13 lazy cook’s recipes for potluck dessert perfection

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When it comes to potlucks, everyone loves a good dessert, but not everyone has the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. If you’re the type who prefers quick and easy recipes without sacrificing taste, these 13 dessert recipes are perfect for you.

Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.
M&M Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A nostalgic favorite, Lime Jello Salad adds a splash of color and a refreshing taste to your potluck spread. Its ease of assembly ensures you can whip up this vibrant dessert without any hassle, perfect for when you need something quick and delightful.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Blueberry Cobbler

Closeup of blueberry cobbler with a few pieces gone and a spoon with berry filling.
Old Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Southern Blueberry Cobbler is a charming addition to any potluck, with its golden, flaky crust and a bounty of berries inside. Each spoonful promises a burst of berry juices, making this dessert not only simple to prepare but also irresistibly juicy.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Starbucks Lemon Loaf

A lemon loaf cake with glaze on a wooden board with sliced lemons in the background.
Starbucks Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf brings a slice of lemony bliss to your kitchen, mirroring the beloved coffeehouse treat. Moist and golden, this loaf is an uncomplicated bake that lemon enthusiasts will adore at any get-together.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Gooey coconut bars on a wooden cutting board with coconut.
Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips are the perfect marriage of sweet coconut and rich chocolate, creating a chewy delight. They’re simple to prepare, and sure to bring lots of compliments at your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Loaf of cinnamon bread sliced to show the ribbon of cinnamon inside.
Amish Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Cinnamon Bread is the epitome of simple sweetness, filling your space with the inviting aroma of cinnamon. This quick-to-make bread is a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of comfort to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread

Classic Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bar squares topped with sliced strawberries.
Classic Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Classic Cheesecake Bars offer the creamy, dreamy taste of cheesecake in a more convenient bar form. Topped with fresh berries, they’re an easy-to-serve option that will grace your potluck with a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.
M&M Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate dump cake is the ultimate chocolatey treat. With rich, gooey chocolate, chocolate chips and M&M’s, it is a sinfully delicious dessert you can make with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange fluff salad in a bowl.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Orange Fluff Salad is a whimsical concoction of oranges, cottage cheese, and whipped topping, creating a creamsicle-inspired delight. This vintage recipe is a breeze to make and a creamy, dreamy addition to any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Caramel Cookie Bars

Caramel Cookie Bars on a plate.
Caramel Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the layered textures of these Caramel Cookie Bars, where gooey caramel and fluffy marshmallows meet a sugary crunch. They’re an effortless treat, utilizing store-bought dough for a quick dessert solution.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Cookie Bars

Blueberry and Cherry Cobbler

A serving of blueberry cherry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate, next to a baking dish containing the remaining cobbler.
Blueberry and Cherry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Blueberry and Cherry Cobbler is a celebration of summer fruits, with a luscious filling and a perfectly baked crust. It’s an effortless dessert to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy the festivities while your dish becomes the star of the potluck.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry and Cherry Cobbler

Sugar Cookie Bars

Red, white and blue sugar cookie bars cut into squares on a baking rack.
Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make choice for any social gathering, soft and chewy with a generous frosting topping. They’re the ideal pick for a sweet treat that’s both convenient and a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Bars

Apricot Upside Down Cake

A Apricot Upside Down Cake on a white plate.
Apricot Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Apricot Upside Down Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert featuring gooey caramelized apricots atop a buttery, soft cake. This dessert is a throwback to simpler times and is sure to evoke warm memories at any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Upside Down Cake

Reeses Pieces Bars

A square of Reeses pieces cookie bars on a cutting board.
Reeses Pieces Bars. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Reese’s Pieces Bars are a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream, easy to make and even easier to love. Share these bars at your next potluck meal, and watch as they quickly disappear, thanks to their irresistible combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Reeses Pieces Bars

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