18 Delicious Dessert Recipes You Can Make In An 8×8 Pan

Baking delicious desserts doesn’t have to involve complicated tools or oversized pans. Over time, I’ve come to rely on my trusty 8×8 pan—it’s just the right size for creating sweet treats without going overboard.
Whether I’m whipping up rich, gooey brownies, warm fruit cobblers, or perfectly portioned bars, this pan delivers every time. Smaller-batch desserts are ideal when you want something indulgent but don’t want to deal with endless leftovers.
They’re quick to make, easy to store, and just as satisfying as their larger counterparts. Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 irresistible desserts that prove the best things really do come in small packages!
1. Classic Fudgy Brownies

Nothing beats homemade brownies, especially when they’re perfectly sized! My family fights over the corner pieces of these fudgy squares, with their crisp edges and gooey centers.
The secret? I use melted butter instead of oil and add a splash of coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor. No fancy techniques needed—just mix, pour, and bake. These brownies stay fresh for days (though they rarely last that long in my house).
For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter before baking. They’re simple enough for weeknight cravings but impressive enough for company!
2. Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon rolls without all the fuss? Count me in! Last Sunday, I wowed my brunch guests with this shortcut cake that captures all those swirly, spicy flavors we love. The batter comes together in minutes—no yeast or rising time required.
A butter-brown sugar-cinnamon mixture gets swirled throughout, creating pockets of warm spice in every bite. While it bakes, your kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma.
I finish mine with a simple cream cheese glaze that melts into all the nooks and crannies. Perfect with coffee on lazy mornings or as a sweet ending to family dinners!
3. Lemon Blueberry Bars

Zesty meets sweet in these bright, summery bars! I stumbled upon this recipe during a pandemic baking spree and now it’s my go-to for using up those plump farmers’ market blueberries. The shortbread base provides the perfect buttery foundation for the tangy lemon and blueberry topping.
Fresh lemon zest is non-negotiable here—it makes all the difference in the flavor department. My neighbor actually knocked on my door asking for the recipe when she smelled these baking!
The contrast between the purple-blue berry bursts and the sunny yellow filling makes these bars as beautiful as they are delicious. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
4. Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

Fall weekends at my cabin wouldn’t be complete without this apple crisp! The combination of tart Granny Smiths and sweet Honeycrisps creates the perfect balance beneath that irresistible oat topping.
I drizzle homemade salted caramel throughout—some under the apples and some over the crisp topping before baking. The caramel bubbles up during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness that take this classic to new heights.
My secret weapon is a splash of bourbon in the apple mixture (adults only, of course!). Serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top for the ultimate comfort dessert. This recipe convinced my apple pie-loving husband that crisps deserve equal billing!
5. S’mores Cookie Bars

Campfire vibes without the mosquitoes! These bars transport me back to summer nights around the fire pit, but with the convenience of my kitchen oven. Graham cracker cookie dough forms the base and topping, sandwiching a layer of gooey chocolate and marshmallows.
The marshmallows puff up while baking, creating that signature s’mores stretch when you pull a piece apart. My kids go bananas for these treats, especially when I make them after a rainy day ruins our outdoor plans.
They stay soft for days in an airtight container—if they last that long! For an extra touch of nostalgia, I sometimes add a handful of chopped Hershey’s bars instead of chocolate chips.
6. Peanut Butter Cup Blondies

Reese’s lovers, rejoice! These blondies combine my two greatest weaknesses—chewy brown sugar blondies and peanut butter cups—into one irresistible treat. The batter gets a double dose of peanut butter: mixed into the dough and swirled on top.
Chopped peanut butter cups fold into the mix, melting slightly as they bake to create pockets of chocolate-peanut butter bliss. I brought these to a potluck last month and came home with an empty pan and seven requests for the recipe!
They’re rich enough that small squares satisfy, though I’ve definitely been caught sneaking “just one more piece” from the pan. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top cuts the sweetness perfectly.
7. Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

Cheesecake without the fuss! After a disastrous attempt at a full-sized cheesecake (water bath leakage disaster of 2019), I discovered these foolproof squares that deliver all the creamy goodness in half the time.
The graham cracker crust provides that classic foundation, while the filling stays light and tangy. Fresh raspberries get swirled throughout, creating pretty pink marbling and bursts of berry flavor in every bite.
My mother-in-law—a notorious cheesecake snob—actually asked for seconds when I served these at Easter brunch! They slice beautifully after chilling and taste even better the next day. For an elegant finish, I sometimes garnish with white chocolate shavings and additional fresh berries.
8. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Birthday candles have found their perfect home! This giant cookie cake has saved me from countless last-minute celebration scrambles. Unlike fussy layer cakes, this one-pan wonder comes together in minutes.
The edges bake up crispy while the center stays gloriously soft and chewy—the best of both cookie worlds! I press extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that bakery-style look. My daughter requests this instead of traditional cake every year now.
I decorate the top with simple buttercream piping and sprinkles for birthdays, or leave it plain for everyday indulgence. Sliced into wedges or squares, it’s the perfect handheld treat that makes everyone feel like a kid again!
9. Tiramisu Bread Pudding

Italian restaurant vibes from my humble kitchen! This fusion dessert was born from a happy accident when I had both stale brioche and leftover espresso. Cubed bread soaks up a custard infused with espresso, coffee liqueur, and mascarpone cheese.
The result tastes remarkably like traditional tiramisu but with a comforting, pudding-like texture. Layering ensures every bite has that coffee-soaked goodness. My Italian grandfather—who rarely compliments non-traditional takes on classics—gave this his seal of approval!
A dusting of cocoa powder and shaved chocolate on top provides the signature tiramisu finish. Serve warm for cozy vibes or chilled for a more authentic tiramisu experience.
10. Strawberry Shortcake Cobbler

