30+ Potluck Desserts to Bring to a Party

By Sam MerrittPublished Apr 24, 2026

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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.

Collage of potluck desserts including eclair cake, pineapple upside down cupcakes, dirt cake, banana pudding, and black bottom cupcakes.

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.

5 from 40 votes

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.

Slice of strawberry pretzel salad made completely from-scratch.

4.34 from 6 votes

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!

Hands pulling a rice krispie treat apart to show a gooey marshmallow center.

4.93 from 97 votes

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!

4.92 from 50 votes

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.

4.92 from 34 votes

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.

4.99 from 78 votes

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!

4.89 from 289 votes

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.

Banana pudding closeup in clear glass bowl

4.87 from 23 votes

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.

Slices missing from a pan of homemade dirt cake made with Oreo cookie crumbs, a cream cheese filling, and gummy worms.

5 from 1 vote

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.

5 from 10 votes

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.

5 from 8 votes

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.

4.91 from 11 votes

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.

4.95 from 51 votes

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!

4.86 from 28 votes

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.

square slice of tres leches cake with one forkful sitting on the plate beside it

4.95 from 192 votes

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.

5 from 9 votes

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.

Carmelita broken in half to show gooey caramel

5 from 15 votes

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.

4.99 from 53 votes

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 a sugar cookie crust topped with blueberries and sliced strawberries

4.89 from 9 votes

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.

5 from 16 votes

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!

4.98 from 149 votes

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 😉

5 from 3 votes

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

No chilling, scooping, or rolling! These are always a hit, as are my oatmeal cookie bars.

chocolate chip cookie bar studded with chocolate chips

4.92 from 116 votes

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!

square of creamy key lime pie bar on marble, topped with whipped cream and lime zest

5 from 23 votes

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!

5 from 15 votes

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

While drop sugar cookies are easy, sugar cookie bars are even easier. The frosting adds a nice touch too!

neatly cut frosted sugar cookie bars arranged in rows

4.93 from 41 votes

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!

4.98 from 38 votes

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.

5 from 3 votes

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 bar with chocolate bar pieces pressed into the top surrounded by mini marshmallows.

5 from 5 votes

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!

5 from 46 votes

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

Looking for a unique dessert to bring to a party? Cookie dough dip is it!

bowl of cookie dough dip topped with mini chocolate chips and a pretzel

4.88 from 31 votes

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.

four pecan pies stacked on top of each other, with the top bar missing one bite

4.98 from 37 votes

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

What is a good dessert to serve at a party?

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.

What is the best dessert to bring to a potluck?

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.