When the weather warms up and turns beautiful, there’s nothing better than a summer picnic in the backyard with family and friends! Food, drinks, music, games and good company – what more could you ask for?! It’s so simple and a good idea to pack up a picnic basket and go on a family picnic.
Once the warmer weather hits, it’s time to start planning out your perfect picnic menu. What I love most about picnic snacks is that they’re made using fresh ingredients that are perfect for last minute plans. Any of these easy picnic food ideas will take your picnic snacking to the next level of deliciousness! If you’re geared up for picnic season, the time is now to wash that picnic blanket and starting planning out your perfect picnic food recipes.
Having a yard full of people to enjoy our favorite easy picnic food recipes for a crowd is what summer is all about! I hope you’re looking forward to all the good times and good food that is straight ahead!
Best Picnic Food Ideas
The biggest thing to keep in mind about easy picnic recipes is that great recipes don’t have to be hard. You can make up great foods full of great ideas that take minimal work or effort on your part. Don’t forget that fresh vegetables and pasta salads make up some really simple and healthy picnic snacks as well. If you’re ready to plan your next picnic outing, check out my list of favorite picnic food options!
When the goal is to have a good time, you don’t need to be stuck in the kitchen while your guests are having a good time.
Picnics with friends always include easy dishes that keep kitchen duty to a minimum.
Most of these perfect picnic recipes can be prepared quickly with minimal cleanup!
If you’re wondering what to bring to a picnic, try some of my favorite go-to Crowd Favorite Picnic Recipes that are perfect for your next outdoor picnic! These recipes are great for special occasions are full of fresh fruit and other ingredients that are hearty, delicious, and certain to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Quick & Easy Crowd Favorite Picnic Recipes
Main Dishes – Fire up the grill and get ready for some outdoor fun with these main dishes.
Some of these picnic main dishes will be grilled, some you can make ahead and enjoy packed up to take to the picnic!
California Grilled Chicken
California Grilled Chicken – marinated chicken breasts, grilled to perfection and topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and avocado then drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Perfection!!
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Baked Chicken Thighs
This one-pan, baked chicken thighs recipe is the easiest way to get moist, flavorful, crispy, chicken thighs every time with only a few ingredients.
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Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are one of the best easy chicken meals around! With just 4-ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, you can't go wrong!
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All-American Burger
Make these All American Burgers for the Fourth of July and your backyard barbecue will be the neighborhood party of the season!
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Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork! A delicious pork loin is slow roasted in the crockpot and topped with a delicious homemade barbecue sauce for an easy meal idea!
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Ham and Swiss Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are the perfect summertime party recipe! Made with sweet Hawaiian bread, thinly sliced ham, and baby Swiss cheese, this 25-minute baked ham and Swiss cheese sliders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken
This easy grilled BBQ chicken recipe is an easy way to grill chicken. This barbecue chicken recipe results in tasty and juicy chicken every time! Use your favorite bbq sauce and let that the flavor of the grill come through!
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Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken needs just four ingredients and is super easy! Let the slow cooker do all the work to turn ordinary chicken into flavorful, tender meat that can be used in so many dishes.
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Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork
You're going to love the taste of this Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork!
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Chicken Salad Sandwich
This classic comfort recipe comes from my grandmother and includes chopped chicken, celery, boiled eggs, and pickle relish mixed in a mayonnaise/miracle whip "dressing" – Old Fashioned Chicken Salad!
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Sloppy Joes
The best quick and easy homemade Sloppy Joe recipe made with real ingredients! This family-friendly recipe only takes a couple of minutes to make!
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Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Crockpot hot dogs are an easy dinner recipe with an abundance of topping options! This easy recipe is perfect for parties to feed a crowd.
