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  5. Our Best Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd

Our Best Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd

Laura Denby
By Laura Denby Updated May 17, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Big gatherings are better when everybody chips in, and that's why we love a potluck! It takes the pressure off the host and lets everyone sample something new. If you're looking to spice up the usual potluck sweets, we've rounded up the best desserts to take to a potluck. Whether you make them completely ahead or add a few finishing touches at the party, these potluck desserts are easy to make, easy to transport, and even easier to devour.
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No-Bake Butterscotch Bars

No-Bake Butterscotch Bars
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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These pretty bars are the perfect no-bake potluck desserts. They owe their flavor to butterscotch pudding and crushed candy bars. Even better? They can be made ahead. If you're the planning type, make these in advance and freeze them. Just be sure to set them out 30 minutes before serving.

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Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie

crumb-topped apple slab pie
Credit: Karla Conrad
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This potluck dessert recipe will be a crowd-pleaser at your next big party. The only thing that makes apple pie tastier is crowning it with a flavor-packed crumb topping. Made in a sheet pan rather than a pie dish, this slab pie is easy to make and serve. It’s a perfectly portable potluck dessert recipe!

Buy It: Williams Sonoma Half Sheet Pan ($30, Williams Sonoma)

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Cinnamon-Walnut Cracker Bars

Cinnamon-Walnut Cracker Bars
Credit: Carson Downing
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Leave the oven off in favor of these no-bake potluck desserts. We can never resist a sweet and salty combo, and this potluck dessert recipe is no exception. Chill these until firm and enjoy at room temperature.

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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This all-time favorite recipe yields 60 cookies, which makes it one of the most perfect potluck dessert recipes for your next neighborhood get-together. The pumpkin cookies really do melt in your mouth, so prepare for these to go quickly.

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Peach Melba Pie Pops

Peach Melba Pie Pops
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Another set of potluck sweets that are lollipop inspired! The peach Melba flavor in these pie pops is accented by the sweet pastry crust, icing, and chopped almonds.

Related: Up Your Dessert Game with These Cake Pop Recipes

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Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies

Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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A lot of the best potluck desserts aren’t gluten-free. Well, no longer! These potluck sweets solve that problem by accommodating those with special dietary restrictions. Serve warm with whipped cream or enjoy at room temperature.

Related: 33 Amazing Gluten-Free Recipes to Serve the Whole Family

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White Chocolate-Cranberry Crispy Treats

cranberry and white chocolate crispy treats
Credit: Blaine Moats
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We’ve taken a childhood-favorite, no-bake potluck dessert and added creamy white chocolate chunks and sweet cranberries. It’s a delightful twist on one of the best potluck desserts for both kids and adults. Make them in advance and serve at room temperature for an extra easy treat.

 Related: Crispy Cereal Treats

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Fresh Strawberry Bars

Fresh Strawberry Bars
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Who knew PB&J was one of the best desserts to take to a potluck? Rich peanut butter bars are topped with a layer of strawberry jam and heaps of fresh strawberries in this unbeatable potluck dessert. To make ahead of time, wrap the bars in foil and store at room temperature up to 24 hours. Top with berries and jam just before serving.

Related: New Ways to Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly

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Cherry-White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cherry-White Chocolate Chip Cookie dipped in white chocolate
Credit: Carson Downing
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Maraschino cherries add a sweet blush to these white chocolate chip cookies. Their enchanting appearance makes them one of the best desserts to take to a potluck. For an even prettier presentation, dip the cookies in melted white chocolate.

Related: Decadent White Chocolate Desserts

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Malted Milk Ball Cookies

Malted Milk Ball Cookies
Credit: Jay Wilde
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Who would guess that these potluck sweets contain whole bran cereal? Malted milk balls are a crunchy surprise in these quick and easy cookies that are easy to make in advance, can sit at room temperature, and will delight a crowd.

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Blueberry Slab Pie

Blueberry Slab Pie
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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This easy potluck dessert is baked on a sheet tray rather than a pie dish, so prep, transporting, serving, and cleanup is all a breeze. The blueberry filling has a simple sweet taste with a little bit of spice, and the sugary crumb topping pulls the dessert together. Though tastier when warm, this pie can certainly be enjoyed at room temperature too.

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Coffee and Cookie Brownies

Coffee and Cookie Brownies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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The perfect way to wrap up any potluck party, coffee-lovers will swoon over this make-ahead potluck dessert. Chewy brownies are wedged between a flaky pastry crust and melted chocolate pieces in our coffee-infused bar. Serve at room temperature and enjoy.

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Orange Cream-Pop Cupcakes

Orange Cream-Pop Cupcakes
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Looking to get a little more creative with your potluck cake recipes? Our tasty cupcakes are as cute as a frozen pop on a stick! Save some time by using cake and pudding mixes for your batter. Then go all out with our homemade orange and cream cheese frosting that's sure to make this treat the star of the potluck table.