Summer in a pan! When strawberries are at their peak, this cobbler showcases their juicy sweetness beneath pillowy, biscuit-like topping. Unlike traditional shortcake, everything bakes together in one pan.
The strawberries release their ruby juice, which bubbles up around the cobbler topping and creates a jammy sauce. A touch of lemon zest brightens all the flavors. I’ve made this three times in the past month alone!
My favorite twist is adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the berries—it sounds strange but enhances their natural sweetness. The topping gets a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking for a delightful crunch. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for pure summer bliss.
11. Coconut Lime Bars

Tropical vacation vibes without leaving home! These zingy bars transport me to island beaches every time I make them. The contrast between buttery shortbread base and tart lime topping is absolutely magical.
Toasted coconut gets incorporated into both the crust and the filling, providing texture and that unmistakable tropical flavor. Fresh lime juice and zest are non-negotiable—bottled juice simply won’t capture that bright, vibrant flavor. Friends have started requesting these for summer gatherings instead of key lime pie!
They’re easier to serve and eat at outdoor parties. The pale green filling and snow-white coconut topping make a pretty presentation. For extra flair, I sometimes garnish with thin slices of lime and additional toasted coconut.
12. Churro Rice Krispie Treats

Fairground flavors meet childhood nostalgia! My kids went wild the first time I made these cinnamon-sugar dusted treats. The familiar crispy-chewy texture gets a Mexican-inspired makeover. Brown butter replaces regular butter in the marshmallow mixture, adding nutty depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
While still warm, the entire surface gets a generous coating of cinnamon sugar that sticks to the gooey marshmallow. For extra indulgence, I drizzle melted white chocolate over the top—it hardens into a sweet shell that cracks delightfully when you bite in.
These disappear lightning-fast at bake sales and playdates! The best part? They’re ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute sweet cravings.
13. Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Southern comfort in cake form! This nostalgic dessert combines fluffy vanilla cake with the beloved flavors of banana pudding. My grandmother’s recipe inspired this simplified version that delivers all the flavor with half the fuss.
After baking a simple yellow cake, I poke holes throughout and pour vanilla pudding infused with banana extract over the top. The pudding seeps into the holes, creating moist pockets of flavor throughout. Layers of sliced bananas and vanilla wafer cookies add authentic banana pudding elements.
Finished with a cloud of freshly whipped cream and crushed cookies, it’s a showstopper that tastes like it took hours to make. The cake needs to chill overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead for gatherings!
14. Maple Pecan Blondies

Autumn flavors shine year-round in these nutty, caramel-like bars! After a trip to Vermont, I came home with real maple syrup and immediately whipped up this recipe to showcase its complex sweetness. Brown butter and dark brown sugar create a toffee-like base that perfectly complements the maple flavor.
Toasted pecans add essential crunch against the chewy blondie texture. For maximum maple impact, I use both maple syrup in the batter and a maple glaze on top. My husband, who claims not to like “maple stuff,” ate three of these in one sitting!
They’re sophisticated enough for adult gatherings but approachable enough for everyone to enjoy. The aroma while baking is absolutely intoxicating—like pancake breakfast meets bakery-fresh cookies.
15. Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars

Oreo lovers unite! These bars combine the best of both worlds—crunchy chocolate cookies and creamy cheesecake. My teenage niece declared them “better than Cheesecake Factory” (high praise from a 16-year-old!).
The crust uses crushed Oreos with their filling intact, creating a sweet, compact base. The cheesecake layer gets studded with more cookie chunks that soften slightly during baking but maintain their distinct flavor.
I’ve found that chilling these overnight yields the best texture and flavor. They slice cleanly into perfect squares that showcase the cookies throughout the filling. For an extra special presentation, I sometimes garnish with chocolate curls and mini Oreos. These freeze beautifully too—perfect for portion control (or so I tell myself!).
16. Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars

Cinnamon sugar magic in every bite! These bars combine the flavor of classic snickerdoodle cookies with the chewiness of blondies. My spice-loving sister requests these for every family gathering. The batter gets a double dose of cinnamon—mixed in and swirled on top with sugar.
As they bake, the top develops that signature crackly cinnamon-sugar crust that makes snickerdoodles so irresistible. Cream of tartar gives these the authentic tangy snickerdoodle flavor that sets them apart from regular cinnamon treats.
They’re incredible warm from the oven but develop even more flavor after sitting overnight. During the holidays, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a festive twist that makes the house smell amazing!
17. Blackberry Crumb Bars

Purple-stained fingers are worth it for these jammy treats! After picking fresh blackberries last summer, I needed a dessert that would showcase their juicy sweetness without masking their natural flavor. The same buttery dough forms both the base and the crumbly topping, making preparation a breeze.
Wild blackberries tend to be tarter than store-bought, creating the perfect balance against the sweet crust. A touch of lemon zest brightens everything up. My neighbors have started dropping off their berry harvests just to receive these bars in return!
They travel well for picnics and potlucks. The contrast between the golden crumb and deep purple filling makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds the perfect finishing touch.
18. Butterscotch Blondie Brownies

Golden caramel goodness in every square! These blondies converted me from a die-hard chocolate fan to a butterscotch believer. The brown sugar-butter combination creates that distinctive toffee-like flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
Butterscotch chips melt partially during baking, creating pockets of sweet, buttery goodness throughout. I add a splash of dark rum to enhance the butterscotch flavor—the alcohol bakes out, leaving just the aromatic notes behind. My book club goes crazy for these every time I bring them!
They develop an almost candy-like chew around the edges while staying soft in the center. For texture contrast, I sometimes add toasted pecans or white chocolate chips. The key to their perfect texture is not overbaking—they should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven.