Planning a picnic and looking for recipes that are both delicious and light? We’ve got you covered with 27 picnic-ready recipes that won’t weigh you down. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, portable, and perfect for enjoying outdoors. Say goodbye to heavy, cumbersome dishes and hello to flavorful, satisfying options that make your picnic enjoyable and stress-free.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pecan Pie takes about an hour to prepare and combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and pecans. This pie features a creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy pecan layer, making it perfect for a light yet satisfying dessert. The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the nutty pecans, creating a balanced taste. It’s a great option for a picnic treat that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie
White Chocolate Chip Cookies
White Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready in just 30 minutes and feature a delightful blend of white chocolate and buttery dough. These cookies offer a sweet, creamy flavor with a slightly crispy edge and a soft center. The white chocolate chips melt into the dough, providing bursts of sweetness in every bite. They are an easy-to-carry snack that fits perfectly into any picnic basket.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Moist Gluten-Free Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Moist Gluten-Free Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins take about 35 minutes to make and combine juicy blueberries with rich chocolate chips. These muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them a delightful treat. The gluten-free aspect ensures that everyone at your picnic can enjoy them. They are light yet satisfying, perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Moist Gluten-Free Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake requires just 20 minutes to prepare and features a rich chocolate base with crunchy pistachios. This cake is creamy, nutty, and indulgent without being too heavy. The no-bake aspect makes it a quick and convenient option for a picnic. Its delightful combination of flavors will surely impress your picnic guests.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler
Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is filled with sweet, juicy cherries. The cobbler topping is light and crumbly, creating a perfect contrast to the fruit filling. This dessert is both gluten-free and delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a refreshing and light option for a picnic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler
Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad
Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad takes about 20 minutes to make and features fresh zucchini and a flavorful crab salad filling. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a picnic. The zucchini adds a crisp texture, while the crab salad offers a savory and satisfying taste. It’s an elegant and healthy option that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad
Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir
Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir takes about an hour to prepare and features rich dates and a hint of Pinot Noir. This pudding is moist, sweet, and has a deep, complex flavor. The combination of dates and wine creates a unique and indulgent dessert. It’s a sophisticated yet light option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping take about 40 minutes to make and feature tart cranberries and sweet apples. These muffins are moist and topped with a crunchy streusel, adding a delightful texture. The combination of fruit flavors makes them refreshing and not overly sweet. They are a perfect, light snack for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Raspberry Coeur a la Creme
Raspberry Coeur a la Creme takes about 20 minutes to prepare and features creamy cheese and fresh raspberries. This dessert is light, airy, and has a delicate sweetness. The fresh raspberries add a tart contrast to the creamy base. It’s an elegant and refreshing option for a picnic treat.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Coeur a la Creme
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls take about 30 minutes to make and feature fresh vegetables and marinated tofu. These spring rolls are light, crunchy, and packed with flavor. The tofu adds a savory element, while the vegetables provide freshness. They are a healthy and portable option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
Raspberry Mini Pavlovas take about an hour to prepare and feature crisp meringue shells filled with fresh raspberries. These pavlovas are light, airy, and have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The meringue is crisp on the outside and soft inside, creating a delightful texture. They are an elegant and light dessert option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
Charcuterie Board
A Charcuterie Board takes about 20 minutes to assemble and features a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits. This board is versatile, allowing for a mix of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of different textures and tastes makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect, light option for picnics, offering something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board
Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies
Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies take about 45 minutes to prepare and feature a nutty pistachio filling. These triangular cookies are buttery and flaky, with a rich pistachio center. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a delightful treat. They are easy to transport and perfect for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Hamantaschen Cookies
Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds takes about an hour to prepare and features a rich chocolate filling with a crunchy almond crust. This tart is indulgent yet light, offering a perfect balance of flavors. The almonds add a nutty crunch to the smooth chocolate. It’s a sophisticated dessert option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
Gluten-Free Apple Cake
Gluten-Free Apple Cake takes about an hour to make and features sweet apples and a moist, tender crumb. This cake is light, flavorful, and perfect for those who need a gluten-free option. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. It’s a delicious and light dessert for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Cake
Gluten-Free Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup
Gluten-Free Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup takes about an hour to prepare and features a rich, sweet date syrup. This dessert is moist, flavorful, and perfect for those who need a gluten-free option. The homemade date syrup adds a unique and indulgent taste. It’s a comforting yet light option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chip Muffins take about 30 minutes to make and feature rich chocolate chips in a moist, tender muffin. These muffins are sweet, fluffy, and perfect for a quick snack. The chocolate chips melt into the batter, creating pockets of gooey chocolate. They are a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Muffins
Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins
Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins take about 35 minutes to prepare and feature three types of chocolate. These muffins are rich, moist, and perfect for chocolate lovers. The combination of different chocolates creates a deep, complex flavor. They are a decadent yet light option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffins
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Chocolate Raspberry Tart takes about an hour to prepare and features a rich chocolate filling with fresh raspberries. This tart is indulgent yet light, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The raspberries add a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate. It’s an elegant dessert option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids
Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids take about 30 minutes to make and feature sweet coconut. These macaroons are soft, chewy, and have a delightful coconut flavor. The pyramid shape makes them fun and easy to handle. They are a light and satisfying treat for a picnic, perfect for those who love coconut.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids
Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins take about 45 minutes to prepare and feature a blend of carrots, apples, and nuts. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The combination of fruits and nuts makes them a wholesome snack. They are a healthy and delicious option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Morning Glory Muffins
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses takes about an hour to make and features sweet apples and a nutty almond base. This cake is light, moist, and beautifully decorated with apple roses. The combination of almond and apple flavors creates a delightful taste. It’s an elegant and light dessert for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses
Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins take about 35 minutes to prepare and feature ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips. These muffins are moist, sweet, and perfect for those who need a gluten-free option. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the chocolate chips provide a delightful contrast. They are a delicious and light snack for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach
Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach takes about an hour to make and features a rich chocolate filling in a flaky pastry. These rugelach are sweet, buttery, and perfect for those who need a gluten-free option. The chocolate filling melts into the dough, creating a delightful treat. They are easy to transport and ideal for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream takes about an hour to prepare and features a rich pecan filling with a hint of maple. This pie is sweet, nutty, and perfect for those who need a gluten-free option. The maple syrup adds a unique flavor, while the dulce de leche cream provides a creamy contrast. It’s a delicious and light dessert for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche Cream
Argentinian Alfajores
Argentinian Alfajores take about an hour to make and feature a sweet dulce de leche filling sandwiched between two tender cookies. These cookies are sweet, buttery, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dulce de leche adds a rich, caramel flavor that complements the cookies perfectly. They are a delightful and light treat for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Alfajores
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
Baked Cranberry Cheesecake takes about an hour and a half to prepare and features a creamy cheesecake base with a tart cranberry topping. This cheesecake is rich, smooth, and has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The cranberries add a fresh contrast to the creamy base. It’s an elegant and light dessert option for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Cheesecake