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Mexican Corn
Mexican corn is also known as elotes or Mexican street corn, but whatever you call it, it's delicious! Charred grilled corn is tossed with a creamy, spicy sauce, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
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Fried Chicken
Making fried chicken at home isn’t as hard as you think! Plus, extra crispy chicken fresh from the fryer is an experience that can’t be beat! Here’s how to make it.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic Butter Steak Bites are absolutely packed with flavor! Your whole family will love them, and you’ll love how easy they are to make.
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Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Cheeseburger Sliders
These easy cheeseburger sliders are a single-handed version of a classic burger! They’re perfect for a party or for a kid-approved dinner.
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Roasted Pork Tenderloin
This roasted pork tenderloin is tender, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to the addition of smashed garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a special occasion!
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Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a summertime staple! Tender, juicy chicken and fresh vegetables are marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, then skewered and grilled to perfection.
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Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops are covered in a sweet and sour glaze that is packed with savory flavor. The brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar sauce is unbelievable!
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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
Serve up juicy and tender pieces of chicken with this air fryer chicken drumstick recipe. The air fryer perfectly cooks the chicken.
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These grilled shrimp tacos will be your new favorite Taco Tuesday dinner! Juicy shrimp are marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection and tucked into soft tortillas with a creamy sauce.
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Finger Food – No picnic is complete without finger food! These appetizers will have people coming back for more!
It’s always a good idea to have finger foods for your picnic!
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a delicious, lighter, no-guilt version of your favorite game day appetizer!
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is the perfect easy appetizer to enjoy in the crockpot or oven! Filled with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, and cheese for the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip to enjoy anytime!
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Buffalo Chicken Nachos
If you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer recipe, this Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe is it!
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Chili Cheese Dip
With only 2-ingredients, this Chili Cheese Dip is always a hit! Make this quick & easy appetizer in the slow cooker or microwave for a crowd-pleasing dip!
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Spicy Sausage and Cheese Crock Pot Dip
This Sausage Cheese Dip full of two kinds of cheese, black beans, corn, tomatoes and green chilis that is sure to please any crowd!
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Million Dollar Tortilla Roll Ups
Million Dollar Tortilla Rolls Ups are about to become your latest appetizer craze. With just 6 ingredients – mayonnaise, bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, and tortillas – they'll be a favorite appetizer in no time!
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Beer Cheese Dip
Beer Cheese Dip — packed full of so much cheesy goodness and ready within 15 minutes making it a great option for parties and game day!
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Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls are the perfect easy appetizer made with just 4 simple ingredients – sausage, Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.
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Meatball Sliders
This Meatball Sliders Recipe is the perfect party appetizer or game day snack! Quick + easy, you'll come back to this recipe again and again! #meatball #appetizer #gameday #recipe
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Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip is made with only 5 ingredients – Mayonaise, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and almonds.
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Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Fruit Salsa is a perfect summer dessert dip! Loaded with fresh fruit and a side of baked cinnamon chips, this is the ultimate party dip! All you need for this delicious fruit salsa is fresh fruit, tortillas, cinnamon, and sugar.
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Veggie Pizza
Veggie Pizza is an easy appetizer for potlucks, tailgate parties, showers, and picnics – using crescent rolls and your favorite veggies!
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Pizza Sliders
Pizza sliders are the ultimate appetizer for pizza lovers! Easy, cheesy, and made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, you’ll make this recipe again and again!
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Queso Dip
Queso dip is the ultimate appetizer for cheese lovers everywhere! Infused with Tex-Mex flavors, this homemade queso dip is easy to make and perfect for a party.
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Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a favorite restaurant appetizer, but I think they’re even better when you make them at home.
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Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels roll sliced ham and Swiss cheese with tender crescent dough. The pinwheels are brushed with garlic butter to amp up the flavor for an easy appetizer or quick dinner!
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Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket is a classic party appetizer that pairs buttery crescent roll dough with little smokies sausages. I give mine a flavorful twist by adding everything bagel seasoning!
