Whether you’re running the show or just bringing a dish, dessert is the one thing that always gets noticed. These 21 sweet recipes are easy to make, simple to share, and gone before you know it. From cookies to bars and everything in between, each one fits right in at any potluck table. It doesn’t matter if you’re the host or a guest, these desserts work every time.
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Frosted Banana Bars
Light, moist, and topped with smooth frosting, these bars check every box when it comes to easy potluck desserts. They slice clean, pack well, and are easy to share without making a mess. Hosting or guesting, this is one of those delicious potluck desserts that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Rich chocolate meets tart cherry in a fudgy brownie that stands out on any dessert table. These hold up well after baking and are easy to serve, even without fancy extras. For a potluck dessert that brings bold flavor without extra work, this one never misses.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Snickers Popcorn
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and covered in caramel and chocolate, this popcorn mix is a hit from the first handful. It’s easy to toss together in a big bowl and perfect for passing around. Hosting or guesting, this is one of those potluck desserts that people snack on nonstop.
Get the Recipe: Snickers Popcorn
Chewy S’more Cookies
Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers come together in every soft, chewy bite of these cookies. They’re easy to make and travel well, so they’re great for group events. These are the kind of potluck dessert recipes that disappear before the tray hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’more Cookies
Twix Copycat Bars
These bars layer shortbread, caramel, and chocolate for a treat that tastes just like the candy bar. They slice clean, hold their shape, and are easy to pass around. When it comes to sweet, easy-to-make potluck desserts, this one’s always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake
This soft chocolate cake is full of deep flavor and doesn’t need any frosting or extras to steal the show. It’s simple to bake in a large pan and cut into neat squares for serving. Hosting or guesting, this dessert always works because it’s easy to love and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake
English Toffee
Buttery and crisp with a smooth chocolate top and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, this toffee breaks into perfect bite-sized pieces. It’s easy to make ahead and even easier to share at big gatherings. For a potluck dessert that keeps disappearing piece by piece, this is it.
Get the Recipe: English Toffee
Chewy Molasses Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices that bring a little something extra to the table. They’re quick to bake in big batches and still taste great hours after cooling. This is a great potluck dessert for when you want to bring something classic that’s also easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow come together in every chewy bite of these easy cookies. They stack well, travel well, and vanish quickly once the tray is out. Hosting or guesting, this is one of those potluck desserts that works with just about any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These bars have a buttery base, thick caramel center, and smooth chocolate top that make them feel rich without the extra work. They slice neatly and hold together, which makes them great for passing around. If you want a potluck dessert that’s easy to share and always gets eaten, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Juicy blueberries are tucked between a soft base and a sweet, crumbly top that holds its shape and tastes just right. These bars slice clean and stay firm, which makes them easy to serve on any dessert tray. Hosting or guesting, this is one of those fruity potluck desserts that disappears without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Palmier Cookies
These cookies are golden, flaky, and come together with just a few ingredients that bake up light and crisp. They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make in big batches for any type of event. If you’re bringing a potluck dessert that feels polished but keeps things simple, these cookies are the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
7 Layer Bars
Chocolate, coconut, nuts, and more all sit on top of a graham cracker crust in a bar that’s rich and full of texture. They take very little time to make and always seem to be the first treat gone from the table. For a sweet and shareable potluck dessert, these bars are as easy as they are crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Cherry Crumb Bars
Tart cherries and a buttery crumb topping come together in a dessert that’s as pretty as it is tasty. These bars are sturdy enough to pack and pass around, making them perfect for any potluck table. When you need a dessert that’s simple to slice and always gets compliments, this one fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
German Plum Kuchen
This soft cake is topped with slices of baked plums that bring just the right mix of sweet and tart. It’s easy to make in one pan and cuts neatly into pieces for serving a crowd. Hosting or guesting, this potluck dessert delivers something special without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: German Plum Kuchen
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Creamy and smooth with just the right touch of Bailey’s, this mousse brings rich flavor without much prep. It works well in small cups, which makes it easy to serve to a crowd without a mess. If you’re after a potluck dessert that feels like more than it is, this one hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
These cookies are soft and chewy with a thick chocolate coating that makes them feel just a little extra. They travel well, hold up on a tray, and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. When it comes to simple and irresistible potluck desserts, this one’s a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Bourbon Chocolate Mousse
This chocolate mousse is silky smooth with just enough bourbon to give it a rich and warm flavor. It takes only a few steps to make and can be chilled in advance for a no-fuss dessert. For potlucks that call for something creamy and memorable, this one brings both taste and ease.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Mousse
Classic Texas Sheet Cake Brownies
These soft brownies are baked in a big sheet pan and topped with warm chocolate frosting that sinks into the cake. They serve a crowd without a lot of effort and taste even better the next day. Hosting or guesting, this potluck dessert is always worth making.
Get the Recipe: Classic Texas Sheet Cake Brownies
Blueberry Pudding Cake
A soft, tender cake sits on top of creamy pudding with blueberries tucked throughout for a warm and rich dessert. It’s baked in one dish and scoops easily into bowls or cups for a simple serve. When a potluck calls for something sweet and spoonable, this one never goes untouched.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
These cookies bring a mix of buttery caramel and just enough heat to keep things interesting. They’re fast to bake and sure to surprise guests in the best way. For potluck dessert recipes that break from the usual, this one brings bold flavor with no extra work.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies