35 No-Fuss Potluck Desserts for Your Next Backyard Invite

Planning a backyard get-together and not sure what dessert to bring? These 35 no-fuss potluck desserts are easy to make, easy to carry, and always a hit. From bars and cookies to fruity bakes and crowd-friendly cakes, there’s something here that’ll disappear fast once it hits the table. Keep it simple, sweet, and ready to share.

Image shows easy to make triple chocolate dipped cookies.

Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chewy Molasses Cookies

A hand holds a chewy molasses cookie facing the camera with more cookies on a baking sheet in the background.
Chewy Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sink your teeth into these chewy molasses cookies that are full of rich, spiced flavor. The perfect balance of sweet and warm spices makes every bite feel like a cozy treat. These cookies are easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next potluck.

Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Image shows perfect and delicious strawberry lemonade icebox cake.
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy this cool and creamy strawberry lemonade icebox cake that’s packed with refreshing flavors. Layers of tart lemon and sweet strawberries create a simple yet delicious dessert everyone will love. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat that’s easy to bring to any potluck.

Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Image shows a Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie being pulled apart on a wooden table.
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chewy chocolate cookies are stuffed with gooey marshmallows, making them irresistible with each bite. The combination of crispy edges and soft centers gives them a satisfying texture. They’re quick to whip up and a great option for potlucks when you need something everyone will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Classic Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

Texas sheetcake brownies stacked on a wooden board sitting next to a small jug of milk.
Classic Texas Sheet Cake Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These Texas sheet cake brownies are soft, fudgy, and topped with a rich chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. They’re simple to make but taste like a dessert from a bakery, making them perfect for any gathering. Bake up a batch, and they’ll disappear fast at your next potluck.

Get the Recipe: Classic Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Image shows plate full of triple chocolate dipped cookies.
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chocolate-dipped cookies are soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and covered in smooth chocolate for a bakery-like treat. They’re easy to make at home but taste just like the ones from the mall, making them a perfect addition to any potluck. Bring a tray, and watch them disappear before your eyes.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

Image shows a Spoon with Baileys chocolate mousse and whipped cream and the full serving behind it.
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in a rich and creamy dessert that’s sure to be the highlight of your next gathering. This mousse blends the luxurious taste of Irish cream with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse

German Plum Kuchen

Image shows an overhead shot of German Plum Kuchen in a blue pyrex pan on a wooden table.
German Plum Kuchen. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bring something special to the table with this buttery cake topped with juicy plums. The sweetness of the plums pairs perfectly with the soft, tender cake, creating a dessert that feels both homemade and elegant. It’s surprisingly easy to bake, making it an excellent choice for your next potluck.

Get the Recipe: German Plum Kuchen

Classic Brownies

Image shows a stack of Classic Brownies on a wooden table.
Classic Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy your chocolate cravings with these thick, fudgy brownies packed with rich chocolate flavor. They’re simple to make, and their irresistible taste makes them a go-to for any potluck or gathering. Just cut them into squares, and watch them disappear.

Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies

Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake

Image shows a slice of chocolate frosted chocolate cake on a plate sitting on a wooden table.
Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat yourself to a slice of this rich, soft chocolate cake that melts in your mouth. The combination of a moist texture and deep chocolate flavor makes this cake a true crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, perfect for potlucks when you need an impressive dessert with little effort.

Get the Recipe: Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake

English Toffee

Image shows a stack of English Toffee on a white plate.
English Toffee. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the crisp, buttery sweetness of this irresistible toffee. Each bite is perfectly balanced with rich flavor, making it a treat everyone will love. It’s easy to make in large batches, making it a great addition to any potluck.

Get the Recipe: English Toffee

7 Layer Bars

Image shows 7 layer bars on a wooden cutting board.
7 Layer Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These bars are stacked with layers of chocolate, coconut, and a buttery graham cracker crust for the perfect combination of textures and flavors. They’re simple to prepare and taste like a treat from your favorite bakery. Set them out at a potluck, and they’ll be gone before you know it.

Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars

Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars

Image shows A piece of chocolate caramel bar on a plate.
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with these rich bars that combine chocolate, caramel, and shortbread. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and rich, making them the ideal potluck dessert when you want something impressive. Serve a tray, and watch them vanish in no time.

Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars

S’mores Brownies

Image shows Smores brownies on a white tray.
S’mores Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bring the campfire flavor to your potluck with these gooey brownies packed with marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate. They’re easy to make and have a nostalgic taste that everyone will love. Set them on the table, and they’ll be gone before you get a second piece.

Get the Recipe: S’mores Brownies

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Image shows a head on close up shot of a slice of Apple Pie Bread Pudding topped with whipped cream.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie in this easy-to-make bread pudding. It’s packed with soft bread, sweet apples, and warm spices that create a homemade feel without the hassle. Serve it at your next potluck, and it’ll be gone before the evening ends.

Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Cherry Crumb Bars

Image shows a small place with a cherry crumb bar on it and hte full pan behind it.
Cherry Crumb Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These buttery crumb bars are filled with sweet cherry filling, offering a taste of pie without all the work. They’re easy to cut into perfect squares, making them the perfect dessert for potlucks. Set them out, and watch them disappear quickly.

Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars

Bourbon Chocolate Mousse

Image shows A glass of bourbon chocolate mousse sitting on a wooden table.
Bourbon Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the smooth richness of chocolate combined with a hint of bourbon for a unique twist. This mousse is simple to prepare and makes an impressive addition to any potluck. Serve it in small bowls, and it won’t last long.

Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Image shows A stack of chocolate brownies on top of a blue cloth.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These brownies combine rich chocolate and tart cherries for a bold twist on a classic. They’re easy to make and taste like something from a high-end bakery, making them perfect for potlucks. Share a pan, and watch them disappear fast.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Chewy S’mores Bars

Image show a closeup of a Chewy Smores bar on a white plate.
Chewy S’mores Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the campfire favorite without the flames in these chewy s’mores bars. Layers of gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers create a sweet and satisfying treat. These bars are easy to make, simple to serve, and always one of the first desserts to vanish.

Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars

S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Image shows irresistible s'mores stuffed strawberries.
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the taste of s’mores in a fresh, bite-sized treat with these stuffed strawberries. Filled with marshmallow and chocolate and topped with crushed graham crackers, they’re perfect for snacking. Bring a tray, and they’ll be gone before you blink.

Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Image shows a wooden table with gochujang caramel cookies on it.
Gochujang Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These sweet and spicy cookies offer a surprising flavor combination that’s sure to stand out. The mix of rich caramel with a hint of heat makes each bite uniquely satisfying. They come together quickly but taste like something from an upscale bakery, making them a great potluck treat.

Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Brownie Batter Truffles

Image shows a brownie batter truffle on a plate with a bite taken from it and more behind it.
Brownie Batter Truffles. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in fudgy, chocolate-coated truffles that taste like pure brownie bliss. These mess-free treats are perfect for potlucks because they don’t even need a plate. Make a batch, and they’ll disappear before you get a chance to try one.

Get the Recipe: Brownie Batter Truffles

Palmier Cookies

Image shows a hand holding a palmier cookie in front of others on a wire cooling rack.
Palmier Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These buttery, light palmier cookies offer the perfect crunchy bite. Made with just a few ingredients, they taste like something from a high-end bakery. Set them out, and guests will keep reaching for more.

Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies

Traditional Peach Kuchen

Overhead shot of a whole peach kuchen in a blue ceramic pie pan.
Traditional Peach Kuchen. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the sweetness of fresh peaches in this buttery kuchen, reminiscent of a dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen. The tender crust and juicy peaches make it feel homemade, yet it’s easy to whip up. Serve a pan at your next gathering, and guests will be asking for the recipe.

