Bar cookies, called tray bakes in the UK and slices in Australia and New Zealand, are a type of cookie or dense, often chewy, cake that is baked in a shallow flat baking pan such as a square cake pan. [1] [2] [3] They can be eaten as a handheld or as a plated dessert. Brownies are a notable example.
Bar cookies generally are made by spreading a thick batter into a cake pan and baking. [4]
Some versions are layered by spreading a layer of batter, topping with a layer or fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients, and topping with another layer of batter before baking. [4] [5] Typically bar cookies are cooled completely before cutting into their final shape. [5]
Bar cookies are quicker and easier to make than many other desserts, can be made ahead, and travel well, making them popular for events like potlucks. [6] [1] [7] [4] : 13–14 They are versatile and less likely to fail than many baked desserts, which tend to require following recipes exactly. [4] : 13–14 They can often be eaten out of hand, making them popular for casual events and large gatherings. [1] [7]
Bar cookies also are often more subtantial than a drop or rolled cookie, which means a single serving can be sufficient. [5]
In the UK, the term tray bake is used as an umbrella term for any dessert baked in a flat pan and cut into small rectangular portions for serving, including what is called a sheet cake in the US; school cake is an example. [2] In Australia and New Zealand, the term slice can be used for both savory and sweet foods that are baked in a flat pan and cut into small rectangular portions; a zucchini slice is an example of a savory version.
Dessert bars are also a dessert that is baked in a flat pan and cut into squares.