30 Potluck Desserts That'll Have Everyone Crowd Around
Folks will be asking you for the recipe!
Whether you're headed to a church picnic, a summer cookout, or a big holiday celebration, it's always a good idea to bring something to the party. From brownies and bars to sheet cakes and trifles, these potluck desserts will end any gathering on a sweet note, and they’re guaranteed to make you the MVP guest! Whether it’s a rich, chocolatey treat or a fresh, fruity bite, these easy recipes make enough to feed (and impress!) a crowd. Not to mention, they’re easy to transport, serve, and share.
Here, you’ll find plenty of ideas that’ll curb every craving. Ree Drummond’s fan-favorite chocolate peanut butter pie will give the group a rich, indulgent choice, whereas her zesty lemon bars will keep things light and airy. Our collection of potluck desserts is also packed with hassle-free recipes, such as layered dessert bars you can slice ahead of time time for convenience.
During the warmer months, when it’s just too hot to turn on the oven, opt for refreshing no-bake desserts. But if fridge space is minimal, there are plenty of treats that can sit out at room temperature (or even outside in the blazing heat), such as pecan-packed blondies or sprinkle-dusted cake mix cookies. 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-pleasing potluck desserts.
Million Dollar Pie
It’s in the name! This dessert is so good, it tastes like a million bucks. You can make it ahead of time and you won’t need to bake a thing!
Get Ree’s Million Dollar Pie recipe.
Key Lime Bars
Instead of whipping up an entire pie, treat everyone to that bright, citrusy goodness in pre-cut, ready-to-share squares. A dollop of whipped cream will take them dessert to the next level.
Get Ree’s Key Lime Bars recipe.
Chocolate Bundt Cake
A rich ganache glaze and pretty metallic sprinkles make this Bundt cake even sweeter. You can prep this potluck dessert in minutes, and it’ll stay fresh on the countertop.
Get the Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe.
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Brown butter takes classic sugar cookies up a notch by turning them into something indulgent, nutty, and sugary-sweet. The recipe makes a dozen servings, but you can easily double it.
Get Ree’s Brown Butter Sugar Cookies recipe.
No-Bake Peaches and Cream Pie
With ingredient shortcuts like instant pudding mix, store-bought peaches, and a premade graham cracker crust, this no-bake pie couldn’t be easier. It’s the perfect pick for summer!
Get Ree’s No-Bake Peaches and Cream Pie recipe.
Blondies
The buttery, caramel-like cousin of brownies, blondies are a year-round favorite at potlucks. These easy-to-slice bars are studded with pecans and white chocolate chips.
Get the Blondies recipe.
Hummingbird Cake
Slathered in cream cheese frosting, the layers of spiced, fruity, nutty cake deliver pure comfort in every bite. Believe it or not, this cake tastes even better when baked ahead!
Get the Hummingbird Cake recipe.
Cake Mix Cookies
If you’re in a pinch, this potluck dessert comes together with five ingredients (starting with a box of cake mix) in just 25 minutes. With rainbow sprinkles on top, these cookies are guaranteed to command attention.
Get the Cake Mix Cookies recipe.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Ree’s tried-and-true chocolate peanut butter pie is a no-bake wonder that calls for just six ingredients. The salty-sweet taste will have the whole group coming back for more.
Get Ree’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie recipe.
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Layers of crumbly vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and velvety pudding work together to create a nostalgic potluck dessert that tastes just like Grandma’s.
Get the Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe.
Apple Crumble
Full of cozy autumn comfort from caramelized apples, warm spices, and a golden, crunchy topping, this dessert belongs at any fall potluck. Just serve it straight from the dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get Ree’s Apple Crumble recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake
At a warm-weather get-together, a slice of this cookie icebox cake will keep you cool and satisfy your sweet tooth. All you have to do is stack, chill, and eat it!
Blackberry Cobbler
During berry season, put ripe blackberries to good use by tossing them in a buttery, bubbly cobbler. Best of all, you’ll just need five ingredients to pull off this potluck dessert.
Get Ree’s Blackberry Cobbler recipe.
Rhubarb Crisp
Sweet-tart rhubarbs shine in this freshly baked crisp, which becomes even more drool-worthy with the crumbly pecan-and-oat topping and a scoop of silky strawberry ice cream.
Get Ree’s Rhubarb Crisp recipe.
Cheesecake Brownies
Consider this potluck dessert the best of both worlds: Each slice is swirled with brownie batter and cheesecake filling for an ultra-rich, irresistible bite.
Get the Cheesecake Brownies recipe.
Strawberries and Cream Trifle
If you’re on hosting duty, get a jumpstart on party prep with this make-ahead potluck dessert, which has luscious layers of yellow cake, macerated strawberries, and vanilla pudding.
Get the Strawberries and Cream Trifle recipe.
The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever
Ree has a lot of fan-favorite recipes, but this dessert might just take the, well, cake! Not only is it packed with tasty chocolate flavor, but it’s also so easy to transport, serve, and share.
Lemon Bars
Whenever Ree makes these lemon bars, she says they disappear in a flash! With a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty custard filling, these treats are guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Lemon Bars recipe.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can't have a potluck without this classic dessert! Ree’s chocolate chip cookies are easy to bake, make, and take, so they’re perfect for a big group.
Get Ree's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
Chocolate Trifle
Chocolate lovers will adore this towering trifle, which is piled high with brownies, chocolate pudding, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. For stress-free potluck prepping, you can make it a day ahead!
Get the Chocolate Trifle recipe.
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