20 Best Potluck Desserts That'll Have Everyone Asking for the Recipe
They're crowd-friendly and ready to take on the go!
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Whether you're going to a church picnic, a summer cookout at your neighbor's house, or a big holiday celebration, it's always a good idea to bring something to the party. These potluck desserts will end your gathering on a sweet note and make you the MVP guest. From brownies and bars to large format sheet cakes, every one of these easy desserts are enough feed (and impress!) any crowd.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when whipping up a potluck dessert. First things first: it should be large enough to serve a larger group (which is why sheet cakes and oversized trifle recipes are always such a good option). It's also a good idea to make something that can be stored and served at room temperature. Since fridge space is always at a premium on party day, choose a dessert that can sit out on the countertop or even outside in the blazing heat. And if you're traveling for a potluck, make sure that your dessert will be easy to transport. You can always slice and garnish the dessert on site when it comes time to serve it.
Here, you’ll find plenty of ideas to suit every craving, from chocolate desserts that disappear in minutes to refreshing no-bake desserts that are perfect for warm-weather gatherings. There are chewy cookie bar recipes and layered dessert bars that can be cut ahead of time for grab-and-go convenience. You’ll also find creamy no-bake cheesecake recipes, dreamy trifles, and refrigerator pies that come together without ever turning on the oven. And of course, we couldn’t skip the classics—think homemade pies with buttery crusts, frosted cakes that look beautiful on a buffet table, and seasonal fruit desserts that pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream.
No matter the occasion, there's something sweet for everyone with these crowd-friendly potluck desserts.
Cheesecake Brownies
Consider this dessert the best of both worlds. They’re made by layering brownie batter and cheesecake filling in a baking dish, then swirling the two together for an ultra-rich bite.
Get the Cheesecake Brownies recipe.
The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever
Ree has so many fan favorite recipes, but this may just be the most popular. This sheet cake recipe was passed down by her mother-in-law and a few tweaks later, it’s the rich, fudgy chocolate dessert of your dreams.
Strawberries and Cream Trifle
If you’re attending a potluck, get ahead of party prep with this make-ahead dessert. It features layers of homemade yellow cake, macerated strawberries, and vanilla pudding.
Get the Strawberries and Cream Trifle recipe.
Pumpkin Bars
A potluck dessert should be easy to feed to a crowd, able to be served at room temperature, and absolutely delicious. These autumnal bars check all of the boxes.
Get the Pumpkin Bars recipe.
Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
When blueberries are at their peak during the summer, make this cake that tastes like sunshine. It features a lemon-buttermilk cake batter and vibrant blueberry frosting.
Get the Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake recipe.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
When you’re attending a potluck party during the dog days of summer and it’s too hot to turn on the oven, make these easy no-bake bars. They’re for chocolate-peanut butter lovers everywhere.
Get the No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe.
Orange-Vanilla Sheet Cake
Think of this as a creamsicle ice cream party in the form of a shareable, snackable cake. The batter has a surprising ingredient in the form of orange soda, which adds flavor and keeps the cake light and airy.
Get the Orange-Vanilla Sheet Cake recipe.
Chocolate Trifle
Chocolate lovers will adore this towering trifle, which features layers upon layers of brownies, chocolate pudding, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it easy for potluck prepping.
Get the Chocolate Trifle recipe.
Pecan Pie Bars
If you’re in charge of bringing dessert to Thanksgiving dinner, think beyond the usual pie. These easy-to-serve bars feature a brown butter crust and ooey-gooey pecan topping.
Get the Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Margarita Bars
It’s your favorite happy hour cocktail in the form of shareable bars. With a simple graham cracker crust and a boozy, zesty filling, it’s perfect for adults-only potluck parties.
Get the Margarita Bars recipe.
Strawberry Poke Cake
This bright pink cake relies on a few store-bought ingredients for a semi-homemade sweet. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Strawberry Poke Cake recipe.
Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake
This twist on Texas sheet cake swaps in sliced almonds in favor of the usual pecans. With its rich and fudgy texture, it’s a favorite in the Drummond household.
Get the Chocolate Almond Sheet Cake recipe.
Strawberry Delight
A staple at potlucks, this pink-hued treat features strawberry gelatin two ways: It’s used in both the filling and the glossy fresh fruit topping. Make it at least four hours in advance so that it sets up properly.
Get the Strawberry Delight recipe.
Lemon Bars
Ree says that whenever she makes these lemon bars, they disappear in her house in a flash. With a buttery shortbread crust and zesty custard filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Lemon Bars recipe.
Fig Almond Cake
Fresh figs are so much more than an accoutrement to a cheese and charcuterie board. In this sweet and nutty cake, they become the star of the show.
Get the Fig Almond Cake recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
Inspired by classic strawberry shortcake, this berry sweet sheet cake is perfect for potlucks. The tangy cream cheese frosting offsets the sweetness of the cake. You can make it in advance and it will easily feed a crowd of kids and adults.
Carrot Cake Trifle
Springtime is about carrot cake in every form. This trifle is a fun and easy twist on the classic dessert. Use a box of cake mix and instant pudding for ease.
Get the Carrot Cake Trifle recipe.
Bourbon Balls
Bourbon balls are treats sent straight from heaven! They're easy to make, simple to store and travel with, and will disappear fast from the table.
Get Ree's Bourbon Balls recipe.
Pink Lemonade Sheet Cake
There’s nothing like drinking an icy pink lemonade on a hot day. With a soft lemony cake and lemon-strawberry topping, this potluck-friendly sheet cake tastes just like the classic summer beverage.
Get the Pink Lemonade Sheet Cake recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can't have a potluck without this classic! They're easy to bake, make, and take, which makes them perfect for a big crowd.
Get Ree's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
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