27 Mini Desserts I Always Bring to Backyard BBQs (and Never Bring Home)

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There are just some desserts I always bring to BBQs because I know they’ll disappear before the burgers even hit the grill. People go wild for anything bite-sized and sweet when they’re juggling a plate of ribs and corn on the cob. I’ve tested these out more times than I can count, and not once have I brought a single one back home. If you’re looking for easy crowd-pleasers, this list has your back.

Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars

A batch of raspberry brownie bars on parchment paper.
Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars use a chocolate brownie base, a fruity raspberry preserve filling, and a crumbly oat topping to create a decadent, fruity treat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bars

Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies

Lemon curd cookies on a tray.
Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Lemon Curd Cookies made with butter, lemon zest, and homemade lemon curd filling. A bright, buttery treat with a tangy twist.
Get the Recipe: Bright And Tangy Lemon Curd Cookies

Pecan Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Pecan Bars With A Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Pecan Pie Bars with a buttery shortbread crust, sweet brown sugar coating, and toasted pecans. All the flavor of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Sweet and tangy lemon bars with a buttery crust and creamy filling. A perfect balance of flavors with a touch of cream of tartar.
Get the Recipe: Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

brown butter rice krispie treats on a plate.
Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

With just three ingredients, it’s no surprise that these Brown Butter Rice Krispie treats are the best and only one extra step.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Decadent Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies With Marshmallows

Two brownies with a bite taken out of one.
Decadent Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Mississippi Mud Brownies have three distinct layers: a rich brownie bottom topped with marshmallows and a decadent chocolate frosting.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies With Marshmallows

Caramel cookie bars on a black serving tray.
Chewy Caramel Cookie Bars (One Bowl). Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Caramel Bars with pecans and a sweet caramel topping are an easy, irresistible treat that’s sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Caramel Cookie Bars (One Bowl)

Fudgy Mint Brownies With Mint Chocolate Chips

A batch of mint brownies on parchment paper.
Fudgy Mint Brownies With Mint Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Fudgy mint brownies with a smooth chocolate glaze—perfect for any chocolate lover! Easy to make with mint chips, peppermint extract, and a touch of espresso.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Mint Brownies With Mint Chocolate Chips

Tasty Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate rice krispie squares on a tray.
Tasty Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars are a little slice of heaven thanks to yummy melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Mini Fudgy Coconut Brownies

A batch of coconut brownies on a black cutting board.
Mini Fudgy Coconut Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Fudgy brownies with a sweet coconut filling, featuring chocolate, cream cheese, and coconut for a tropical twist on a classic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mini Fudgy Coconut Brownie

Pink Lemonade Cookies With Raspberry Lemon Filling

Lemonade cookies on a dessert plate.
Pink Lemonade Cookies With Raspberry Lemon Filling. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Tangy pink lemonade cookies with fresh lemon and raspberry filling. A buttery, citrusy treat everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Pink Lemonade Cookies With Raspberry Lemon Filling

Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Lemon Bars with blueberries are sweet and tart, resting on a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for potlucks or parties.
Get the Recipe: Mini Lemon Blueberry Bars With A Shortbread Crust

Chess Bars With Pecans (Chess Squares)

Chess Bars With Pecans (Chess Squares). Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These Chess Bars combine brown sugar, butter, eggs, and pecans for a chewy, irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Chess Bars With Pecans (Chess Squares)

Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

A strawberry bar with a bite taken out.
Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Creamy cheesecake bars with a baked on strawberry topping are just the thing for your next party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Hello Dolly Bars (Aka 7 Layer Bars): Easy, Gooey & Irresistible

hello dolly bars on a dark background.
Hello Dolly Bars (Aka 7 Layer Bars): Easy, Gooey & Irresistible. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These gooey Hello Dolly Bars (aka 7 Layer Bars) are easy to make with chocolate, coconut, and pecans, all baked on a buttery graham cracker crust.
Get the Recipe: Hello Dolly Bars (Aka 7 Layer Bars): Easy, Gooey & Irresistible

One-Bowl Fudgy White Chocolate Brownies

One-Bowl Fudgy White Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

These White Chocolate Brownies are fudgy, sweet, and packed with white chocolate chips. One bowl, no mess, and a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: One-Bowl Fudgy White Chocolate Brownies

Brownies With Edible Cookie Dough Frosting. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Brownies with cookie dough frosting are like getting two desserts in one. Enjoy a rich fudgy brownie topped with a cookie dough frosting!
Get the Recipe: Brownies With Edible Cookie Dough Frosting

Mini Pecan Pie Tarts With A Cream Cheese Crust

mini pecan tarts on a cooling rack.
Mini Pecan Pie Tarts With A Cream Cheese Crust. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This SIMPLE recipe for mini pecan pie tarts uses cream cheese in the crust for an extra flaky pastry paired with the gooey-ist, richest, filling.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pie Tarts With A Cream Cheese Crust

Easy Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake)

peanut butter bars stacked on a black dish.
Easy Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With just five ingredients, these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars couldn’t be easier. Creamy peanut butter covered in chocolate, a great treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake)

Lemon Snowflake Cookies

Lemon Snowflake Cookies. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Lemon crinkle cookies or snowflakes are a chewy lemony cookie coated in powdered sugar that give them a burst of island flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Snowflake Cookies

Sprinkle Blondies With Chocolate Chips

sprinkles on top of stacked blondies.
Sprinkle Blondies With Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sprinkle Blondies are an EASY cookie like dessert bar that comes together in just 10 minutes with sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Get the Recipe: Sprinkle Blondies With Chocolate Chips

Pistachio Lemon Shortbread Bars

A lemon pistachio bar with a bite taken out.
Pistachio Lemon Shortbread Bars. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet and tart with a slightly nutty finish, these Pistachio Lemon Shortbread Bars are the perfect combination of all your favorite sweets.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Lemon Shortbread Bars

Raspberry White Chocolate Bars

raspberry bars close up.
Raspberry White Chocolate Bars. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Raspberry White Chocolate Bars are a blondie with white chocolate mixed in and topped raspberries. Almond meal and browned butter make these magical.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry White Chocolate Bars

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious cookie made even better with a cheesecake center.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies

German Chocolate Brownies With Coconut

German Chocolate Brownies With Coconut. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

German Chocolate Brownies with coconut is a 3 layer treat. The pecan coconut filling is sandwiched between a rich brownie.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Brownies With Coconut

Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes

Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

With an Oreo crust and Nutella topping, these Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes are simple and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes

Copycat Starbucks Madeleine Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Madeleine Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Copycat Starbucks Madeleine Recipe is a sweet cake-like cookie that has a touch of lemon zest and smooth vanilla flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Madeleine Recipe

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