Desserts that travel well for potlucks give you fresh ideas for everyday cooking. Each recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these dishes will fit right in.

Mango Custard

An overhead shot shows two ramekins with mango custard topped with chopped kiwi on a wooden cutting board.
Mango Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A tropical escape in a bowl, blending ripe mango puree and smooth custard – a refreshing, creamy dessert worth breaking your diet for, providing a taste of sunshine without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

A partially eaten cheesecake square with a graham cracker crust, chocolate and caramel topping, and pecan pieces sits on a white paper liner with a fork nearby—perfect for Desserts at potlucks, as these treats travel well.
Mini Turtle Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These bite-size mini turtle cheesecakes bring together creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for a dessert that’s a total blast of flavors. Perfect for your next party!
Get the Recipe: Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

Victory Blueberry Pie

Slice of blueberry pie with whipped cream on glass plate.
Victory Blueberry Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Step back in time and savor the taste of nostalgia with our authentic 1940s Blueberry Pie recipe. This classic pie has plump, juicy blueberries nestled in a flaky crust.
Get the Recipe: Victory Blueberry Pie

Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

Mini tart with a golden, flaky crust filled with whipped cream and green zest, placed on a dark surface with more tarts in the background—these make perfect desserts for potlucks or any occasion needing desserts that travel well.
Mini Key Lime Pie Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Score big on flavor with the key lime pie bites – tangy, bite-sized treats that add a zesty twist to your football feast. These mini delights are the perfect sweet dessert, guaranteed to keep the crowd wanting for more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Key Lime Pie Bites

Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of peanut butter pie topped with whipped cream and peanuts, on a white plate with the whole pie in the background.
Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the store-bought stuff and impress everyone with this homemade Peanut Butter Pie! It’s got a creamy peanut butter filling on top of a classic graham cracker crust.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Black Bottom Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie on a plate.
Black Bottom Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Black Bottom Pie recipe features a layer of chocolate nestled beneath a velvety custard infused with rum and topped with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Four jars of chocolate pudding with peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with chocolate peanut butter pudding, where velvety chocolate and creamy peanut butter harmonize to create a rich, irresistible delight that’s a perfect treat for any occasion. This luscious pudding is a marriage of two beloved flavors, delivering pure bliss with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Mock Apple Pie

A slice of pie with crumb topping sits atop a stack of white plates—perfect potluck desserts—surrounded by crackers, cinnamon sticks, and more pie in the background.
Mock Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving apple pie but out of apples? This Mock Apple Pie uses Ritz Crackers for a surprisingly delicious twist. Try it for your next dessert!
Get the Recipe: Mock Apple Pie

4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies

Pile of Milky Way brownies on light blue plate.
4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate, yogurt, and Milky Way bars with our 4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies recipe.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Milky Way Brownies

Toasted S’mores Cookies

Image shows Toasted smores cookies on a white tray.
Toasted S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Prepare your taste buds for an irresistible journey of flavors and textures. Picture a delectable graham cracker cookie base that crumbles just right, revealing a luxurious chocolate ganache filling that will make you swoon. As the crowning glory, a heavenly dollop of fluffy marshmallow fluff rests on top, toasted to a perfect golden brown, creating a sensational blend of crunch, richness, and gooey goodness.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Image shows a fork pulling a bite from a molten chocolate cake on a white plate.
Molten Chocolate Cakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These copycat molten cakes are better than the ones they make on Carnival Cruise ships. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the wow factor on these fudgy delights is off the charts.
Get the Recipe: Molten Chocolate Cakes

Cinnamon Roll Pie

A slice of cinnamon roll with icing on a white plate, placed on a blue striped cloth with cinnamon sticks nearby—one of the best desserts that travel well and perfect for potluck desserts.
Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cinnamon rolls meet pie in this over-the-top dessert that’s as indulgent as it sounds! Fluffy, cinnamon-swirled dough bakes inside a buttery pie crust, then gets smothered in rich cream cheese frosting for the ultimate treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or dessert, this Cinnamon Roll Pie is guaranteed to steal the show!
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

S’mores Pie

A slice of chocolate pie topped with toasted marshmallows on a white ornate plate, with a fork placed beside it, rests on a wooden surface. Another partially visible pie is in the background.
S’mores Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This no-bake S’mores Pie is a quick and easy dessert with a rich chocolate filling. Topped with toasted mini marshmallows, it captures all the flavors of the classic campfire treat.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Pie

Dessert Nachos

Image shows dessert nachos on a plate topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dazzle your sweetheart with a playful twist on nachos. Imagine crispy cinnamon sugar tortillas layered with decadent chocolate drizzle, juicy berries, and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a sweet surprise that sparks conversation and laughter, making your night truly “nachos” ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

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

For adventurous eaters, these cookies are a flavor explosion! Sweet caramel meets a touch of spice for a unique and delicious treat. They’re a fun way to try something new and enjoy a different kind of cookie.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff

A bowl of dessert with whipped topping, strawberry slices, and crumbled graham crackers, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden spoons beside it.
Strawberry Shortcake Fluff. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad is the ultimate no-fuss dessert! It’s packed with fresh strawberries, soft angel food cake, and a sweet, creamy mix you’ll love. Just chill and enjoy this easy, refreshing treat!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Fluff

Pastel Mints

A bowl full of green star shaped mints.
Pastel Mints. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Made with a few simple ingredients, these pastel mints are a delicious and elegant addition to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pastel Mints

No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of chocolate ice cream topped with colorful sprinkles and a red cherry, placed on a wooden surface.
No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This no-churn chocolate ice cream is made with chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half and is ready after freezing overnight.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

No Bake Brownies

Close up side view of three no bake brownies on white plate.
No Bake Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Create these hassle-free No Bake Brownies that are both quick and easy to prepare, packed with a rich and fudgy taste. Plus, you won’t need an oven for this delightful treat!
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Slice of coconut cream pie on white plate with pink tablecloth in background.
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Indulge in the velvety goodness of our Classic Coconut Cream Pie, boasting a silky texture, creamy richness, and an abundance of flavor. If you’re a coconut enthusiast, this pie will undoubtedly delight your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coconut Cream PIe

Texas Sheetcake Brownies

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

Texas sheetcake brownies make a huge batch, perfect for a crowd. There are never leftovers when you bring this to share because everyone loves this delicious, frosted brownie.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies

Cheesecake Bars

Close-up of crumbly dessert squares with a cream filling, topped with bits of nuts. A red and white checkered cloth is in the background.
Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These cheesecake bars have a buttery, nutty crust topped with a cheesecake filling. A sprinkle of brown sugar and walnuts adds crunch to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Bars

No Churn Custard Ice Cream

Custard ice cream in glass dish.
No Churn Custard Ice Cream. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

No Churn Custard Ice Cream is a classic summer dessert that can be customized with flavors and toppings of your choice.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Custard Ice Cream

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp in a glass dish with apples and a wooden spoon.
Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This old-fashioned apple crisp is made without oats and has a warm cinnamon topping with a tart apple filling. It’s perfect for fall!
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Butterscotch Brownies

Butterscotch brownie with walnuts and vanilla ice cream on red plate.
Butterscotch Brownies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This 1940s recipe for Butterscotch Brownies is very similar to modern Blondies. It is very simple to make with ingredients you already have!
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies

Saltine Toffee

Close-up of toffee pieces topped with chocolate, crushed nuts, and red heart-shaped sprinkles.
Saltine Toffee. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Buttery, crunchy, salty-sweet crack: Saltine toffee is an addictive 5-ingredient treat. Crackers transform into irresistible candy in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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