35 Best Picnic Desserts You’ll Love

These picnic desserts are the perfect finishing touch to your summer spread!

Or, heck- they can make up the whole spread!

Easy Picnic Desserts

Trust me; you’ll want to fill your basket with these portable desserts. They’re as tasty as they are beautiful. 

No spilling, breaking, or smooshing to worry about here! Just bars, cookies, and pies that are easy to eat and delicious. 

Treat yourself and your guests to these goodies for a memorable picnic experience. 

Go on – pack up, venture out, and enjoy these irresistible picnic desserts!

1. ​​Godiva Chocolate Brownies

Indulge in these Godiva chocolate brownies – chewy, gooey, and fudgy. 

Sporting the best crackly tops, these are brownies at their finest. 

They’re a breeze to make, giving store-bought mixes a run for their money. 

My recipe features bittersweet and unsweetened Godiva chocolates. It’s a combo for rich, decadent brownies that are not overly sweet. 

Pro-tip: Do not skip the instant espresso powder. It doesn’t add coffee flavor but boosts the chocolate.

2.  Soft and Chewy Lemon Cookies

Brighten your picnic day with these lemon cookies! Made from pantry staples, they’re incredibly easy yet flavorful. 

The recipe pairs a buttery base with lemon zest. It results in a delicate bite with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy taste. 

Simple ingredients, big flavor – that’s what these cookies bring.

3. Kool-Aid Pie

Don’t be afraid to eat the Kool-Aid… pie! 

This Kool-Aid pie will add a sweet, nostalgic touch to your picnic spread.

Condensed milk lends a rich sweetness. The Kool-Aid mix infuses the pie with a fruity flavor and vibrant color. 

Graham cracker crust perfectly complements the filling. A whipped topping ensures the mixture stays light. 

Best part? It requires no oven, just three ingredients, and a ready-made crust.

4. Mini Apple Pies

Can’t bring a whole pie to the picnic? Bring small ones! These mini apple pies are the perfect solution. 

They are full of delicious homemade apple pie filling with vanilla and cinnamon. Holy yum! 

They taste like fall and are perfect for picnicking in the crisp autumn air.

While regular pies have their charm, there’s something about mini pies that’s irresistible.

Perhaps it’s their charming size? Or that you can eat them without a plate. Or maybe it is the guilt-free pleasure of having two!

Whatever your reasons are, one thing is for sure. These mini apple pies are to die for.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Well, duh? Chocolate chip cookies are a no-brainer for picnic desserts. 

These cookies offer the best textures. They are crispy on the outside, chewy within, and bursting with chocolate chips. 

Every bite is a sweet, chocolaty treat. 

The best thing about this recipe is it does not need chilling. Make the dough, shape, and bake!

Our key player here is butter-flavored Crisco. With this not-so-secret ingredient, you can freaking delectable chocolate chip cookies.

6. Lemon Squares

The mere thought of lemon squares puts a smile on my face. 

The ingredients create a beautiful union of flavors. They’re sweet, buttery, and tangy- a bright and satisfying dessert. 

Texture-wise, these squares are a dream. They are soft, moist, and chewy bars with a light, flaky crust. 

The powdered sugar on top adds an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth factor.

You couldn’t ask for more in a dessert. But once you’ve had a bite, you will ask for more to eat.

7. Chocolate Chip Blondies

Brownies are fabulous, but I’m 100% team blondies.

How could I not be? They’re such a buttery, caramel-rich, ooey-gooey delight!

When the butter and brown sugar caramelize, they yield an irresistible butterscotch taste. 

I love chocolate, but the butterscotch flavor from brown sugar and butter is incomparable.

Oh, and though you can skip the chocolate chips… don’t.

8. Classic Whoopie Pies

Looking for a dose of nostalgia? Classic whoopie pies bring back sweet, mallowy memories from childhood. 

Picture this: fluffy, moist chocolate cakes sandwiched with creamy marshmallow fluff. Dee-licious! 

These sandwiches offer a cakey yet firm texture. And the smooth, thick filling contrasts it beautifully.

The cocoa cakes and marshmallow filling will transport you right back to childhood!

9. Fresh Peach Crumb Bars

Indulge in the joy of peach season with these delightful peach crumb bars. 

They feature a shortbread crust with a juicy peach filling and almond-flavored icing.

In short, every bite is simply divine.

Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and summer picnics.

10. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Here’s a family favorite for your next picnic- white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. 

They’re soft, buttery, and chewy. They radiate pure joy.

These cookies start out crisp, followed by a buttery, doughy tenderness. And, of course, you’ll get chunks of macadamia and white chocolate chips in every bite.

Sure, you can buy them from a bakery. But nothing beats the satisfaction you get from making them at home.

Do not fret if you are new to baking. This recipe is beginner-friendly! I made sure of it.

11. Funfetti Cookie Sandwiches

Sprinkles are every child’s sweet siren call. They make any treat irresistible to the young-uns.

So, these Funfetti cookie sandwiches are a picnic must-have if you have kids. And these cookies are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

Chewy cookies sandwich a velvety buttercream filling, all dressed up with joyful sprinkles.

They are not just for picnics but perfect for any occasion.

12. Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are the ultimate picnic dessert. This simple snack is universally loved and easy to make.

They feature crispy cereal pieces held together by a marshmallow-butter mix. Simple, but they will have you licking your fingers. 

They come together quickly, so they’re great for last-minute picnics.

13. Applesauce Cookies

Go old school with these applesauce cookies!

Apple sauce cookies are a delightful, nostalgic blend of taste and texture. And they’re impossible to resist.

These cookies are soft and chewy, filled with delicious applesauce. So… that makes them healthy! Right?

(Good enough for me!) 

Infused with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they offer a warm, comforting bite.

Add a crunch with walnuts and the chewiness of raisins for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

14. Blueberry Crumb Bars

Beautiful blueberry crumb bars, how can I resist you? 

Truth is, I can’t. And I bet you won’t be able to, either. 

The recipe starts with a layer of buttery, shortbread-like crust. There’s a sweet-sour layer of blueberries with a hint of lemon. on top 

Finally, crown everything with a second layer of sweet crumbs. 

Simply put, it is a challenge to stop at just one.

15. Soft Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut butter and chocolate chips in one cookie? How can you go wrong?

These cookies deliver immense satisfaction with each bite. 

These cookies are unmistakably peanut buttery. The recipe features a whole cup of peanut butter in the dough! 

But you cannot forget the abundant melty and luxurious chocolate. Yes, these cookies are as chocolatey as they are peanut buttery.

Add to that their slightly crispy edges and soft, chewy centers; they’re utter perfection.

16. Banana Pudding Cookies

Banana pudding cookies are soft and brimming with sweet tropical flavor. 

Every bite bursts with banana pudding mix, white chocolate chips, and Nilla wafers. They taste just like the classic dessert – but in cookie form.

The instant banana pudding gives the cookies their signature tropical taste. 

Despite the absence of actual bananas, they’re unquestionably banana-centric.

Pack these for your next picnic and watch them disappear!

17. Classic Biscotti

Biscotti are Italian cookies with a delightful crunch, perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage. 

These homemade treats are crisp on the edges and soft in the center. They are twice-baked, which is where they get their unique crunch. 

Homemade biscotti is much better than premade biscotti. These cookies can be a delightful addition to your next picnic. 

18. Cinnamon Cookies

Are you a fan of soft, chewy cookies with a touch of warmth? These cinnamon cookies are right up your alley. 

They marry sugar cookies’ delightful texture with Snickerdoodles’ spicy sweetness. How awesome is that?

Expect a cookie with crispy edges and soft, chewy insides coated with cinnamon and sugar.

It’s a year-round treat, perfect for holidays, yet equally delightful on a bright summer day.

19. Banana Bread

It is no surprise banana bread is moist, tender, sweet, and tropical. 

What’s shocking here is how easy it is to make. Unlike other recipes, this one only requires three simple ingredients!

The key to this simplified delight is a boxed cake mix.

The essentials are already combined, so there’s no more need for measuring and adding ingredients. 

A quick whisk together with ripe bananas, and it is ready ready to bake. It’s the epitome of kitchen convenience, yet sacrifices nothing in taste.

20. Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars

This picnic dessert had me at salted chocolate. 

These pretzel bars blend sweet, salty, and crunchy into one indulgent treat.

You only need pretzels, chocolate, caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt. They are as easy as they are delicious!

And if you’re a texture person, you’ll love these bars! The pretzels provide a crunch that contrasts creamy chocolate and caramel. 

The balance between the salty pretzels, sweet caramel, and chocolate is *chef’s kiss.*

21. Watermelon Sugar Cookies

If you want a tasty and extra pretty cookie, try this recipe. These cute, summery treats are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

These cookies look like watermelon slices. But they pack the classic taste and texture of sugar cookies. 

While they require more effort than your typical drop cookies, they are not complicated. 

You only need to prepare one batch of dough, and the chilling time is minimal. Best of all, there is no need for cookie cutters!

22. Strawberry Cookies

These strawberry cookies are a perfect blend of health and indulgence. 

They require just four ingredients – oats, peanut butter, banana, and strawberries. 

Strawberry cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious. Plus, they are a snap to make. 

The best part? No chilling time is required. While ideal for picnics, these cookies are versatile enough for breakfast or any other meal. 

23. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

These bars combine the richness of cheesecake with the comforting crunch of chocolate chip cookies. 

This recipe is a dessert dream team!

They pack both soft and crispy textures. Plus, they ooze with creamy, chocolatey goodness.

Despite their complex flavors, they are simple to make. 

The filling comprises cream cheese, sugar, and an egg. And the final touch? 

A generous sprinkle of extra chocolate chip cookie crumbles on top.

24. Key Lime Pie Bars

These key lime pie bars are a sensational fusion of sweet and tangy. Filled with refreshing lime juice, they’re an ideal dessert for springtime picnics.

What sets them apart is the flavorful crust. Unexpected additions of cinnamon and ground pecans elevate the traditional crust. 

If you’re skeptical, don’t be. These ingredients enhance the flavor without overpowering the citrus notes. Citrus is still king. 

Completing the bars is the filling, packed with fresh lime zest and juice. The result? Sweet, tart, and irresistible key lime pie bars. 

25. Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Light, refreshing, and oh-so-tempting, these strawberry shortcake bars are a sure hit. 

The recipe pairs a cake-like crust with cream cheese and whipped cream. Top it with fresh strawberries for a heavenly finish.

These bars mirror the taste of classic strawberry shortcakes, but they are way more convenient. 

It’s a hassle-free summer dessert that can readily serve a crowd.

26. 5-Ingredient Chewy Coconut Macaroons

Consider the delectable Filipino macaroons for a tropical twist to your picnic desserts. 

To be clear, they are NOT the same as French macarons. 

Filipino macaroons are combine coconut, egg whites, and honey. Each bite is a delightful blend of chewy, sweet, and coconutty.

Preparing these macaroons is a breeze, adding to their appeal. Simple, sweet, and satisfying – what more could you ask for?

27. Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

Picnic dessert ideas for Valentine’s Day? Look no further than mini red velvet cupcakes. 

These tiny treats taste like their full-sized counterparts, condensed into a two-bite delight. 

Top each cupcake with vanilla cream cheese frosting. They will be a hit at any occasion- Valentine’s or otherwise.

28. Carrot Cake Cupcakes

These carrot cake cupcakes are the ultimate picnic dessert, especially for an Easter gathering.

Despite their name they don’t taste like carrots. 

These cupcakes are fluffy and seriously moist. Real grated carrots add extra moisture and sweetness. 

You can add optional extras like nuts or raisins for some crunch. But, honestly, they are delightful as they are.

29. Sara Lee Pound Cake

Sara Lee pound cake has earned its spot as a favorite dessert. It’s tender, buttery, and wonderfully sweet. What’s not to love?

And while you can get these cakes from the store, nothing beats homemade.

This copycat recipe yields a dense and moist cake. It is so soft it practically melts in your mouth. 

30. Cowboy Cookies

Want a cookie that delivers on every front? Look no further than cowboy cookies. 

Every bite features a fantastic world of texture. Cowboy Cookies are crisp on the outside yet soft and chewy. 

The rich, buttery flavor complements oatmeal and chocolate chips- divine.

As a bonus, cowboy cookies are simple to whip up. Just 15 minutes of preparation and a quick 10-minute bake time! 

31. Cherry Pie

If you’re craving a classic dessert, cherry pie will not disappoint. 

It features a homemade cherry pie filling nestled in a flaky pie crust. The result is a blend of tart and sweet, enveloped in a buttery, crumbly crust.

While whole pies might seem daunting, this recipe is straightforward.

Try it for your next picnic, and watch it disappear slice by slice.

32. Classic Chess Pie

Add some Southern charm to your picnic spread with a classic Chess Pie.

Chess Pie is a custard-style pie known for its flaky crust and golden top. 

The pie filling combines evaporated milk, eggs, butter, sugar, and vinegar. Fill a pie shell with the filling, and bake until set. 

The result is one sweet and addictive dessert the whole family will love. 

33. Lemonade Cake

Why drink your lemonade when you can eat it? (Or do both!)

This lemonade cake is a refreshing burst of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. 

It starts with a simple lemon cake from a box. Once baked, you poke holes all over the cake with a fork. 

Next, pour a mixture of lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar over the cake. 

This allows the lemonade flavor to permeate the cake. You literally cannot escape the lemony goodness! Yum.

Plus, the added liquid ensures this cake will stay moist. 

34. Hello Dolly Bars

Say hello to Hello Dolly Bars! These are a dream come true for every dessert lover. They pack not one or two but seven delectable layers. 

These goodies combine crumbly crust and an array of sweet toppings. And sweetened condensed milk brings everything together. 

Picture your favorite dessert toppings- chocolate chips, nuts, coconut- they are all there!

35. Gooey Butter Bars

Sweet, salty, and irresistibly ooey-gooey, these butter bars will win you over at first bite. 

They’re highly addictive. So, if you’re counting calories, look away.

The base is a thick shortbread crust. It is initially crisp, then transitions into a crumbly, buttery delight. 

Cream cheese, sugar, melted butter, and eggs create the cheesecake-like topping. This heavenly mixture is rich, sweet, and subtly tangy.

These might give brownies (or blondies) a run for their money. Believe me, stopping at one is not an option.