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Attending or hosting a potluck or party? My collection of potluck desserts features 30+ crowd-pleasing, portable, and easy-to-serve desserts to bring to a party.
Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Desserts
Ready to be the star of your next potluck or party? My collection of potluck desserts features crowd-pleasing favorites that will fly off the dessert table! We’re going beyond the typical vanilla cupcakes or chocolate cupcakes–you’ll find refreshing no-bake desserts, easy sheet cakes, unique bars, classic cookies, and more!
It’s hard to pick a favorite from this list, but if I had to, it would be my eclair cake. It’s potluck perfection! The recipe is simple to make without ever touching the oven, it transports well, and you can serve it right from the pan. It’s one of my go-to potluck desserts to bring to a party, and I almost always leave with an empty dish. Try it for yourself, and you’ll see why!
Let’s get to the rest of the list 🎊
1. Eclair Cake
My version is made entirely from-scratch, and it’s all the better for it! My chocolate icebox cake is another similar option; it’s especially a hit with chocolate lovers.
Eclair Cake
With layers of graham crackers, from-scratch pastry cream, and chocolate ganache, this crowd-pleaser tastes fancy but is easy! Great for making in advance.
ECLAIR CAKE RECIPE
2. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Refreshing, creamy, and crowd-pleasing! I also have a strawberry cream cheese pie and blueberry cream cheese pie that are similar and would work nicely as potluck desserts.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad (no Cool Whip or Jello)
No gelatin or Cool Whip! My recipe has the same flavor and texture you love in a from-scratch version.
STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD RECIPE
3. Rice Krispie Treats
Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing, Rice Krispie treats are a favorite in this collection of potluck desserts. I have so many variations; peanut butter rice krispie treats, cookies and cream rice krispie treats, brown butter rice krispie treats, scotcharoos, and more!
The Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
My recipe is a gourmet twist on the classic! It uses premium butter, extra marshmallows, and vanilla extract for amazing results.
RICE KRISPIE TREATS RECIPE
4. Black Bottom Cupcakes
Black bottoms are one of the most popular potluck desserts, and for good reason!
Black Bottom Cupcakes
Fudgy chocolate cake and rich cheesecake come together in this classic, old-fashioned recipe! Can be made mini or cupcake sized.
BLACK BOTTOM CUPCAKES RECIPE
5. Lemon Bars
A party classic! My lemon cream cheese pie is another excellent choice for parties and potlucks, especially during the summer.
Lemon Bars
Smooth lemon curd over a buttery, crisp shortbread crust. My recipe takes careful steps to avoid a soggy bottom, and I’m so proud of the result!
LEMON BARS RECIPE
6. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are always a hit, any time of year.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
My recipe uses extra brown sugar, cornstarch, and melted butter for the softest, chewiest texture. Only 30 minutes of chilling!
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES RECIPE
7. Homemade Brownies
Homemade brownies beat box mix every time. Brookies (or brookie cookies) also make a wonderful dessert to bring to a party!
Fudgy Homemade Brownies from Scratch
Fudgy, rich chocolate brownies with shiny, crackly tops! They take just 10 minutes to whip up and can be customized with your favorite nuts if desired.
HOMEMADE BROWNIES RECIPE
8. Banana Pudding
Creamy and refreshing banana pudding is a big hit at holidays and potlucks year-round.
Homemade Banana Pudding (From Scratch!)
100% homemade, even down to the cookies (though store-bought work too!). My recipe is easy to follow and tastes incredible.
BANANA PUDDING RECIPE
9. Dirt Cake
One of the most popular potluck desserts, especially among kids! I also have a homemade cup of dirt recipe, if you’d prefer individual portions.
Homemade Dirt Cake Recipe
No pudding mixes or whipped topping here! We’re making the filling from scratch for richer, creamier, and more flavorful results.
DIRT CAKE RECIPE
10. Ambrosia Salad
An old-fashioned classic, ambrosia is refreshing and light–perfect for spring and summer parties.
Ambrosia Salad
Bright and cheery ambrosia combines fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream. I use homemade whipped cream in my recipe for a better flavor!
AMBROSIA SALAD RECIPE
11. 7 Layer Bars
Made with coconut, chocolate, and nuts, 7 layer bars are one of the most traditional potluck desserts. They are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
7 Layer Bars
Only 7 ingredients and so easy! Simply layer your ingredients into your pan and bake. This recipe is always a hit at parties!
7 LAYER BARS RECIPE
12. Puppy Chow
Another potluck classic, puppy chow isn’t actually for your pups, but it is simple to make and travels well.
Puppy Chow
Also known as muddy buddies! This recipe is so easy to make and always goes quickly at parties and potlucks.
PUPPY CHOW RECIPE
13. Texas Sheet Cake
Not your average sheet cake! My version is softer and more moist than the original.
The Best Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Tender chocolate cake with a fudgy, shiny frosting–this is a chocolate lover’s dream! It’s a southern classic that is served right from the pan it bakes in.
TEXAS SHEET CAKE RECIPE
14. Blueberry Crumb Bars
These taste like a blueberry pie, but are easier and faster. I also have lemon crumb bars and strawberry crumb bars!
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Making the blueberry filling from-scratch instead of using canned pie filling is what really takes this recipe over the top!
BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS RECIPE
15. Tres Leches Cake
A crowd-favorite! My version is designed to me soft, not soggy.
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Fluffy vanilla cake soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream. My version is NOT soggy, thanks to my trusted technique!
TRES LECHES CAKE RECIPE
16. Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Pineapple upside down cake, but in cupcake form! This is the perfect dessert to bring to a party.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Just like the classic cake, these are fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a caramelized pineapple and cherry topping. So fun!