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Pretzel Cheese Dip
Pretzel cheese dip is a must if you’re baking up a batch of hot pretzels! Supremely cheesy and oh-so-easy, it’s also delicious as a cheese fondue.
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Southern Deviled Eggs
These Southern Deviled Eggs are packed with a creamy, lightly spiced filling that is ultra flavorful! Great on the buffet table or as an appetizer anytime.
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Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
These Philly cheesesteak egg rolls have all the delicious flavor of a Philly cheese steak sandwich but wrapped up in a crispy shell.
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Olive Oil Bread Dip
This olive oil bread dip is packed with so many tasty herbs and spices that one bite will make you feel like you are in a fancy Italian restaurant. You can also make this bread dip in under 5 minutes. It’s pretty amazing!
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Refried Bean Dip
This easy creamy Refried Bean Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, and Tex-Mex spices, it’s served warm from the oven with melted cheddar on top.
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Whipped Feta Dip
This creamy whipped feta dip will be the hit of your next party! Perfect for pairing with crispy fresh veggies and pita chips, it’s loaded with big, bold flavors.
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Side Dishes – These side dish recipes are easy to make and guarantee no leftovers!
There are so many picnic side dish recipes below that you’re going to have a hard time choosing which ones to pick!
Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Cheesy Potatoes is a crowd-pleasing side dish that goes by many different names but never has any leftovers! Comfort food at its best!
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Pasta Salad
This is the perfect Easy Pasta Salad Recipe! Loaded with veggies, it's dressed with creamy bottled dressing to make your life even simpler. Don't wait to make this classic, go-to summer side dish that never goes out of style!
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Zucchini Casserole
This Zucchini Casserole is an easy, side dish that goes with any meal. Zucchini and tomatoes topped with cheese and a crunchy panko/parmesan breadcrumb topping makes for the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
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Corn Casserole
Whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, butter, and Jiffy Corn muffin mix makes this yummy Corn Casserole Recipe amazingly good…and EASY!
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Scalloped Potatoes
This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is a family favorite! Tender Yukon Gold potatoes in an easy creamy, cheesy sauce make the best potato side dish! These thinly sliced potatoes covered in a creamy, cheddar cheese sauce bake up creamy on the inside with a cheesy crusty on top.
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Broccoli Salad
This Broccoli Salad recipe is an amazing addition to your summer salad menu! Raw, crunchy broccoli, lots of salty bacon and cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing will make this one a family favorite!
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Macaroni Salad
If you’re looking for a dish to make for a cookout, potluck, picnic, or summer get-together, you can’t go wrong with classic macaroni salad with creamy mayo dressing.
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Pea Salad
Simple Pea Salad is a delicious southern side dish that is filled with frozen peas, bacon, chopped red onions, and cheddar cheese.
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Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy bow tie pasta salad recipe is quick and pleases everyone! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics or as a side dish to any weeknight meal.
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Potato Salad
This is literally the best potato salad recipe, ever. Packed full of flavor, you're going to love how simple this summer side dish recipe is.
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Summer Pasta Salad
This summer pasta salad is the perfect side dish for warm summer days! Crisp, fresh veggies, tangy artichoke hearts, and salty feta are tossed with rotini and Italian dressing for a light, easy summer pasta salad.
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Corn Salad
This corn salad is the perfect summer side dish! Fresh corn is tossed with cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, onions, avocado, tangy feta, and fresh herbs, all in a sweet-and-tangy red wine vinaigrette.
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Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans are the best side dish for a backyard barbecue, but you'll love this baked beans recipe any time of year!
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Mac and Cheese Bites
Easy Mac and Cheese Bites transform your favorite side dish into an irresistible appetizer or snack. Melty cheddar and macaroni noodles are coated in a crispy panko crust and baked to perfection. Just add your favorite sauce for dipping!
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Homemade Cornbread
Try this easy homemade cornbread recipe made using cornmeal, sugar, flour, butter, milk, and eggs for a southern-style side dish ready in 30 minutes or less! It's easy, inexpensive, and perfect for holiday meals.
