Effortless Indulgence: 9×13 Dessert Recipes for Easy Baking

Baking delicious desserts doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most satisfying treats are incredibly easy to make, especially when you utilize the trusty 9×13 inch baking pan. This versatile pan is perfect for everything from brownies and bars to cakes and crisps, making it a go-to for weeknight desserts, potlucks, and family gatherings. Forget about fussy recipes and complicated techniques; these 9×13 dessert recipes are all about simplicity and flavor. Get ready to impress with these crowd-pleasing sweets!

## Why a 9×13 Pan is Your Best Friend

The 9×13 inch baking pan is a staple in most kitchens, and for good reason. Here’s why it’s so great:

* **Perfect Size for Crowds:** It’s large enough to feed a good number of people, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and family dinners.
* **Easy to Transport:** The rectangular shape is easy to carry and store.
* **Versatile:** You can bake a wide variety of desserts in it, from brownies and bars to cakes and cobblers.
* **Even Baking:** The consistent shape promotes even baking, ensuring that your desserts are cooked perfectly throughout.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Many 9×13 pans are non-stick, making cleanup a breeze.

## 1. Classic Chocolate Brownies

No list of easy desserts would be complete without classic chocolate brownies. This recipe is fudgy, rich, and incredibly simple to make.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Melt the Butter:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat.
3. **Combine Sugar and Cocoa:** Stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
4. **Add Vanilla and Eggs:** Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be thick.
5. **Add Flour:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Add Mix-Ins (Optional):** If desired, stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, or the brownies will be dry.
9. **Cool and Cut:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Fudgy vs. Cakey:** For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them. For cakey brownies, bake them a little longer.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Nutella Swirl:** Swirl Nutella into the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract and swirl it into the batter for a cheesecake-like brownie.

## 2. Lemon Bars

These bright and tangy lemon bars are a classic for a reason. The buttery shortbread crust and the tart lemon filling are a match made in heaven.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **For the Filling:**
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* Powdered sugar for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the surface.
4. **Bake the Crust:** Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
5. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and salt until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
6. **Pour over Crust:** Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly. The edges should be slightly golden brown.
8. **Cool and Cut:** Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Fresh Lemon Juice:** Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds a lot of flavor.
* **Tangy Flavor:** If you like a really tangy flavor, add a little more lemon juice to the filling.
* **Different Citrus:** Try using lime juice or orange juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

## 3. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is the perfect comfort food dessert, especially in the fall. This recipe is easy to adapt and customize to your liking.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Apple Filling:**
* 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* **For the Crisp Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
3. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Crisp Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. **Sprinkle over Apples:** Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The filling should be bubbly.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Apple Variety:** Use a combination of different apple varieties for the best flavor and texture.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crisp topping.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple crisp before serving.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling.

## 4. Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats are a classic no-bake dessert that everyone loves. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a last-minute treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pan:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Melt Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. **Add Cereal:** Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until evenly coated.
4. **Press into Pan:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and gently press it down evenly using a greased spatula or your hands.
5. **Cool and Cut:** Let the Rice Krispie Treats cool completely before cutting into squares.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Extra Marshmallows:** Add extra marshmallows for a gooier treat.
* **Peanut Butter:** Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallows for a peanut butter twist.
* **Chocolate:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie Treats after they have cooled.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles to the mixture for a festive touch.

## 5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These chocolate chip cookie bars are a delicious and easy alternative to traditional cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Add to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Press into Pan:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. **Cool and Cut:** Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use a combination of different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough.
* **Pretzel Pieces:** Add crushed pretzel pieces to the dough for a salty-sweet combination.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle sea salt over the cookie bars after they have cooled.

## 6. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses canned peaches for convenience, but you can also use fresh or frozen peaches.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 2 (29 ounce) cans sliced peaches in heavy syrup, undrained
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Add Milk:** Add the milk and stir until just combined. The batter will be thin.
4. **Pour over Butter:** Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking pan. Do not stir.
5. **Add Peaches:** Spoon the undrained peaches evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sugar and the cinnamon (if using) over the peaches.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the peach cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Fresh or Frozen Peaches:** If using fresh or frozen peaches, use about 6-8 peaches and add 1/2 cup of sugar to the peaches before spooning them over the batter.
* **Different Fruit:** Use different fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples, instead of peaches.
* **Almond Extract:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a hint of almond flavor.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

## 7. Seven Layer Bars (Hello Dolly Bars)

Seven Layer Bars, also known as Hello Dolly Bars, are a classic dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 cup butterscotch chips
* 1 cup shredded coconut
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. **Pour Condensed Milk:** Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust.
4. **Layer Ingredients:** Sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts evenly over the condensed milk. Do not stir.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are set.
6. **Cool and Cut:** Let the Seven Layer Bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Chips:** Use different types of chips, such as peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips.
* **Different Nuts:** Use different types of nuts, such as macadamia nuts or almonds.
* **Pretzels:** Add crushed pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet combination.
* **Marshmallows:** Add mini marshmallows to the layers.

## 8. Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are rich, creamy, and incredibly addictive. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for peanut butter lovers.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* **For the Chocolate Topping:**
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Crust:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. **Bake the Crust:** Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely.
4. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
5. **Make the Chocolate Topping:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling and spread evenly.
6. **Chill and Cut:** Chill the peanut butter bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Cut into squares before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Crunchy Peanut Butter:** Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter for a different texture.
* **Different Chocolate:** Use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for the topping.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate topping before it sets.
* **Peanut Butter Cups:** Press mini peanut butter cups into the chocolate topping before it sets.

## 9. Blondies

Blondies are the vanilla version of brownies. These bars are chewy, buttery, and delicious with chocolate chips, nuts, or butterscotch chips.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 3/4 cups packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or butterscotch chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Add to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Mix-Ins:** Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or butterscotch chips.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center may come out with moist crumbs attached.
9. **Cool and Cut:** Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Different Extracts:** Use different extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, for a different flavor profile.
* **Toffee Bits:** Add toffee bits to the batter for a crunchy and sweet addition.
* **White Chocolate Chips:** Use white chocolate chips instead of chocolate chips.
* **Cinnamon:** Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm and comforting flavor.

## Conclusion

These easy 9×13 dessert recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to bake delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing recipe for a party, these recipes are sure to impress. So grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and get ready to enjoy some effortless indulgence!