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CUPCAKES
17. Caramelitas
If you’ve never had caramelitas, you’re in for a treat! This is one of my go-to potluck desserts. Since they’re rich, gooey, and a bit messy, I cut them into small squares and tuck them into mini cupcake liners to make them easy to portion and serve.
Caramelitas
Caramelitas are crisp oat cookie bars loaded with gooey caramel and chocolate. They are decadent and a huge hit at parties!
CARAMELITAS RECIPE
18. Coca Cola Cake
Coca cola cake is a classic southern dessert (and you may have spotted it at the Cracker Barrel). It’s a fun twist on classic chocolate cake, and the icing is obsession-worthy.
Coca Cola Cake
Soft chocolate cake with a fudgy, rich icing–this is a southern classic! The cola flavor is subtle but present and encourages the cake to be nice and fluffy.
COCA COLA CAKE RECIPE
19. Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized cheesecakes are the perfect finger food for a party or potluck.
Cheesecake Bites (in sugar cookie cups)
Creamy no-bake cheesecake and fresh fruit in adorable sugar cookie cups. Ready in an hour!
CHEESECAKE BITES RECIPE
20. Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake
Sheet cakes are fantastic choices for parties and potlucks for their ease, portability, and ability to feed a crowd. This version can be topped with a vanilla or chocolate frosting.
Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake
Soft and fluffy vanilla cake topped with buttercream and plenty of chocolate chips! Decorate and serve this one right from the pan for the easiest results.
CHOCOLATE CHIP SHEET CAKE RECIPE
21. Mini Cheesecakes
Just like a classic cheesecake, but in individual portions instead. The topping options are endless!
Mini Cheesecakes
Mini cheesecakes take half the time it takes to make a normal cheesecake, yet they taste just the same! Top them with ganache, berry sauce, caramel, and more.
MINI CHEESECAKES RECIPE
22. Fruit Salad
For those who prefer their sugar in its natural state 😉
Fruit Salad
Take your fruit salad to the next level with my honey lime dressing! It’s made with just 3 ingredients and amplifies the flavor in the best way.
FRUIT SALAD RECIPE
23. Cookie Bars
No chilling, scooping, or rolling! These are always a hit, as are my oatmeal cookie bars.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Everything you love about the cookies without any of the hassle! These cookie bars will fly off the dessert table.
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS RECIPE
24. Key Lime Bars
Pie bars are always well-loved at potlucks, and this key lime version is no exception!
Key Lime Bars
Smooth and tart key lime filling over a buttery graham cracker crust. These take just minutes to prep and are entirely egg-free!
KEY LIME PIE BARS RECIPE
25. Fruit Dip
Refreshing and sweet fruit dip is a must-have. You can even portion it into individual cups!
Fruit Dip
Fluffy, creamy, and sweet, this fruit dip pairs well with a variety of fruits and can be prepped in minutes.
FRUIT DIP RECIPE
26. Sugar Cookie Bars
While drop sugar cookies are easy, sugar cookie bars are even easier. The frosting adds a nice touch too!
Sugar Cookie Bars
Buttery sweet vanilla sugar cookie bases with just the right amount of frosting and sprinkles! If you like Lofthouse cookies, you’ll love these.
SUGAR COOKIE BARS RECIPE
27. Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake bars are quicker and more portable than classic cheesecake, but just as tasty!
Cheesecake Bars
Crisp graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and smooth chocolate ganache–this is a wining combination! These are a HUGE hit at parties.
CHEESECAKE BARS RECIPE
28. Candied Pretzels
A fun take on chocolate covered pretzels! These are one of my quickest and easiest potluck desserts.
Candied Pretzels
Buttery, sugared pretzels drizzled with melted chocolate are an irresistible salty sweet snack. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
CANDIED PRETZELS RECIPE
29. Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
My s’mores cookies are another great dessert to bring to a party–who doesn’t love a s’more?!
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Graham cracker infused peanut butter cookie bases with milk chocolate and melty marshmallow. These have all the flavors of s’mores in an easy-to-eat bar form!
S’MORES BARS RECIPE
30. Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Peanut butter lovers will flock to this party-ready dessert!
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Moist and tender peanut butter cake with a fudgy, candied peanut butter frosting. Less than an hour from start to finish!
PEANUT BUTTER SHEET CAKE
31. Cookie Dough Dip
Looking for a unique dessert to bring to a party? Cookie dough dip is it!
Cookie Dough Dip
Edible cookie dough, but in dip form! We like to use graham crackers, strawberries, and pretzels for dipping.
COOKIE DOUGH DIP RECIPE
32. Pecan Pie Bars
Not just for Thanksgiving! Pecan pie bars will fly off the dessert table any time of year.
Pecan Pie Bars
Made with an easy shortbread crust and gooey pecan filling, this recipe transforms the classic into a handheld, delectable bar.
PECAN PIE BARS RECIPE
Frequently Asked Questions
Something crowd-pleasing, easy to eat, and easy to serve. A few popular party desserts include chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, brownies, banana pudding, and lemon bars.
Something that travels well and is easy to serve! I typically like to bring something that either requires no cutting (cupcakes, cookies, etc.) or is very easy to cut and serve, like a sheet cake or a bar of some kind.
I don’t typically like to bring chilled desserts to potlucks if I’m traveling far; as keeping them cold until serving can sometimes be tricky.
What are your go-to potluck desserts? I’d love to hear what you usually bring or usually dig into first. Let me know in the comments below!
Enjoy!
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook