Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 14 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play & Stay This Summer

      14 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play & Stay This Summer

      Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Read More
    • Out Now: Best of the Midwest 2022

      Out Now: Best of the Midwest 2022

      Find your summer adventure with our new bookazine, available now in the magazine store! Read More
    • This Family's Garden Farm is a Nature-Filled Paradise

      This Family's Garden Farm is a Nature-Filled Paradise

      On land passed down through generations, a Wisconsin family experiences—and shares—the glory of gardening. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Urban-Pop Art, a New Boutique Hotel and More—Here's What to See and Do in Fort Wayne Right Now

    Urban-Pop Art, a New Boutique Hotel and More—Here's What to See and Do in Fort Wayne Right Now

    On a trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana, catch a colorful wave of fresh development, plus a new hotel from the cofounder of Vera Bradley.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Mango Toast with Prosciutto

    Mango Toast with Prosciutto

    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    5 Clever Tips for Repurposing a Potting Bench as a Bar Cart 

    5 Clever Tips for Repurposing a Potting Bench as a Bar Cart 

    With smart accessorizing, a potting bench becomes a celebration station for summer soirees.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    Expert Tips for Growing a Window Box Garden

    Expert Tips for Growing a Window Box Garden

    Casey Lawrence’s lush window boxes were a revelation to her online followers. Use her tips to grow your own.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Festive 4th of July Dessert Recipes

    Festive 4th of July Dessert Recipes

    Get out your red, white and blue for these patriotic dessert recipes.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing

    These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing

    Don't toss those orange peels! Instead, use them as vessels for our super-simple and fragrant candles.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest Winners 2022

    Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest Winners 2022

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Desserts & Baking
  4. 40 Tempting Potluck Dessert Recipes

40 Tempting Potluck Dessert Recipes

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com Updated March 01, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie

Try our potluck dessert recipes for delicious bar cookies, brownies, cookies, cakes, trifles, cupcakes and more for potlucks, family reunions, summer cabin get-togethers—or just your next backyard dinner.

Start Slideshow

1 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie

Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Vanilla ice cream, gooey fudge sauce and peanuts sit on a chewy rice-cereal crust. Trust us, it's out of this world-perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

1 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A Mexican standard and guaranteed backyard crowd-pleaser, our brown-sugar sheet cake is soaked in milky syrup, chilled, then topped with whipped cream and berries.

2 of 41

3 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pina Colada Cupcakes

Pina Colada Cupcakes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cocktail meets cupcake with the tropical marriage of pineapple preserves, crunchy macaroon bits and toasted coconut. We bet you won't even miss the rum.

3 of 41

Advertisement

4 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut Butter Chip and Jelly Bars

Peanut Butter Chip and Jelly Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The flavor of these bars from Connie Siegel of Wisconsin will take you right back to your school lunchroom! If you don't like grape jelly, strawberry would work well, too.

4 of 41

5 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prep time is just 10 minutes for this easy summer mix of strawberries, light frozen whipped topping, prepared strawberry topping and pound cake. 

5 of 41

6 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Apple Cranberry Slab Pie

Easy Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Purchased puff pastry adds to the ease of this dessert recipe, but the real star is the filling the pairing of sweet apples and tart cranberries. Homemade icing rounds out this crowd-pleasing potluck pie.

6 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

S'more Cake

S'more Cake
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This rich potluck dessert is made in the slow cooker for a unique twist on classic s'mores. With graham crackers, chocolate pieces and marshmallow creme, it's messy and fun and great for kids.

7 of 41

8 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic potluck dessert includes a crushed pretzel crust, a layer of sweetened cream cheese, and a top layer of strawberry gelatin and strawberries. 

8 of 41

9 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Neapolitan Party Cake

Neapolitan Party Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crowd-pleaser is easier than it looks. (You only make one batter.) Garnish the strawberry-frosted cake with double-dipped berries to hint at the festive stripes hiding inside.

9 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Root Beer Float Cupcakes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These soda-shop-cute cupcakes are inspired by the whimsical treats served at Designer Desserts Bakery in Valparaiso, Indiana.

10 of 41

11 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate-Strawberry Shortcake Sliders

Chocolate-Strawberry Shortcake Sliders
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic strawberry shortcake reveals its dark, chocolatey side with these luscious mini cakes. The recipe makes 18, so they're perfect for parties.

11 of 41

12 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Heavenlies

Caramel Heavenlies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Graham crackers form the base for this bar cookie with layers of marshmallows, brown sugar, almonds and coconut. "I've made these cookies since 1984," says Georgine Simmonds of Genesee, Michigan. "They're one of my family's favorites."

