19 Picnic Desserts Too Good to Leave Behind This Labor Day

Labor Day is the perfect excuse to pack up a basket and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors with family and friends. Alongside the grilled favorites and picnic classics, desserts are always the highlight, adding a sweet finish to the holiday spread. From refreshing fruit-based treats to indulgent baked goods, there are plenty of options that travel well and taste even better under the summer sun.

These picnic desserts are made to be shared, whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or spreading out a blanket at the park. They’re easy to transport, simple to serve, and guaranteed to bring smiles to both kids and adults. Best of all, they cover a range of flavors, so there’s something to please everyone at the table.

As you plan your Labor Day menu, consider adding a few of these tried-and-true favorites. They’re fuss-free, crowd-pleasing, and just the right way to close out the summer season. After all, no picnic feels complete without a sweet treat to pass around before heading home.

Strawberry Crunch Cake

A layered treat with soft cake, creamy filling, and a crunchy topping that brings everything together. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any celebration and has just the right balance of sweet and crunchy. Perfect for strawberry lovers who enjoy a mix of textures in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cake

Classic Banana Pudding

This timeless dessert features layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and cookies for a comforting treat. It’s easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike. Great for potlucks, family dinners, or when you need something quick but nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Classic Banana Pudding

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These bars combine the creaminess of cheesecake with a fruity strawberry swirl on top of a simple crust. They’re easy to cut and serve, making them a fun twist on traditional cheesecake. Ideal for parties, bake sales, or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Lime Jello Salad

A refreshing, light dish that pairs sweet and tangy flavors with a fun, wiggly texture. It’s often made with fruit and creamy layers, making it both colorful and festive. Great for holidays, barbecues, or retro-inspired spreads.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Cherry Salad

This dish blends cherries with a creamy base and mix-ins like marshmallows or nuts for a sweet side dish. It’s a family favorite that often shows up at holidays and reunions. Simple, nostalgic, and always crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Strawberry Crunch Bars

Crispy layers topped with sweet strawberry flavor make these bars a fun snack or dessert. They’re easy to grab and go, with just the right mix of creamy and crunchy. Perfect for kids’ parties or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Bars

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

This playful dessert uses a cookie base topped with chocolate, icing, or fruit to resemble pizza. It’s fun to make with kids and looks great on any dessert table. A creative option when you want something unique and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Soft cake swirled with spiced apples makes this dessert warm and comforting. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and works well for breakfast or dessert. A cozy recipe that fills the kitchen with sweet aromas.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Summer Cupcakes

Bright, colorful cupcakes topped with frosting and seasonal fruits make a cheerful treat. They’re perfect for picnics, birthdays, and outdoor gatherings. Easy to customize with flavors and toppings everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Summer Cupcakes

Rocky Road Sheet Cake

This cake combines chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts for a rich, gooey dessert. Since it’s made in a sheet pan, it’s easy to serve a crowd. Great for casual celebrations and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Sheet Cake

Banana Pudding Cookies

Soft cookies filled with banana flavor and hints of pudding mix make a fun twist on the classic dessert. They’re chewy, sweet, and perfect for cookie lovers. A creative option when you want banana pudding in handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

This dish has a crunchy pretzel crust layered with creamy filling and topped with a mix of berries. It’s sweet, salty, and refreshing all at once. Great for summer cookouts or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Cherry Pie Bars

With a buttery crust and cherry filling, these bars are an easy way to enjoy pie flavors without the fuss. They cut cleanly into squares, making them simple to serve. Ideal for bake sales, gatherings, or weekday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars

Honey Bun Cake

This cake takes inspiration from the classic pastry with swirls of cinnamon and sugar. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert. A simple recipe that feels homemade and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Cake

Cheesecake Salad

A creamy mixture of fruit and cheesecake-style filling makes this dish rich yet refreshing. It works well as a side dish or light dessert for gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with different fruits.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Salad

Raspberry Dump Cake

This dessert is made by layering raspberries, cake mix, and butter, then baking until golden. It’s quick, requires little effort, and comes out warm and fruity. A simple go-to when you need a fuss-free dessert.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Dump Cake

Rainbow Chia Pudding

Layers of chia pudding in different fruit flavors create a colorful and healthy dish. It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a fun dessert. Naturally vibrant and packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Chia Pudding

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A salty pretzel crust topped with creamy filling and a strawberry layer makes this dish both crunchy and smooth. It’s a nostalgic favorite for holidays and family gatherings. Sweet, refreshing, and always popular on the table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad