Picnics are synonymous with delightful outdoor feasts, but finding the perfect desserts to pack can be a challenge. Balancing the sweetness with practicality, you want treats that travel well and please everyone. Wondering what desserts make the best picnic companions? Look no further!
When it comes to picnic desserts, consider options like fruit tarts, brownies, and cookies. These treats are not only delicious but also easy to pack and serve, ensuring your outdoor experience is hassle-free and enjoyable.
Curious to discover more delectable options? Read on to explore a variety of picnic-perfect desserts that will make your next outing a memorable one.
In A Rush? Key Takeaways:
- Opt for easy-to-pack desserts like fruit tarts, brownies, and cookies.
- Focus on treats that can withstand travel and outdoor conditions.
- Choose a mix of flavors to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
1. Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispies Treats
Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispies Treats offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, making them a perfect addition to any picnic. These treats combine the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the luscious flavors of strawberry shortcake. The base is made from the traditional marshmallow and cereal mixture, but with the addition of crushed freeze-dried strawberries, the flavor is elevated to a new level of fruity goodness. Each bite bursts with the sweet, tangy essence of strawberries, complemented by the creamy marshmallow base. Topped with a drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies, these treats not only taste delicious but also present beautifully.
Ideal for outdoor gatherings, these Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispies Treats are easy to transport and serve. They require minimal preparation and no baking, making them a quick and convenient option for busy hosts. The blend of textures – from the crispy cereal to the crumbly shortbread topping – ensures that every bite is satisfying and unique. Plus, the vibrant red hues of the strawberries make these treats visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your picnic spread. Whether enjoyed by kids or adults, these innovative treats are sure to be a hit, combining the best of traditional Rice Krispies with the refreshing taste of strawberry shortcake.
2. Lemon Bars
Lemon Bars are a quintessential picnic dessert, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet that delights the palate. These classic treats feature a buttery shortbread crust that provides a rich, sturdy base for the zesty lemon filling. The filling, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, eggs, and sugar, is both tangy and smooth, creating a refreshing contrast to the crumbly crust. Baked to a perfect consistency and dusted with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar, Lemon Bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that shines in any setting.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings, Lemon Bars are easy to transport and serve, making them an ideal choice for picnics. Their bright, sunny flavor is a refreshing addition to any dessert spread, and their firm, handheld nature makes them convenient to enjoy without the need for utensils. The combination of a crisp, golden crust and a vibrant, lemony filling ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re lounging on a picnic blanket or sharing with friends and family, Lemon Bars provide a delightful, citrusy treat that complements the relaxed atmosphere of a perfect picnic day.
3. Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies
Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies are an irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a standout choice for any picnic dessert spread. These blondies start with a rich, buttery base infused with creamy peanut butter, which adds depth and a nutty flavor to every bite. Scattered throughout the batter are chunks of crunchy pretzels and gooey butterscotch chips, creating a delightful mix of textures. The pretzels provide a salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the butterscotch, making each piece a satisfying treat.
These blondies are ideal for picnics as they are easy to transport, serve, and share. They hold their shape well, making them a practical option for outdoor eating, and their layered flavors ensure they will be a hit with both adults and kids. The combination of peanut butter, pretzels, and butterscotch offers a unique twist on traditional blondies, making them a memorable addition to any dessert lineup. Whether enjoyed with a refreshing beverage or as a standalone treat, Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies bring a deliciously indulgent and satisfying flavor experience to your picnic.
4. Blueberry Buckle
Blueberry Buckle is a classic, comforting dessert that brings a touch of homemade charm to any picnic. This delightful treat features a tender, moist cake studded with juicy blueberries, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The name “buckle” comes from the way the cake rises and “buckles” around the berries as it bakes. What sets this dessert apart is its crumbly streusel topping, made from a blend of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, which adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft cake and tart berries. The combination of textures and flavors makes Blueberry Buckle an irresistible choice for any outdoor gathering.
Perfect for picnics, Blueberry Buckle is easy to slice and serve, making it convenient for sharing with friends and family. Its rustic appearance and delicious taste evoke the feeling of a homemade treat, ideal for enjoying in the fresh air. The blueberries provide a refreshing, fruity element that pairs wonderfully with the buttery cake and spiced streusel. Whether served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, Blueberry Buckle is a delightful addition to your picnic dessert menu, offering a taste of summer in every bite.
5. Puppy Chow
Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for picnics. This delightful treat is made by coating crispy rice cereal in a mixture of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossing it in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. The result is a wonderfully crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty snack that’s incredibly addictive. Each bite-sized piece is packed with flavor, combining the smooth richness of chocolate and peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of the cereal, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ideal for outdoor gatherings, Puppy Chow is easy to make and transport, and it requires no refrigeration, making it a convenient choice for picnics. Simply pack it in a resealable bag or container, and it’s ready to share and enjoy. The bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking on the go, and the combination of textures and flavors ensures that it’s always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up or a tasty snack to complement your picnic spread, Puppy Chow delivers a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love.
6. Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making them an ideal dessert for any picnic. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly base that supports a luscious layer of strawberry-rhubarb filling. The filling combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the tangy bite of rhubarb, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with a generous streusel crumble made from oats, butter, and brown sugar, these bars offer a satisfying mix of textures with each bite. The golden, crisp topping contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy fruit filling, making these bars a delectable treat.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings, Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bars are easy to transport and serve, making them a convenient choice for picnics. They can be made ahead of time and sliced into portable, hand-held pieces that are easy to share. The vibrant red and pink hues of the strawberry-rhubarb filling not only look appealing but also evoke the essence of summer. Whether enjoyed as a sweet finish to a picnic meal or as a snack throughout the day, these crumble bars offer a delightful taste of homemade goodness, capturing the essence of fresh fruit in every bite.
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a beloved dessert that brings the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies to a convenient, portable form, perfect for picnics. These bars feature a rich, buttery dough studded with generous amounts of chocolate chips, creating a delectable treat that is both chewy and crispy in all the right places. Baked in a single pan and then cut into squares, they offer the same satisfying taste of homemade chocolate chip cookies but with the ease of a bar format. Each bite is filled with gooey chocolate and a hint of vanilla, making them a crowd-pleaser for any age.
Ideal for outdoor gatherings, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are easy to make, transport, and serve. Their sturdy, hand-held nature means they can withstand the rigors of picnic baskets and be enjoyed without any fuss. Whether you’re lounging on a blanket or playing games in the park, these bars provide a quick and delicious treat that is easy to share. The familiar, comforting flavor of chocolate chip cookies, combined with the convenience of bars, ensures they will be a hit at any picnic, providing a sweet ending to your meal or a delightful snack throughout the day.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.