12 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tropical Ambrosia Shortcake

Tropical Ambrosia Shortcake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic shortcake meets church-basement standard ambrosia salad in this surprising and crowd-pleasing dessert that's packed with tropical fruit flavor.

13 of 41

14 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry-Blueberry Cookie Crisp

Strawberry-Blueberry Cookie Crisp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prep this easy dessert in just 10 minutes, then bake for 25 minutes. Crumbled pecan shortbread cookies form the topping over a fresh fruit filling.

14 of 41

15 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Berry Easy Cobbler

Berry Easy Cobbler
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This warm, crunch-topped cobbler calls for 3 cups of blueberries, but if you'd like a version with extra color and flavor, reduce the blueberries to 2 cups and add 2 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries.

15 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Mocha Gooey Butter Cake

Chocolate Mocha Gooey Butter Cake recipe
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We used a cake mix in the crust for this creamy chocolate dessert from the former Chocolate Cafe and Coffee House in Missouri. The recipe makes a generous 24 bars, so it's perfect for a potluck.

16 of 41

17 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peach Upside-Down Cake

Peach Upside-Down Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The family behind Illinois' Rendleman Orchards has amassed some great peach recipes in 135 years of growing peaches. This cake is no exception. Peach slices and brown sugar form a moist base for the tender, square cake--and when flipped over, that base becomes the topping. We like the cake warm with ice cream.

17 of 41

18 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel and Chocolate Kettle-Corn Crispie Bars

Recipe contest winner: Caramel and Chocolate Kettle-Corn Crispie Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipe from Judy Reynolds of Bloomington, Indiana, was the $10,000 winner in our first Best of the Midwest cook-off. Start with a Hoosier staple-popcorn-and stir together these sweet-salty snack bars. Homemade caramel sauce helps makes them a standout.

18 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Out-and-About Cheesecake

Out-and-About Cheesecake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Combine sweetened Brie and cream cheese with fresh blueberries for this no-bake dessert designed for single-serving cups.

19 of 41

20 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Chocolate Brownies

White Chocolate Brownies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

White chocolate and macadamia nuts give traditional brownies a flavor and color makeover.

20 of 41

21 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Danish Pastry Apple Bars

Danish Pastry Apple Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One of the most popular recipes on our website, these bars taste like apple pie in a baking pan. "You can't go wrong with these," writes one of our website reviewers "I've taken them to all kinds of events and they are always the first dessert to go!"

21 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Luscious Lemon Bars

Luscious Lemon Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet and tart, these moist, powdered-sugar-topped dessert bars will disappear fast.

22 of 41

23 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange Cream Pop Cupcakes

Orange Cream Pop Cupcakes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For this party-special cupcake, combine white cake mix, orange-flavor gelatin, orange juice, and cheesecake-flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix. Cream cheese frosting gets a flavor punch from orange gelatin and shredded orange peel.

23 of 41

24 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Peanut Cracker-Stack Bars

Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Peanut Cracker-Stack Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These fantastic potluck bars come from Patrice Hurd of Bemidji, Minnesota. She won the grand prize in a Best of the Midwest® Recipe Contest. Patrice says they're a twist on her grandmother's cracker bars. They cut beautifully and brim with salty-sweet-nutty-chocolately flavor.

24 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry-Coconut Thumbprints

Strawberry-Coconut Thumbprints
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Linda Roberts of Rapid City, South Dakota, tops her buttery cream cheese, coconut coated cookie with fruit jam. This recipe was a finalist in our first Best of the Midwest cook-off.

25 of 41

26 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Berry Trifle

Berry Trifle
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mix buttery pound cake, creamy vanilla pudding, soft cream cheese, and fresh strawberries or blueberries for a rich comfort-food dessert. To trim calories, try making it with angel food cake, fat-free pudding, and low-fat or fat-free cream cheese.

26 of 41

27 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Our Own Dream Cookies

Our Own Dream Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's not easy satisfying everyone, but this cookie from the Midwest Living® Test Kitchen tries to meet the challenge! It's packed with oatmeal, chocolate, peanut butter and nuts.

27 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot Stack Cake

Apricot Stack Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layering flapjack-like cakes in a springform pan is an easy way to prep this one-of-a-kind dessert. Hints of lime and honey enhance sweet, juicy apricots. Freshly whipped cream tops this potluck star.

28 of 41

29 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Candy Bar Cookies

Candy Bar Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bite-size treats feature a creamy mixture of chocolate pieces, butterscotch pieces and peanut butter over a cooked oatmeal-brown sugar layer. The recipe is from a Madison, Wisconsin, reader, who takes the bar cookies to potluck gatherings.

