In addition to sugar, eggs, butter, flour and milk, common ingredients are chocolate chips, nuts, raspberry jam, coconut, cocoa powder, graham cracker, pudding, mini-marshmallows and peanut butter.

[4] More exotic bars can be made with ingredients including sour cream, rhubarb, pretzels, candies, vanilla, raisins, and pumpkin.

[6] In 1993, Betty Crocker added two new varieties to the four existing Supreme Dessert Bar line of baking mixes it introduced in 1992.

In 2004, Krusteaz added a line of dessert bars to its selection of quick and easy baked goods.

[7] The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition includes numerous bars in its "lightweight menus".