27 Irresistible Irish Dessert Bars to Bake

Posted on January 23, 2026

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Introduction

Irish dessert bars are simple, comforting, and perfect for baking in batches. They slice neatly, store well, and bring together buttery bases, gentle sweetness, and familiar flavors. This collection focuses on traditional-style traybakes and tea-time bars that feel homemade and satisfying, whether you’re baking for family, holidays, or weekend treats.

1. Golden Butter Oat Slice Bars

These bars are lightly sweet, chewy in the center, and crisp around the edges. Butter and oats create a comforting base that pairs beautifully with tea. They’re easy to mix in one bowl and bake evenly every time.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Brown sugar: 140 g
  • Rolled oats: 220 g
  • All-purpose flour: 120 g
  • Salt: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Melt butter and stir in sugar.
  3. Mix in oats, flour, and salt.
  4. Press mixture firmly into pan.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool fully before slicing.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain with tea.
Add a drizzle of honey if desired.
Cut into neat bars.
Great for lunchboxes.
Stores well for 4–5 days.

2. Vanilla Custard Crumb Bars

These bars feature a smooth vanilla custard layer tucked between soft crumb layers. The texture stays tender and comforting without being heavy.

Ingredients

  • Butter: 200 g
  • Sugar: 160 g
  • Flour: 320 g
  • Custard powder: 60 g
  • Milk: 500 ml
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line pan.
  2. Rub butter into flour and sugar to form crumbs.
  3. Press half into pan.
  4. Cook custard powder with milk and vanilla until thick.
  5. Spread custard over base.
  6. Top with remaining crumbs. Bake 35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled for clean slices.
Dust lightly with sugar.
Pair with tea or coffee.
Cut into squares.
Keep refrigerated.

3. Soft Date and Oat Bars

Naturally sweet dates give these bars a soft, rich center. Oats add texture and balance without overpowering the filling.

Ingredients

  • Butter: 180 g
  • Brown sugar: 120 g
  • Rolled oats: 240 g
  • Flour: 140 g
  • Chopped dates: 250 g
  • Water: 200 ml

Instructions

  1. Simmer dates and water until soft and thick. Cool.
  2. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  3. Mix butter, sugar, oats, and flour.
  4. Press half into pan.
  5. Spread date mixture.
  6. Add remaining oat mixture. Bake 35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve at room temperature.
Cut into small bars.
Great with black tea.
Keeps well for several days.
Wrap individually if needed.

4. Malted Milk Chocolate Slice

This bar combines milk chocolate with malted flavor for a smooth, familiar taste. No baking is required, making it quick and reliable.

Ingredients

  • Digestive biscuits: 250 g
  • Butter: 180 g
  • Milk chocolate: 200 g
  • Malted milk powder: 3 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Crush biscuits finely.
  2. Melt butter and chocolate together.
  3. Stir in malt powder and biscuits.
  4. Press into lined pan.
  5. Chill 2 hours before slicing.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Cut into clean squares.
Top with extra chocolate drizzle.
Pair with coffee.
Store in fridge.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Traybake Bars

Soft, lightly spiced bars that feel cozy and familiar. Cinnamon sugar adds warmth without overpowering the buttery base.

Ingredients

  • Butter: 200 g
  • Sugar: 180 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • Flour: 300 g
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp
  • Milk: 80 ml

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in eggs and milk.
  4. Mix in flour and cinnamon.
  5. Spread batter evenly.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Dust with sugar.
Serve warm or cooled.
Cut into squares.
Nice with tea.
Add whipped cream if desired.

6. Coconut Shortbread Squares

These bars are buttery with gentle coconut flavor and a tender crumb that holds together beautifully.

Ingredients

  • Butter: 220 g
  • Sugar: 120 g
  • Flour: 280 g
  • Desiccated coconut: 100 g

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 165°C (325°F).
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Mix in flour and coconut.
  4. Press into pan.
  5. Bake 35 minutes until pale golden.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain.
Slice into small squares.
Add chocolate drizzle if wanted.
Pairs well with tea.
Keeps well stored.

7. Apple Custard Slice Bars

Tender apples and creamy custard create a soft, comforting bar that slices cleanly once cooled.

Ingredients

  • Shortcrust pastry: 1 sheet
  • Apples, sliced: 3
  • Custard powder: 50 g
  • Milk: 500 ml
  • Sugar: 100 g

Instructions

  1. Bake pastry base at 180°C (355°F) for 15 minutes.
  2. Cook custard with milk and sugar.
  3. Arrange apples on base.
  4. Pour custard over apples.
  5. Bake 25 minutes. Cool fully.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Cut with sharp knife.
Add powdered sugar on top.
Best same day.
Lovely with tea.

8. Honey Walnut Oat Bars

These bars are gently sweet with a chewy center and crisp edges. Honey adds moisture while walnuts bring a nutty bite. They slice neatly and feel satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 170 g
  • Honey: 120 ml
  • Brown sugar: 100 g
  • Rolled oats: 220 g
  • All-purpose flour: 130 g
  • Chopped walnuts: 80 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Melt butter, honey, and sugar together.
  3. Stir in oats, flour, and walnuts.
  4. Press firmly into pan.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool fully.

How to Serve It
 Serve with tea.
Cut into medium bars.
Drizzle extra honey if liked.
Good for packing.
Keeps well stored.

9. Raspberry Jam Crumble Squares

Sweet and tart jam pairs perfectly with buttery crumbs. These bars are classic, comforting, and always popular on dessert tables.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 200 g
  • Granulated sugar: 160 g
  • All-purpose flour: 320 g
  • Raspberry jam: 300 g

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Rub butter into flour and sugar until crumbly.
  3. Press half into pan.
  4. Spread jam evenly.
  5. Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top.
  6. Bake 35–40 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Cool slightly before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve with tea.
Cut into squares.
Store airtight.

10. Orange Zest Butter Bars

These bars have a smooth buttery crumb with gentle citrus brightness. The orange flavor stays balanced and fresh.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 220 g
  • Granulated sugar: 170 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 300 g
  • Orange zest: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 80 ml

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in eggs, zest, and milk.
  4. Fold in flour.
  5. Spread evenly.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve at room temperature.
Slice cleanly.
Nice with tea.
Add cream if desired.

11. Chocolate Raisin Traybake Bars

Soft chocolate sponge and sweet raisins make these bars familiar and comforting. They stay moist and slice easily.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Granulated sugar: 180 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 260 g
  • Cocoa powder: 40 g
  • Raisins: 150 g
  • Milk: 120 ml

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Add eggs and milk.
  4. Mix flour and cocoa, fold in.
  5. Stir in raisins.
  6. Bake 35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain or warm.
Dust lightly with sugar.
Cut into squares.
Good with milk.
Freezes well.

12. Vanilla Cream Cheese Squares

These bars are soft and smooth with a gentle vanilla flavor. The cream cheese swirl adds richness without heaviness.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 160 g
  • Granulated sugar: 150 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 220 g
  • Cream cheese: 200 g
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Beat butter and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Fold in flour.
  5. Spoon cream cheese on top and swirl.
  6. Bake 30 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Cut into small squares.
Add berries if liked.
Good for gatherings.
Store refrigerated.

13. Golden Syrup Oat Slice

Golden syrup gives these bars deep sweetness and chewiness. Oats add texture and structure.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 170 g
  • Golden syrup: 140 ml
  • Brown sugar: 100 g
  • Rolled oats: 240 g
  • All-purpose flour: 120 g

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Melt butter, syrup, and sugar.
  3. Stir in oats and flour.
  4. Press into pan.
  5. Bake 30 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm or cooled.
Slice into bars.
Great with tea.
Drizzle extra syrup.
Keeps well.

14. Almond Sugar Slice

Ground almonds keep these bars tender and lightly nutty. The crumb stays soft and moist.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 200 g
  • Granulated sugar: 180 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 200 g
  • Ground almonds: 120 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Add eggs.
  4. Fold in flour and almonds.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Dust with sugar.
Serve plain.
Slice thinly.
Nice with tea.
Stores well.

15. Milk Chocolate Biscuit Bars

Crunchy biscuits and smooth chocolate make these bars quick and reliable.

Ingredients

  • Digestive biscuits: 250 g
  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Milk chocolate: 250 g

Instructions

  1. Crush biscuits finely.
  2. Melt butter and half the chocolate.
  3. Mix with biscuits.
  4. Press into pan.
  5. Melt remaining chocolate and spread on top.
  6. Chill until set.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Cut into squares.
Great for parties.
Top with sprinkles if liked.
Store refrigerated.

16. Lemon Oat Slice Bars

These bars combine gentle citrus flavor with a hearty oat base. The texture stays soft and slightly chewy, while the lemon keeps each bite fresh. They slice cleanly once cooled and work well for make-ahead baking.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 170 g
  • Granulated sugar: 130 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • Lemon zest: 2 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 80 ml
  • Rolled oats: 220 g
  • All-purpose flour: 140 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until pale.
  3. Beat in eggs, lemon zest, and juice.
  4. Stir in oats and flour until combined.
  5. Spread evenly in pan.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes. Cool fully before slicing.

How to Serve It
 Serve lightly chilled.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Cut into neat squares.
Pair with black tea.
Keeps well for several days.

17. Brown Sugar Butter Squares

These bars are rich and soft with deep sweetness from brown sugar. The crumb stays moist and tender, making them ideal for simple serving without toppings.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 220 g
  • Brown sugar: 200 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 300 g
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  4. Fold in flour gently.
  5. Spread evenly in pan.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain.
Cut into thick squares.
Nice with tea or milk.
Add whipped cream if desired.
Stores well airtight.

18. Spiced Fruit Tea Bars

Inspired by classic tea-time baking, these bars are soft and warmly spiced. Dried fruit adds sweetness and texture without overpowering the sponge.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Granulated sugar: 160 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 280 g
  • Mixed dried fruit: 220 g
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Mixed spice: ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  4. Fold in flour, spices, and dried fruit.
  5. Spread batter evenly.
  6. Bake 35–40 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Slice once cooled.
Serve with strong tea.
Spread lightly with butter if liked.
Great for sharing.
Keeps moist for days.

19. Plain Vanilla School Traybake Bars

These bars are soft, fluffy, and gently sweet. They’re ideal for icing or enjoying plain, just like traditional school traybakes.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 200 g
  • Granulated sugar: 200 g
  • Eggs: 3
  • Self-raising flour: 320 g
  • Milk: 120 ml
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Fold in flour and milk alternately.
  5. Spread evenly.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain or iced.
Cut into squares.
Add sprinkles for children.
Pair with milk or tea.
Best eaten fresh.

20. White Chocolate Coconut Bars

These bars are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with coconut flavor. White chocolate adds smooth richness without overpowering.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Granulated sugar: 160 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 260 g
  • Desiccated coconut: 120 g
  • White chocolate, melted: 150 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in eggs.
  4. Fold in flour and coconut.
  5. Bake 30 minutes.
  6. Drizzle with melted chocolate once cooled.

How to Serve It
 Serve at room temperature.
Cut into small bars.
Top with extra coconut if desired.
Good for gatherings.
Store airtight.

21. Toasted Oat Butter Bars

Toasted oats bring extra depth and a nutty finish to these buttery bars. The texture is sturdy yet tender.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 190 g
  • Brown sugar: 140 g
  • Rolled oats, lightly toasted: 240 g
  • All-purpose flour: 120 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Melt butter and stir in sugar.
  3. Mix in oats and flour.
  4. Press firmly into pan.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm or cooled.
Cut into thick bars.
Nice with tea.
Add honey drizzle if liked.
Keeps well stored.

22. Chocolate Custard Slice

Smooth chocolate custard sits on a firm base, creating a clean, layered slice that feels familiar and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Digestive biscuits: 250 g
  • Unsalted butter: 150 g
  • Custard powder: 60 g
  • Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 600 ml
  • Granulated sugar: 100 g

Instructions

  1. Crush biscuits and mix with melted butter. Press into pan.
  2. Cook custard powder, cocoa, milk, and sugar until thick.
  3. Pour over base.
  4. Chill until set, about 2 hours.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Slice with sharp knife.
Add whipped cream if desired.
Good for parties.
Store refrigerated.

23. Apple Cinnamon Oat Squares

Tender apples and oats create a soft, comforting bar with gentle spice throughout.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Brown sugar: 140 g
  • Rolled oats: 220 g
  • All-purpose flour: 140 g
  • Apples, diced: 3
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Mix butter, sugar, oats, and flour.
  3. Press half into pan.
  4. Layer apples mixed with cinnamon.
  5. Top with remaining oat mixture.
  6. Bake 40 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm.
Add custard or cream.
Cut into squares.
Great for autumn.
Best fresh.

24. Simple Cream Shortbread Bars

These bars are tender, buttery, and lightly sweet. Cream adds softness to the crumb.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 220 g
  • Granulated sugar: 100 g
  • All-purpose flour: 300 g
  • Heavy cream: 60 ml

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Mix in flour and cream.
  4. Press into pan.
  5. Bake 35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Serve plain.
Cut into small squares.
Dust lightly with sugar.
Pair with tea.
Stores well.

25. Milk Tea Biscuit Squares

These no-bake bars combine crushed biscuits with a smooth milk tea-flavored layer.

Ingredients

  • Tea biscuits: 250 g
  • Unsalted butter: 180 g
  • Condensed milk: 200 ml
  • Strong brewed tea: 60 ml

Instructions

  1. Crush biscuits.
  2. Melt butter and mix with condensed milk and tea.
  3. Stir in biscuits.
  4. Press into pan.
  5. Chill until firm.

How to Serve It
 Serve chilled.
Cut into squares.
Great for summer.
Easy to transport.
Store refrigerated.

26. Sugar Crumb Traybake

These bars are light, sweet, and softly textured with a simple crumb topping.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 200 g
  • Granulated sugar: 180 g
  • Eggs: 2
  • All-purpose flour: 300 g
  • Milk: 100 ml

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Beat in eggs and milk.
  4. Fold in flour.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Dust with sugar.
Serve warm or cooled.
Cut into squares.
Nice with tea.
Keeps fresh.

27. Traditional Irish School Cake Bars

A classic sponge bar that’s soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for icing or serving plain.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 200 g
  • Granulated sugar: 200 g
  • Eggs: 3
  • Self-raising flour: 320 g
  • Milk: 120 ml

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line pan.
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Add eggs gradually.
  4. Fold in flour and milk.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Ice with simple sugar glaze.
Cut into squares.
Serve with milk.
Good for children.
Best same day.

Conclusion

These 27 Irish dessert bars are all about simple baking, familiar flavors, and easy sharing. Each recipe is designed to slice cleanly, store well, and fit naturally into everyday baking, whether you’re making a tray for family, guests, or quiet tea breaks. From oat-filled classics to soft sponge bars and creamy slices, this collection gives you plenty of reliable options to bake throughout the year. Save your favorites, try a new bar when the mood strikes, and enjoy the comfort of homemade Irish-style treats fresh from your kitchen.

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