Test Kitchen Tip: Bring these cupcakes in an insulated carrier, then take them out at dessert time so the heat doesn't make the frosting go bad.

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Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Cookies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Cinnamon-laced and packed with brown sugary goodness, these classy cookies are one of the most delicious and easy potluck desserts for any get-together. For some sweet variations, try our oatmeal-raisin or oatmeal-chocolate chip recipes.

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Lemon-Lime Bars

Lemon-Lime Bars
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Try a fresh take on an easy potluck dessert with these zesty lemon-lime bars. A light sprinkling of powdered sugar adds a little sweetness to these tart bars.

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Chocolate-Raspberry Drops

Chocolate-Raspberry Drops on parchment paper
Credit: Brie Passano
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For an easy potluck dessert recipe that’s sure to wow a crowd, go beyond the basic chocolate chip cookie by adding sweet-tart raspberries to the mix. Be sure to use frozen raspberries so they hold their shape and don't blend into the batter. Store and serve at room temperature.

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Cappuccino-Caramel Oat Bars

Cappuccino-Caramel Oat Bars
Credit: Karla Conrad
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Let your teeth sink in to one of these chewy and delectable potluck sweets. The sweet and creamy caramel will invite you into these pecan-cappuccino bars, while the hearty oats and bold espresso flavor will have you reaching for more.

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Cherry-Crumble Pie Bars

Cherry-Crumble Pie Bars
Credit: Scott Little
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In the mood for a fruity dessert to take to a potluck? Try these. Zesty lemon peel adds zing to this crumbly fruit bar, while almond extract and brown sugar add extra sweetness. Your guests won’t be able to put them down. If you make them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

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German Chocolate Cookies

German Chocolate Cookies
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Step aside, German chocolate cake. There's a lighter chocolaty treat in town, and it happens to be one of the best potluck desserts. With flaky coconut and toasted pecans, these smart cookies get a nutritional boost from oatmeal and flaxseed.

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Spiked Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Spiked Raspberry-Lemonade Cupcakes
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Get the potluck party started with spiked raspberry lemonade cupcakes! A splash of berry liqueur in a fresh, zesty lemon cake will make this potluck sweet the highlight of your next get-together. The lemon and raspberry garnish is a pretty finishing touch.

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Cookie Truffles

Oreo Truffles
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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We've turned your favorite cookie into delicious no-bake potluck desserts: white chocolate-covered truffles! It's a classy, creamy treat that's sure to stand out on the buffet table.

Related: Truffle Recipes that Beat Store-Bought Desserts

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Caramel-Cashew Bars

Caramel-Cashew Bars
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Relive the memory of biting into your favorite old-time candy bar with these potluck sweets. Creamy caramel and roasted peanuts on a delicious shortbread cookie take you back to the good old days. Sprinkle a few marshmallows over the crust before baking for chewy sweetness. If you plan on making these ahead of time, store and serve them at room temperature.

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White Chocolate Brownies

White Chocolate Brownies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Out with the old and in with the newest and best potluck desserts. Our buttery white chocolate brownies, complete with crunchy macadamia nuts, are a delicious spin on the traditional brownie treat.

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Blueberry-Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Credit: Scott Little
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A splash of orange juice gives these luscious blueberry cheesecake bars a citrus twist. They’re one of the best desserts to take to a potluck—just make sure to keep them chilled if you're serving them outdoors.

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Ultimate Bar Cookies

Ultimate Bar Cookies
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Combine all of your favorite potluck sweets into the ultimate cookie treat. Your guests will definitely enjoy milk chocolate, crumbly brown sugar, and nutty goodness—all in one delicious bite.

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    1 of 25 No-Bake Butterscotch Bars
    2 of 25 Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie
    3 of 25 Cinnamon-Walnut Cracker Bars
    4 of 25 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
    5 of 25 Peach Melba Pie Pops
    6 of 25 Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies
    7 of 25 White Chocolate-Cranberry Crispy Treats
    8 of 25 Fresh Strawberry Bars
    9 of 25 Cherry-White Chocolate Chip Cookies
    10 of 25 Malted Milk Ball Cookies
    11 of 25 Blueberry Slab Pie
    12 of 25 Coffee and Cookie Brownies
    13 of 25 Orange Cream-Pop Cupcakes
    14 of 25 Oatmeal Cookies
    15 of 25 Lemon-Lime Bars
    16 of 25 Chocolate-Raspberry Drops
    17 of 25 Cappuccino-Caramel Oat Bars
    18 of 25 Cherry-Crumble Pie Bars
    19 of 25 German Chocolate Cookies
    20 of 25 Spiked Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes
    21 of 25 Cookie Truffles
    22 of 25 Caramel-Cashew Bars
    23 of 25 White Chocolate Brownies
    24 of 25 Blueberry-Swirl Cheesecake Bars
    25 of 25 Ultimate Bar Cookies

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    Our Best Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd
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