mix-ins for bars that hold together well. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. For neater slices, chill the bars before cutting. Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping flour or butter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

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