Honey bars are quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer a unique twist on traditional cookie bars. The honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, while optional add-ins like spices or nuts can take them to the next level. They’re great for baking ahead, travel well, and deliver a satisfyingly soft bite in every square.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Honey
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional additions:
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Raisins or dried fruit
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and honey until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 bars and takes approximately 35 minutes total — 10–15 minutes for prep and 20–25 minutes for baking.
Variations
Spiced Honey Bars: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for extra warmth.
Nutty Honey Bars: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Fruity Honey Bars: Add dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins.
Honey Lemon Bars: Stir in lemon zest and a little lemon juice for brightness.
Glazed Version: Drizzle with a simple honey glaze made from honey and powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Store honey bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
What kind of honey is best for honey bars?
Use a mild, light-colored honey for a balanced flavor, or try a darker honey for deeper sweetness.
Can I make honey bars without refined sugar?
Yes, you can use more honey in place of granulated sugar, but it may change the texture slightly.
Are honey bars chewy or cakey?
They’re typically soft and chewy, especially when made with plenty of honey.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.
Do I need to refrigerate honey bars?
No, they’re best stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can cut down on the granulated sugar slightly, but keep the honey for moisture and flavor.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, use a neutral oil like canola or light olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking pan or bake in two batches.
How do I know when the bars are done?
They should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I serve these warm?
Yes, they’re delicious slightly warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle of extra honey.
Conclusion
Honey bars are a simple, comforting treat with rich flavor and an irresistibly soft texture. Whether you enjoy them plain, dressed up with nuts or fruit, or finished with a glaze, they’re a delightful dessert that’s easy to love. Keep this recipe on hand for quick baking days or when you want a sweet, satisfying bar that’s full of homemade goodness.
Honey bars are soft, chewy dessert squares made with real honey for a naturally sweet, comforting flavor. Easy to make and versatile, they’re perfect for snacks, tea time, or casual desserts.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:20 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional additions:
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/3 cup raisins or dried fruit
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and honey until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
Fold in optional nuts or dried fruit, if using.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars, if desired.
Notes
Use a light honey for milder flavor or dark honey for a bolder taste.Mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.Let cool completely before slicing for clean edges.Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.Double the recipe for a crowd or freeze extras for later.
