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Best Desserts for Outdoor Parties

Need some cookout and picnic dessert ideas? These desserts for outdoor parties don’t need refrigeration and won’t get messy in warm weather!

75+ Recipes for Outdoor Desserts bakeorbreak.com

Cookout and Picnic Desserts

When warm weather arrives, that also ushers in the season of barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor parties. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have dessert delegated to you more often than not. This collection of desserts for outdoor parties will serve you well throughout these warm weather months.

What Makes a Good Outdoor Dessert

  • No refrigeration needed. When you think about warm weather desserts, it’s easy to think immediately of icebox pies and mini cheesecakes and all kinds of cold desserts. But, here’s the thing. If you’re going to be dining outside, then those kinds of desserts are not your friends. You want sturdy desserts that don’t need refrigeration and won’t melt all over your guests.
  • Easy to transport. Cookout and picnic desserts should also be easily portable. A batch of cookies or bars will store and transport nicely in a container. A simple cake or pie can be covered and carried as well. Don’t create unneeded stress by needing to worry if your dessert will make it to your outdoor party and still be intact.
  • Make-ahead. Bonus points for these kinds of desserts! All of these recipes fall into that category. You can make everything here at least a day in advance so you can just grab it and go when it’s time for your cookout or picnic.

Keep this list bookmarked for your warm weather gatherings. I think you’ll love making and sharing these delicious crowd-pleasers that are perfect cookout and picnic desserts!

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies served on a plate

As you can guess from the title of those cookies up there, I absolutely adore My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies. They have ground oats mixed into the dough to give them a little oatmeal cookie twist. For years, these have been my most requested cookie. And the recipe makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty for your dessert-hungry crowd.

overhead view of Cookies and Cream Brownies on a white plate

These Cookies and Cream Brownies are guaranteed to be a hit! They’re such a simple combination of fudgy brownies and classic Oreos, but they’re always snatched up so quickly.

More brownie recipes

Mixed Berry Cobbler in a blue baker

Of course, we can’t ignore summer fruits! To me, they’re the best thing about warmer weather. Make good use of your favorite berry or a combination of berries with this Mixed Berry Cobbler. If you happen to have some freezer access nearby your outdoor party, a little ice cream dolloped on top of this is just lovely.

More summer fruit favorites

overhead view of slices of cream cheese pound cake on white plates and the remaining cake on a white cake plate

Cream Cheese Pecan Pound Cake is a shining example of just how good a “simple” cake can be. This easy-to-make cake is so flavorful and a sure crowd-pleaser.

More cake recipes

Stack of 4 seven layer bars with parchment paper between each

These 7 Layers Bars may be the perfect dessert for an outdoor meal. They are amazingly easy to make. We’re talking 7 ingredients. They aren’t overly gooey or sticky. And, they’re made a day in advance. All of that, and I haven’t even mentioned how incredibly good they are!

More bar recipes

Enjoy outdoor party season, my friends! What desserts do you enjoy at your warm weather gatherings?

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    2 Comments on “Best Desserts for Outdoor Parties”

  1. Wow, all of these look delicious, but I NEED that cobbler in my life. Maybe if I make summer desserts, the weather will take the hint?

    Hope you have a great weekend!

  2. i will definitely be making use of these when my friends and i go for our end-of-exams picnic next week!

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