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17 desserts you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for the next pot luck invitation

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By Leah Ingram

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If your friends and family are like mine, then whenever they have people over, they always make it a potluck party. My favorite food item to bring to one of these gatherings is a dessert — something that’s easy to make, travels well and looks great on a plate. I think you’ll find these 17 desserts are perfect for such occasions and you’ll want to keep them in your back pocket for the next potluck invite.

A stack of chocolate fudge squares with crushed cookies and chocolate chips, served on a white plate.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge. Photo credit: My Full Belly.

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Two cupcakes topped with white frosting and garnished with pecan pieces, displayed close together.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes bring maple flavor to the forefront and come together quickly using store-bought cake mix. Less time baking means more time enjoying these treats with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Two slices of banana bread on a red plate, with two ripe bananas and a glass of milk in the background.
Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread keeps things simple. Just mix everything right in the pan, bake and let the oven handle the rest. The surprising flavor makes it my go-to for family potlucks and get togethers.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Red White and Blue Trifle

A layered trifle dessert in a glass bowl, topped with whole strawberries and blueberries. The layers include cake, cream, and fruit.
Red White and Blue Trifle. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Red White and Blue Trifle layers boxed cake mix, fresh fruit and whipped cream into a dessert that’s easy to assemble, travels beautifully and still looks impressive for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle

Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters

A pile of chocolate-covered nut clusters drizzled with white chocolate is arranged on a white plate.
Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters are the ultimate pass-around dessert at a party. They’re easy to make in your slow cooker and give you dessert options when you just don’t want to make cookies.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Unbaked cookies on parchment paper, some topped with chocolate pieces and others in ball shapes.
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies use boxed cake mix as the base along with cream cheese and butter for a rich texture. Hershey’s chocolate kisses on top make them a party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close-up of a stack of chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies mash up two crowd-pleasers into one dessert. Soft chewy cookies with a cheesecake filling are perfect for any dessert lover or to put out on a platter at a party.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Two slices of frosted yellow cake are stacked on a white plate, placed on a textured tablecloth. A whisk and wooden utensils are visible in the background.
Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Honey Bun Cake is always a hit during the holidays or any time of the year. Made with a yellow cake mix, it’s simple but stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture making it perfect for fun get togethers.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Pink Snowballs

A plate of pink coconut-topped dessert bars stacked on a white plate, with a cup and another plate in the background.
Pink Snowballs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pink Snowball Brownies put a nostalgic twist on a classic snack. Boxed mix turns into a fun homemade version of the Hostess treat for a playful and colorful addition to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Pink Snowballs

No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls

A white plate with nine round, colorful balls of sugar-coated dough on a gray striped cloth; two wooden scoops lie nearby.
No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Rainbow snowcone chocolate balls bring summer vibes to your table regardless of what month of the year it is. Plus, you never need to turn on the oven. Change the colors to match any party theme for a versatile treat.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls

Easy Homemade Whipped Cream

A hand using a Cuisinart immersion blender to whip cream in a large stainless steel bowl on a kitchen countertop. A measuring cup and a rubber spatula are in the background.
Easy Homemade Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Homemade whipped cream is easier than you think. With three ingredients and a handheld immersion blender, you’ll have fresh whipped cream in under a minute for topping desserts you’re serving at home or bringing to a party.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Tiramisu Dessert

Three glass dessert cups filled with layers of pumpkin mousse, whipped cream, and sponge cake sit on a wooden surface, adorned with greenery and cinnamon sticks. A small white pumpkin is in the background.
Pumpkin Tiramisu Dessert. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pumpkin tiramisu served in mini trifle dishes adds a fall-inspired twist to the classic Italian dessert. But you don’t have to wait for autumn to enjoy the pumpkin spice in this delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu Dessert

Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies drizzled with white icing are surrounded by raw oats, with cinnamon sticks as decoration.
Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Maple oatmeal cookies come together so easily with a few of my favorite pantry staples — oatmeal and maple syrup. Sure, they give off fall vibes but you go ahead and enjoy them all year long.
Get the Recipe: Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Crescent Roll Chocolate Croissants

A blue plate with chocolate chip croissants, half-eaten croissant in the front showing chocolate filling, scattered chips on surface, a glass of milk, and a white towel in the background.
Crescent Roll Chocolate Croissants. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough, chocolate chips and sugar come together to make chocolate croissants you can serve as dessert or even for breakfast. You’ll turn store-bought dough into flaky chocolate-filled pastries in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Chocolate Croissants

Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge

A plate of chocolate chip cookie bars stacked on a wooden board, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of white chocolate chips, with a red patterned cloth beneath.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge. Photo credit: My Full Belly.

Chocolate chip cookie fudge is a no-bake treat that starts on the stovetop and finishes in the fridge. The result is fudgy chocolatey perfection for any snack moment or a party potluck.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Fudge

No Bake Chocolate Icebox Cake

Close-up of a dessert bar with layers of cream and chocolate cookie pieces, topped with chocolate drizzle.
No Bake Chocolate Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This no-bake chocolate icebox cake swaps classic Nabisco wafers for a new option but keeps everything, including the taste, that you love. It firms up in the fridge or freezer for a chilled dessert win.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Icebox Cake

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

A chocolate cookie with a bite taken out. Several whole cookies and small chocolate pieces are in the background on a white surface.
Chocolate Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Chocolate Brownie Cookies are a match for anyone who loves crispy edges and a soft fudgy center. They combine the best parts of brownies and cookies in every bite you or your guests take.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug

Four cake pops covered in colorful sprinkles on a blue plate, with one cake pop partially eaten to reveal the inside. Skewers are used as handles.
Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Ever wondered how to make Starbucks-style cake pops at home? They start with microwaved mug cakes and are perfect for Valentine’s Day or whenever you need an impressive dessert to serve.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Pops in a Mug

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