It's officially picnic season! And no summer spread is complete without a sweet treat at the end, so we've rounded up the most portable picnic desserts to pack in your basket.
38 Desserts Perfect for a Summer Picnic
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Mini S’mores
Combine marshmallow creme, chocolate, graham crackers and more for a summery delight at any time of year. —Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
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Mini Apple Pies
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 162 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
3/38
Super Chunky Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate lovers will go crazy over these cookies that feature loads of chocolate! When friends ask me to make "those cookies," I know exactly what recipe they mean. —Rebecca Jendry, Spring Branch, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 115 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Picnic Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll score points with a crowd when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 173 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/38
Lemon Coconut Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The tangy lemon flavor of this no-fuss dessert is especially delicious on a warm day. It gives me delightful flashbacks of selling lemonade on the sidewalk as a little girl. —Donna Biddle, Elmira, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 82 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
6/38
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Hawaiian nuts and melty morsels make a fantastic combination in these buttery white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. —Cathy Lennon, Newport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
9/38
Lemon Blueberry Whoopie Pies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pies are soft, cakey cookies studded with tart, juicy blueberries and filled with tangy cream cheese frosting. I bring them to family and school events and they are always the first thing gone! Make sure to continually scrape the side of the bowl with a spatula while mixing the batter and frosting. —Kathy Martino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 whoopie pie: 281 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/38
Peach Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I had the most beautiful peaches and really wanted to bake with them. I started with my blueberry crumb bar recipe, and after a couple of tries, I was so happy with the results. My co-worker taste testers were, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 151 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Nutella Hand Pies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These pint-sized Nutella hand pies made with puff pastry are too good to keep to yourself! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 hand pie: 190 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
13/38
Coconut, Lime and Pistachio Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for freezing, these cookies look like Christmas but taste like summer. —Barbara Crusan, Pass Christian, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/38
Mini Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love baking cookies to give as gifts to my family and friends. I created this recipe for my annual holiday cookie platter and it received rave reviews from both children and adults. If the buttercream doesn't come together after all of the butter has been incorporated, add some shortening one tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to transform. —Julie Thomas, Saukville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 120 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Blueberry Lattice Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for amazing new recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 233 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Zucchini Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Lighter and fluffier than most zucchini breads, this is a great way to put that vegetable to good use! —Kevin Bruckerhoff, Columbia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 229 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/38
Amish Sugar Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/38
Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re all so busy and pressed for time. I find myself creating recipes that are fast to prepare and deliver fabulous results, proving you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Here’s a favorite of mine that combines chocolate candies and cookies into one wonderful bar. —Averie Sunshine, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 403 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/38
Yummy Cracker Snacks
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are my family’s favorite. In fact, it seems no matter how many I make, they always disappear too soon! —D. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker sandwich: 170 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/38
Toni's Tropical Biscotti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My second mom had a hankering for biscotti with pistachios and dried papaya. Since she's a fabulous cook, I gave it a whirl. The result was sensational!—Bonnie Hauschild, Wellington, Florida
21/38
Snickerdoodle Blondies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
When asked to bring a dessert for my boys' football team to share, I whipped up these unique blondies and was instantly named "the greatest mom" by all. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 235 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Lemon Zucchini Drops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 99 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these, the kitchen smells like Christmas. Cinnamon chips add fabulous flavor to the bars, and the maple glaze fancies them up a bit. —Lyndi Pilch, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 254 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Banana Pineapple Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our four kids like slices of this moist tropical-tasting banana bread for breakfast. I sometimes bake it in mini loaf pans, then freeze the loaves so we can enjoy a small portion at a time. —Mary Watkins, Chaska, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 193 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 201 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Watermelon Slice Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Once when I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends. They're easy to make, too! —Sue Ann Benham, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Strawberry-Rhubarb Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet, crispy topping highlights these tender muffins that are filled with two favorite spring foods, rhubarb and strawberries. They're perfect for a brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast. —Audrey Stallsmith, Hadley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 243 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Apricot Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is down-home baking at its best, and it really represents all regions of the country. It's won blue ribbons at county fairs and cookie contests in several states! Easy to make, it's perfect for potluck suppers, bake sales, lunchboxes or just plain snacking.—Jill Moritz, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 195 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
30/38
Orange Dreams
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fellow teacher shared this recipe with me. We have several great cooks on our teaching staff, and each of us takes turns bringing special treats to the lounge. These moist, chewy cookies with a pleasant orange flavor are a favorite.—Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Lemon Blueberry Scones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 158 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
32/38
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 176 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 117 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.
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Butterscotch Toffee Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s my fallback recipe when I’m short on time and need something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 95 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/38
Coconut Macaroons
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy cookies are my husband's favorite, so he requests them often. I like to make the macaroons on cold winter days and keep them in an airtight bowl on the kitchen counter. They never last long! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 83 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/38
Lemon Crisp Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a quick-to-fix delight that’s perfect to make when you’ve forgotten a treat for a bake sale or potluck. They take only 10 minutes to whip up! The sunny yellow color, big lemon flavor and delightful crunch are sure to bring smiles. —Julia Livingston, Frostproof, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 61 calories, 2g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
36/38
M&M Pretzel Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and grown-ups alike adore these sweet and crunchy no-bake cookies. Add more candy for lovers of M&M's, or toss in a few additional pretzels for an extra-salty bite. —Madison Allen, Destrehan, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
37/38
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 jumbo muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden goodies are always popular at brunches and bake sales. For a great holiday gift, put the muffins in a pretty basket or other container and add a jar of preserves. Kimberly Baxter, Exeter, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 496 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
38/38
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fruity filling and fluffy coconut topping truly make these strawberry oatmeal bars one of a kind. They really dress up my trays of Christmas goodies. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 150 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