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Jalapeño Popper Dip
This jalapeño popper dip is easy, cheesy, and baked until bubbly, warm, and toasty on top. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear!
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a hit for game day or any day of the week! They're spicy, cheesy, and perfect served on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
This recipe for crockpot cheesy potatoes is going to quickly become your new favorite potato side dish. They are fast, loaded with flavor and perfectly cooked every single time.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crunchy, fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad is always a hit! It takes just minutes to toss together, and the dressing is made in the same bowl you'll use for the salad, saving even more on time and clean-up!
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Southern Green Beans
Southern green beans are packed with the savory flavors of bacon, garlic, and onions. They are an incredible vegetable side dish that may taste better than the main meal!
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Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
Homemade corn muffins are light and tender, with an incredibly sweet flavor. Honey butter is the perfect finishing touch!
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Easy Scalloped Corn
If you have been looking for an old-fashioned scalloped corn recipe, this is it! Our easy scalloped corn recipe is sweet, creamy, and rich.
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Asparagus Casserole
This creamy, cheesy asparagus casserole is the best way to use fresh springtime asparagus! You’ll love it as an Easter side dish, but it’s just as good for a Sunday dinner.
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Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This easy cheeseburger tater tot casserole is an entire meal in one pan! It’s made with savory ground beef, lots of cheese, and golden brown tater tots, so it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Creamy Tomato Pasta
My creamy tomato pasta is decadent, delicious, and extremely easy to make. It is perfect for a quick weeknight meal when you need comfort food that everyone in your family will love.
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Desserts – Be the star of the picnic when you bring any of these quick and easy dessert recipes!
Any of these dessert recipes would be perfect for a picnic! They’re simple and fast to make and are great for crowds, family, and friends!
Marble Brownies
Marble brownies are the dressed-up version of a classic box mix brownie – swirls of cream cheese and brownie combine to make a treat that looks good and tastes even better!
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No-Bake S’Mores Bars
S'Mores Bars made with only 4-ingredients – Golden Grahams cereal, Hershey chocolate bars, marshmallows, and butter! It's the EASIEST no-bake dessert bar recipe ever!
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7UP Cake Recipe
For a moist and flavorful bundt cake try this 7UP Cake Recipe the next time you need an easy and delicious cake recipe from a box mix!
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No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Dessert
This No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake is the perfect summer no-bake dessert! Made with Golden Oreos, cream cheese, pudding, and cool whip!
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Oreo Dessert
This No-Bake Oreo Dessert is a quick and easy no-bake dessert you're gonna love! This chocolate dessert is made up of pudding, cream cheese, cool whip, and Oreos, of course.
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No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is the perfect quick and easy, no-bake dessert!
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Vanilla Custard Cheesecake
Rich and creamy custard like cheesecake. Graham cracker crust and a fresh strawberry sauce.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the most delicious and easy dump cake recipe you’ll ever try! Made with only 4-ingredients – just dump all the ingredients into a baking pan, bake and eat!
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Banana Split Pie
Banana Split Pie? Yes! Because the only thing better than a banana split from your favorite ice cream shop is an easy, no-bake Banana Split Pie from your very own kitchen.
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Chocolate Cream Pie
Made with a pre-made crust, instant chocolate pudding, and whipped topping this Chocolate Cream Pie recipe is a chocolate lover's dream!
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Coconut Cream Pie
This Coconut Cream Pie is a coconut lover's dream! Creamy, rich instant coconut pudding is mixed with whipped topping and sweetened coconut flakes and folded into a pre-made pie crust for the ultimate easy, decadent dessert.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a quick and easy no-bake dessert that only requires a premade graham cracker crust and 4 ingredients!
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No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This No Bake Peanut Butter Pie is a quick and easy no-bake dessert that only requires a premade graham cracker crust and 4 ingredients!
