14 Summer Desserts That Are Built for Cookouts, Potlucks, and Sunny Days
Summer gatherings call for desserts that are just as dependable as they are delicious. Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, packing for a picnic, or bringing a treat to a potluck, these recipes are made to travel well and hold up in warm weather. These 14 summer desserts are built for sunny days, delivering sweet flavor without melting into a mess.
Blueberry Hand Pies: A Classic Summer Recipe
These mini blueberry hand pies are my go-to for summer parties, picnics, potlucks, or just a good day at home when I’m craving the deliciousness of a blueberry pie without the fuss of a full-sized one.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Blondie meets PB&J Sandwich. Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with our irresistible Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, boasting a chewy peanut butter base topped with a layer of luscious strawberry jam. These bars are sure to satisfy both your nostalgic cravings and your taste for something new!
Blueberry Crumble Cake
This light and fluffy blueberry crumble cake is layered with moist vanilla cake, fresh blueberry jam, and a buttery crumb topping. You can make it year-round with fresh or frozen blueberries!
Blueberry Pie Bars with Lattice Crust
With a soft, buttery pie crust, juicy layer of blueberry pie filling, and a gorgeous lattice top, these blueberry bars are a little more dressed up than my jammy mixed berry cobbler bars, but still totally picnic- and party-ready. They’re just perfect when you want all the flavor of blueberry pie without the fuss.
Strawberry Oat Bars
Simple to make, these strawberry oat bars are all kinds of tasty! Made with fresh strawberries, they are a perfect treat to make this summer!
Greek Yogurt Brownies
Made with no oil, these Greek yogurt brownies are a tasty and healthier version of a traditional brownie. Not to mention they are so easy to make!
Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
Brownies are one of my favorite chocolate desserts and these zucchini brownies are no exception. They’re easy to take on the go for picnics, cookouts, and parties, but they’re also a delicious evening dessert after dinner.
Homemade Cherry Pie Bars
There’s something about cherry pie that just feels like summer, and these cherry pie bars, a cherry-filled take on my popular blueberry pie bars, are my favorite easy way to get there. I make them from scratch with buttery pie dough, homemade cherry pie filling (with frozen cherries!), and a playful little lattice top, just like the bakery pies I baked for years professionally.
Vegan Trail Mix Cookies
These chunky Trail Mix Cookies are made rolled oats and loaded with peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips; vegan & delicious!
Red White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats
Fourth of July just got even more fun! This Red, White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats recipe adds patriotic flair to soft, chewy treats. With colorful M&Ms and sprinkles, they’re the perfect addition to a fireworks show or holiday picnic.
Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for a summer picnic and are such a fun activity to involve your kiddos in. Just add some freeze-dried strawberries and you will have a fruity spin on your classic childhood treat.
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Easy Magic Cookie Bars
Magic Cookie Bars are layers of delicious graham cracker crust, covered with a gooey caramely layer stuffed with chocolate, nuts, and coconut. These Magic Cookie Bars are perfect to bring to parties, picnics, or just a simple dessert.
Easy Pineapple Pie
This easy Pineapple Pie recipe makes a sweet and juicy tropical dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day! It’s got a buttery, flaky double-crust and a delicious filling made with canned or fresh pineapple.
Strawberry Bars
Sweet and fruity Strawberry Bars bring the perfect burst of flavor for any summer party. A buttery shortbread crust and strawberry jello topping make these bars irresistible!
