A homemade dessert always stands out at a potluck. These from-scratch treats are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re bringing cookies, brownies, or something a little different, these recipes keep things simple without losing flavor. No shortcuts, no mixes—just real ingredients and great results.
Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Bring back memories of the mall with these chewy, chocolate-dipped cookies that taste just like the real thing. They have a crisp edge, a soft center, and a rich chocolate coating that makes them perfect for any potluck dessert table. They’re easy to make from scratch but look and taste like something straight from a bakery.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Shake things up at the dessert table with these sweet and spicy cookies that pack a punch. The mix of rich caramel and a hint of heat makes them a bold and unexpected potluck dessert that still feels familiar. They come together fast but taste like something from a high-end bakery, making them a great choice when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Chewy S’mores Bars
Skip the campfire and bring these chewy s’mores bars to the next potluck instead. Layers of gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers make them a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, simple to serve, and always one of the first desserts to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Traditional Peach Kuchen
Treat everyone to a classic dessert with this buttery, peach-filled kuchen that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen. The sweet fruit and tender crust make it feel homemade, but it’s easy enough to whip up for any potluck. Serve a pan of this, and guests will be asking how it’s made before they finish their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Peach Kuchen
German Plum Kuchen
Bring something special to the table with this buttery cake topped with juicy plums and just the right amount of sweetness. The simple ingredients come together to make a dessert that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to bake. It’s a great potluck dessert when you want something homemade that feels a little different from the usual choices.
Get the Recipe: German Plum Kuchen
Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake
Make dessert easy with this moist, chocolate-studded applesauce cake that’s always a hit. The applesauce keeps it soft and flavorful, while the chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. It’s simple to bake in big batches, making it perfect for potlucks when you need a homemade treat without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Give guests something to talk about with these chewy cereal bars loaded with rich chocolate and tart cherries. They take just a few steps to make, but they taste like something from a fancy dessert shop. Set out a tray at a potluck, and they’ll be gone before you get a chance to grab one.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
Surprise everyone with these fresh strawberries stuffed with gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate. They take all the best parts of a s’more and turn them into a bite-sized potluck treat that’s easy to grab and enjoy. Make a plate of these, and they’ll be the first thing to disappear from the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
Frosted Banana Bars
Bring something sweet and simple to the potluck with these soft banana bars topped with smooth frosting. They come together quickly and can be made in big batches, making them an easy choice when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert. Set them out on a tray, and they’ll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake
Serve up a chocolate lover’s dream with this rich, ultra-moist cake that melts in your mouth. It looks fancy but takes little effort, making it a great potluck dessert when you want something impressive without the stress. Cut a slice, and guests will be coming back for more before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Give guests something fun to grab with these chewy chocolate cookies stuffed with gooey marshmallows. They have the perfect mix of crispy edges, soft centers, and just the right amount of sweetness. They come together fast but taste like something straight from a bakery, making them perfect for any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Treat the potluck crowd to these soft, spiced molasses cookies that taste like an old-fashioned favorite. They’re easy to make but feel like something special, with warm flavors that bring a touch of nostalgia. Bake a batch, and they’ll be gone before you can grab another.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Classic Brownies
Bring a batch of rich, fudgy brownies, and watch them disappear before the night is over. These homemade treats take little effort but deliver a big flavor, making them one of the best potluck desserts to bake. Set a plate on the table, and they’ll be the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Snickers Popcorn
Add a little crunch to the dessert table with this sweet and salty Snickers popcorn that’s impossible to resist. Gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and peanuts coat every bite, making it a great potluck treat for guests who love to snack. Make a big bowl, and it’ll be empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Snickers Popcorn
Brownie Batter Truffles
Give guests a bite-sized treat with these rich, fudgy truffles that taste just like brownie batter. They’re coated in smooth chocolate, making them a mess-free potluck dessert that doesn’t even need a plate. Make a batch, and they’ll be gone before you get a chance to try one.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Batter Truffles