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45 Easy Summer Picnic Desserts

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It’s picnic season, and no summer excursion is complete without picnic desserts. These easy, sweet treats are portable, delicious, and require no refrigeration.

Pinwheels with picnic basket in the background

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And they happen to be super yummy, too, from favorite cookie recipes to pies, cakes, bars, and more.

In this post, you will find delicious picnic desserts and ideas as well as guidelines on which desserts are safe to pack for your next picnic.

Picnic Desserts

When planning your next picnic, whether in your backyard, at the beach, or at your favorite park, bringing the right picnic desserts is essential.

The best picnic desserts should be:

  • Portable and easy to carry and pack in the picnic basket
  • Does not need refrigeration
  • Easily made ahead
  • Super delicious

If you’re looking for more picnic ideas, you can find more ideas and recipes on my Summer Picnic Recipes or find Picnic Gear Ideas!

Which are the best, easy picnic desserts?

When planning your picnic desserts, barbecues, pool parties, or backyard gatherings, think about treats that are easily served, hold up well in heat, and are super yummy.

Cookies, brownies, and bars are easy to make ahead and travel well when packed.

Cakes, loaf cakes, and pies (be sure to read the section on which pies need refrigeration) also keep well and are simple to serve. Choosing the right one is essential.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Pies?

Pies are a super fun dessert to bring to picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. Here is a list of pies that need to be refrigerated and those that don’t.

The University of Illinois Extention says, “Pies made with eggs, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, including evaporated or condensed milk need special care. Pumpkin, cream, chiffon, or custard-based pies should not be out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.”

How long can you store fruit pies at room temperature?

The USDA says fruit pies are food-safe at room temperature for up to two days because they have enough sugar and acid that will retard bacteria growth. 

Pies that need refrigeration:

  • Pies with dairy and egg, like cream pies
  • Coconut Cream Pie
  • Chocolate Mousse Pies
  • Ice Cream Pies
  • Any pies topped with cream

Pies that do not need refrigeration:

  • Pecan pie
  • Fruit pies like cherry, peach, apple, and blueberry

Picnic Gear

As you plan for a season of al fresco dining, backyard patio meals, and picnics, here are some items I’m loving and put in our Picnic Gear Amazon Shop.

Picnic items at Amazon.

45 Summer Picnic Desserts

It's picnic season and no summer excursion is complete without picnic desserts. These easy sweet treats are portable, delicious, and require no refrigeration.

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