Get the Recipe: Traditional Peach Kuchen

Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars

Photo shows a double chocolate cherry cereal bar on a wooden board with more in the background.
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chewy bars are packed with chocolate and cherries for a rich and satisfying treat. They’re easy to make in big batches, making them ideal for potlucks that need to feed a crowd. Set them on a tray, and they’ll disappear before you know it.

Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars

Chewy S’more Cookies

Image shows a closeup of a chewy s'mores cookie held over a wooden table.
Chewy S’more Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy all the classic s’mores flavors in a chewy, easy-to-eat cookie. These cookies combine marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers in one delicious bite. Make a batch for your next potluck, and they’ll be gone before you know it.

Get the Recipe: Chewy S’more Cookies

White Chocolate Party Mix

Image shows white chocolate party mix piled into a white bowl on a wooden table.
White Chocolate Party Mix. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This crunchy, sweet mix is coated in white chocolate, making it hard to stop at just one handful. It takes just a few minutes to make, so it’s a great choice when you need a quick potluck dessert. Serve it in a bowl, and it’ll be empty before the night’s over.

Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix

Frosted Banana Bars

Image shows a Frosted Banana Bar with a bite taken from it on a white plate.
Frosted Banana Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These soft, sweet banana bars are topped with smooth frosting for the perfect treat. They’re quick to make and easy to serve, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any potluck. Set them out, and you won’t have any leftovers.

Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars

Snickers Popcorn

Image shows a bowl with Snickers Popcorn next to a Snicker's bar.
Snickers Popcorn. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This sweet and salty popcorn is coated with gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and peanuts for a treat everyone will love. It’s easy to make in large batches, so it’s perfect for potlucks. Make a big bowl, and it’ll be gone before you know it.

Get the Recipe: Snickers Popcorn

Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

A small plate with a slice of chocolate chip applesauce cake with the pan holding the rest of the cake behind it.
Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This soft cake is filled with chocolate chips and keeps moist thanks to the applesauce. It’s easy to bake in a big batch, making it perfect for potlucks where you need a dessert that stretches far. Bring a pan, and there won’t be a crumb left.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

Blueberry Pudding Cake

Image shows Blueberry Pudding Cake in a blue bowl with the full dish behind it.
Blueberry Pudding Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in layers of pudding and sweet blueberries with every bite of this soft dessert. It’s simple to make but looks like something special, making it an ideal potluck treat. Bring this one, and someone will surely ask how it’s made.

Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake

Slab Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan dessert squares stack on top of each other.
Slab Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

These bars offer a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey caramel topping with toasted pecans for the perfect balance of flavors. They’re rich and satisfying, making them a great addition to fall potlucks. Serve a pan, and they’ll be gone in no time.

Get the Recipe: Slab Pecan Pie Bars

Peach Raspberry Bars

Image shows delicious peach raspberry bars.
Peach Raspberry Bars. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These summer fruit bars combine sweet peaches and tangy raspberries in a buttery, crunchy crust. They’re easy to make and perfect for potlucks when you want a light yet delicious dessert. Serve them up, and they’ll be the first to disappear.

Get the Recipe: Peach Raspberry Bars

No Bake Brownie Bites

A bowl of no bake brownie bites.
No Bake Brownie Bites. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These brownie bites are both healthy and indulgent, offering the best of both worlds. They’re easy to make and require no baking, making them perfect for busy potluck days. Dig in, and you’ll be reaching for another before you even realize it.

Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownie Bites

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

A slice of chocolate chip pizza on a plate.
Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This fun dessert pizza starts with a soft, cookie-like crust topped with melted chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows. It’s easy to slice, fun to serve, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Bring this to your next gathering, and it’ll be the sweet treat everyone talks about.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Quick Pudding Cookies

Image shows yummy quick pudding cookies,
Quick Pudding Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These soft, chewy cookies use instant pudding mix to create a moist, bakery-style texture with every bite. They’re simple to make with pantry staples and perfect for potlucks. Bake a batch, and they’ll be the cookies everyone reaches for first.

Get the Recipe: Quick Pudding Cookies

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