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Old Fashioned Banana Cake
This Homemade Old Fashioned Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the most flavorful moist cake that is topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. Banana Cake a delicious twist on banana bread – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is light and fluffy, filled with strawberry jello, and topped with Cool Whip for a delicious summertime treat!
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Strawberry Cobbler
Strawberry cobbler is the perfect recipe to make in spring, when fresh strawberries are cheap and plentiful! Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while it’s still piping hot and you’ve got yourself a winning dessert.
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Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake
This Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake is perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic occasion! The light, fluffy cake is infused with red and blue Jello for a fruity, colorful easy dessert!
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Pistachio Cake
This pistachio cake is super moist, full of nutty flavor, and the prettiest pale green color! Best of all, it's so easy to make, it's practically effortless!
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Pistachio Salad
This pistachio salad recipe is sweet, creamy, and loaded with all different kinds of textures, from crunchy pecans to pillowy soft marshmallows and pineapple. It’s perfect for a potluck!
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Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondies are a dessert bar made for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! They're chewy, rich, and a little bit like a Reese's peanut butter cup in the form of a bar!
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Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
Yellow cake mix cookies take all the fuss out of making homemade cookies! Customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
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Ambrosia Salad
This Ambrosia Salad recipe is a classic! It combines pineapple, mandarin oranges, and coconut with creamy dressing and mini marshmallows.
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Kentucky Butter Cake
This Kentucky butter cake is a decadent Bundt cake recipe that's super moist and full of rich buttery flavor. Just add fresh berries or whipped cream and enjoy!
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Dirt Cake
This dirt cake recipe is a cinch to make and it’s always a crowd-pleaser! No one can resist the layers of Oreo crumbs and fluffy cream cheese pudding.
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
You’re only three ingredients away from the perfect strawberry icebox cake! Layer Cool Whip, strawberries, and graham crackers and pop it in the fridge for the most magical no-bake dessert!
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Cake Mix Cobbler
This super easy cake mix cobbler only uses four ingredients to create an incredible dessert. The cake mix top and sweet berries are the perfect combination!
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Almond Cookies
These Italian almond cookies are chewy, sweet, and covered in real sliced almonds. This gluten-free almond cookie recipe only requires 5 ingredients and 10 minutes!
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Cherry Cake
This cherry cake is sweet, fruity, and pretty easy to make. Each bite is bursting with cherry flavor that will make you want a second slice!
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Peach Crisp
This old-fashioned peach crisp recipe is super easy to make. Juicy fresh peaches are baked with a crisp oat topping to make a perfect summer dessert.
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Blueberry Pie
This homemade blueberry pie is packed with sweet, fresh blueberries in a perfectly flaky pie crust. This is sure to be your new favorite summer pie recipe.
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Cake Mix Brownies
Brownies are always a hit, and when you make Cake Mix Brownies you'll have a delicious chocolatey pan of brownies ready in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy recipe could hardly be simpler.
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Pound Cake from Cake Mix
The easiest and most delicious Pound Cake from Cake Mix recipe that I swear you'd never be able to tell is from a box mix!
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Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
These chocolate chip pudding cookies are chewy, moist and stay soft for days. This recipe will quickly become your go-to for amazing chocolate chip cookies.
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Waffle Cookies
These waffle cookies are crispy, delicious, and so easy to make in a waffle iron!
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Homemade Banana Pudding
My classic homemade banana pudding is perfect for summer parties and backyard barbecues. No one can resist the layers of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and creamy pudding.
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Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
This strawberry ice cream cake has layers of vanilla ice cream, strawberry ice cream, and a fluffy whipped topping. The strawberry crunch on top makes it completely irresistible!
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Shark Bait Ice Cream Floats
For a fun Shark Week kids drink idea, try this Shark Bait Ice Cream Float made with vanilla ice cream, blue kool-aid, and gummy sharks and life preservers
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