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Easy Desserts to Bring to a Party That Always Impress

There is nothing better than bringing fantastic-looking (and tasting) desserts to a party.

easy desserts to bring to a party

No matter if you’re heading to a casual potluck or a decked-out dinner party, bringing the right dessert can steal the show and satisfy every sweet tooth in the room.

Below, I’m going to share not only tips on how to select the dessert that everyone will be raving about, but I’m also going to share some ideas that you can keep in your recipe rotation to wow everyone. 

Here are some basic things to consider when choosing any dessert to bring to your next party:

  • Start with desserts that travel well
  • Take into account the time of year
  • Consider a no-bake option
  • Note how big the crowd is

Try an Easy Dessert that Travels Well

There is nothing worse than worrying that the masterpiece you created gets destroyed on the drive to your party. Don’t even make it an option.

Easy desserts are a girl’s best friend when it comes to planning what you’re going to bring. The best ones are the ones that are going to hold up well while traveling and don’t require you to use your hostess’s oven or spend time assembling.

Keep Your Desserts in Season 

A fantastic idea is to let the season guide what you bring. For example, easy summer desserts feature fresh berries and whipped cream. You can build a strawberry shortcake or a no-bake cheesecake decorated with fresh strawberries. 

Cooler weather is perfect for a heavier dessert like a dark chocolate cake or Death by Chocolate. A deep, comforting dessert like this will hit the spot for everyone at the party. It’s the season of indulgence, so why not celebrate it with your friends?

desserts for a crowd

No-Bake Options Can Be Your Secret Weapon

If you’re short on oven space, consider a no-bake dessert. It’s the perfect option for your potluck desserts. Don’t get me wrong, no-bake does not always mean no-cook. 

Whether you need to assemble or cook some parts on the stovetop, plan ahead so you aren’t surprised. If you are looking for amazing ideas, Delish has some gorgeous creations you can try.

I also have a blog post about no-bake desserts for Easter, but they can really be made at any time of the year.

Here are some of my favorite easy desserts to bring to a party because they are so simple:

  • Chocolate-covered strawberries
easy party desserts
  • Cannoli dip served with Sheila G’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Brittle
  • Cream Cheese Dips with graham crackers, apple slices, etc. You can find a collection of different recipes here.

Think About Desserts for a Crowd

Potluck desserts and party desserts need to work hard, so be sure to plan ahead and keep the following “rules” in mind when you’re choosing your dessert.

Your dessert should do the following:

  • Look impressive while ending the night on a sweet note.
  • Be easy to serve without special tools.
  • Appeal to different tastes and possibly any dietary restrictions (nut-free, dairy-free, etc).
  • Stay fresh during the party.

Great ideas are items that are easy to make a lot of, cut into squares, scoop into bowls, or can have guests grab with their fingers.

potluck desserts

Tips for Easy Party Desserts Worth Repeating 

When planning which desserts to bring to a party, keep in mind the next few tips. 

When you find a winner, keep making it! Some of the best desserts for parties are the ones you can make easily. Once you find something that you know people love and it’s easy to make, you can have that become your signature dessert.

Also, pick a recipe that matches your skill level and one that matches the vibe of the party. A casual backyard BBQ calls for a different type of dessert and presentation than an elegant dinner party dessert spread.

{Related Post: The Ultimate BBQ Guide: Things Needed for a BBQ}

FAQ Section

  1. Are no-bake desserts good for parties? Absolutely. This can look different for each person. Maybe you want to only assemble store-bought goods or simply want to blend a few ingredients together. There is no shame in either.
  2. How much dessert should I bring to a party? Plan for one serving per guest, with extra if dessert is the main focus (or yours is the only one). For larger gatherings, desserts that can be cut or scooped make serving easier.
  3. What desserts travel well to a party? Desserts that travel well include sheet cakes, brownies, dessert bars, cookies, and desserts served in disposable pans or containers (like the ones listed here).

End on a Sweet Note

No matter if the occasion is a birthday, holiday gathering, or just because, the right delicious potluck dessert will bring everyone together at the end of the night. 

Remember, once you find your go-to party dessert, it can be your signature dessert. Make it one that you love to make and can package nicely. 

No-bake party desserts

Showing up with a crowd-pleasing dessert is always the perfect way to be everyone’s favorite guest. Next time you’re planning what to bring to the party, remember these tips, and you will never go wrong.

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