29 of 41

30 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blueberry-Almond Bars

Blueberry-Almond Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fruit fillings complement the sweetness of other bar cookie ingredients. Blueberry-Almond Bars was a grand champion award recipe at the Marshall County Fair's annual Blueberry Bake-A-Rama in Plymouth, Indiana. Lori Van Der Weele combined blueberries, butter, white baking pieces and almonds for this winner.

30 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fudge Brownies

Fudge Brownies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The key to a perfect homemade brownie is not overcooking it. Rather than a toothpick test, trust your eyes and nose to tell you when the brownie is set. The center will stay ever-so-slightly moist.

31 of 41

32 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cherry Crumble Pie Bars

Cherry Crumble Pie Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Zesty lemon peel adds zing to this fruit bar cookie; almond extract and brown sugar give it extra sweetness.

32 of 41

33 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blackberry-Pecan Streusel Pie

Blackberry-Pecan Streusel Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Precook the juicy, tart blackberry filling before pouring it in the crust. The streusel topping becomes a crunchy sugar-pecan crown.

33 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layers of cheesecake, raspberry filling, almonds and coconut form dessert bars perfect for summer picnics and potlucks.

34 of 41

35 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Macaroon Brownies

Macaroon Brownies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dollop a mixture of shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk on brownie batter for a fun flavor variation on traditional fudge brownies.

35 of 41

36 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prairie State Oatmeal Cake

Prairie State Oatmeal Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rolled oats keep this old-fashioned cake moist. You'll love the gooey coconut-walnut topping.

36 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Double-Cherry Supreme Pie

Double-Cherry Supreme Pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dried tart cherries add extra flavor to this classic pie, which was pictured on a cover of Midwest Living®.

37 of 41

38 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Peanut Butter Bars

Easy Peanut Butter Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These sturdy bars travel well; pack them in lunch boxes or take to a picnic or potluck.

38 of 41

39 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Krista's Kitchen Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Krista's Kitchen Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These big cookies-loaded with chocolate chips and nuts-were a customer favorite at the former Krista's Kitchen Bakery/Cafe in Portage, Wisconsin. The cookie bakes crisp on the outside, cakey inside.

39 of 41

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dessert Fruit Pizza

Dessert Fruit Pizza
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Purchased sugar cookie dough stands in as the pizza crust for this dessert, and cream cheese, assorted fresh fruit and chopped almonds are the toppings. This recipe includes amaretto, which can be replaced with milk and almond extract to make the dessert more kid-friendly.

40 of 41

41 of 41

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cherry-Brickle Coffee Cake

Cherry-Brickle Coffee Cake
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This coffee cake recipe, one of the winners in a Midwest Living® potluck recipe contest, comes from a Robinson, Illinois, reader. Cherry pie filling stars in the cake.

41 of 41

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 41 Peanut Butter-Fudge Pie
    2 of 41 Tres Leches Cake
    3 of 41 Pina Colada Cupcakes
    4 of 41 Peanut Butter Chip and Jelly Bars
    5 of 41 Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
    6 of 41 Easy Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
    7 of 41 S'more Cake
    8 of 41 Strawberry Pretzel Salad
    9 of 41 Neapolitan Party Cake
    10 of 41 Root Beer Float Cupcakes
    11 of 41 Chocolate-Strawberry Shortcake Sliders
    12 of 41 Caramel Heavenlies
    13 of 41 Tropical Ambrosia Shortcake
    14 of 41 Strawberry-Blueberry Cookie Crisp
    15 of 41 Berry Easy Cobbler
    16 of 41 Chocolate Mocha Gooey Butter Cake
    17 of 41 Peach Upside-Down Cake
    18 of 41 Caramel and Chocolate Kettle-Corn Crispie Bars
    19 of 41 Out-and-About Cheesecake
    20 of 41 White Chocolate Brownies
    21 of 41 Danish Pastry Apple Bars
    22 of 41 Luscious Lemon Bars
    23 of 41 Orange Cream Pop Cupcakes
    24 of 41 Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Peanut Cracker-Stack Bars
    25 of 41 Strawberry-Coconut Thumbprints
    26 of 41 Berry Trifle
    27 of 41 Our Own Dream Cookies
    28 of 41 Apricot Stack Cake
    29 of 41 Candy Bar Cookies
    30 of 41 Blueberry-Almond Bars
    31 of 41 Fudge Brownies
    32 of 41 Cherry Crumble Pie Bars
    33 of 41 Blackberry-Pecan Streusel Pie
    34 of 41 Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
    35 of 41 Macaroon Brownies
    36 of 41 Prairie State Oatmeal Cake
    37 of 41 Double-Cherry Supreme Pie
    38 of 41 Easy Peanut Butter Bars
    39 of 41 Krista's Kitchen Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
    40 of 41 Dessert Fruit Pizza
    41 of 41 Cherry-Brickle Coffee Cake

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    40 Tempting Potluck Dessert Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.