Planning a graduation party? Make the day sweeter with a stellar dessert table. We’re sharing bite-sized desserts like frosted fudge brownies, clothespin cookies, cream puffs, and crumb bars, along with shareable desserts like strawberry trifle, cannoli dip, and a sheet cake. Fruity lemon bars, citrus tart, and berry bites feature bright, fresh flavors and are perfect for spring and summer parties.
Whether you serve them alongside a traditional congratulatory cake or instead of one, these graduation party dessert ideas are perfect for a backyard party.
Frosted Fudge Brownies
“These brownies are addictive. The frosting is my favorite.” – Kelli
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
“I love all things lemon. These are easy and tasty!” – Adrienne
Clothespin Cookies (Mini Ladylocks)
“Coming from a small town just a little north of Pittsburgh, we are known for our grand cookie tables at weddings. These little gems are the star of the show! They may take a little time but well worth the effort.” – Tracy
Cream Cheese Mints
“I hope you enjoy one of my favorite things to make with my grandma. They remind me of my childhood. Have not seen another recipe on here for them. They can be frozen. So yummy!” – Natasha
The Moistest Cake Ever
“I cater fundraisers, pig roasts, and parties a lot. I have come up with a great way to make any cake moist. This is foolproof, promise! Cake can be boring, and I needed to find a way to turn it up a notch to serve the public.” – Jane
Homemade Cream Puffs
“I found this recipe from a dear friend of mine. She has now passed away and I thought I would share this yummy treat. I typically double this recipe when I make it because my family will devour these in one sitting.” – Phyllis
Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes and Dark Chocolate Frosting
“I developed this recipe to help my daughter raise money for a mission trip, and they were a big hit. You can also make this as a cake.” – Gretchen
Aunt Gail’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
“This recipe was given to me by my Aunt Gail during my bridal shower back in 1992. I make these cookies for every holiday and occasion in between.” – Lori
Cream Cheese Tarts
“These are so easy. They look and taste like you worked hard.” – Montra
Dulce de Leche (Caramel) Filled Shortbread Cookies
“These are the most delicious and easiest cookies I have ever made and tasted. These cookies are special.” – Pat
Lemon Lime Tart
“I came up with this recipe myself. Lo and behold, it turned out to be a great success. You can also use a shallow pie plate for this.” – Molly
Strawberry Cake Pops
“These Strawberry Cake Pops are made easy with a cake mix and premade frosting, providing a perfect combination of flavors.” – Debbie
Biscoff Icebox Cake
“With fruit, cookies, and whipped cream, this delicious frozen dessert is perfect for summer.” – Francine
Three Berry Shortcakes
“You make the shortcake and the homemade filling is simple. Use any fruit that you like.” – Rhonda
Chocolate Disgust
“This recipe was originally introduced to me by my aunt. It was her signature dessert that she would bring to our family get-togethers. I will say, there is absolutely nothing disgusting about this recipe! I can’t say where the name came from except that maybe it is disgustingly good.” – Tara
Nancy’s Famous Cannoli Cream Cheesecake
“This certainly is my most famous dessert of all time, as this creation came to be about 13 years ago, when I made this for my oldest son’s birthday. Growing up, he had special needs, and each year I would surprise him with a very special cake for his birthday. This particular year, I combined two of his very favorite desserts, Italian cannolis and creamy cheesecake, into one scrumptious, mouthwatering, and decadent dessert.” – Nancy
Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
“Inspired by watching too many cooking shows on TV, these are great with coffee or a big glass of milk.” – Edith
Aunt Theresa’s Crumb Bars
“A buttery crumb-topped bar with a sweet jam filling. You can use any flavor of jam you prefer, even homemade! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.” – Theresa
Lemon Pie on Cookie sheet
“I cook for large crowds, and making it on cookie sheets makes it easier to serve large groups. It’s easier to cut up and serve small squares than large pieces of pie.” – Jennette
Toasted Coconut Shortbread Cookie
“First cookie to disappear from your cookie tray! This cookie can be rolled out and cut into shapes as well.” – Wendy
Strawberry Trifle Delight
“This dessert is a cool summer dessert to serve guests during the patriotic holidays. Simply light, creamy, and melts in your mouth.” – Linda
White Choco-Cheesecake Triple Berry Pudding Cups
“This dessert is a real conversation starter. People are always amazed that egg roll wrappers can be used for anything other than… well, egg rolls.” – Melissa
German Chocolate Sheet Cake (from the 1950’s)
“This recipe came from the 1950s and the cake is very moist, rich, and delicious! It takes a little time, but it is worth it and much better than any mix, even better than any bakery cake I’ve ever tasted. The texture is just perfect. I hope you all enjoy it.” – Elaine
Strawberry Martini Shortcake
“It’s time for strawberries! This light and yummy twist on strawberry shortcake is yummy for the end of a nice dinner for 2 or a dinner party for 6.” – Barbara
Lemon Butter Tarts
“Sweet and tangy lemon tarts in light and flaky all-butter pastry crust!” – Kevin