17 Festive Graduation Party Desserts for the Crowd

A killer dessert table is the absolute best way to turn a regular graduation party or casual potluck into a total celebration. This lineup is stacked with all those irresistible crowd-pleasers like creamy banana pudding and gooey layered bars that everyone ends up sneaking a second piece of. Every one of these 17 recipes is designed to be super easy to prep ahead of time so you can actually hang out with your guests instead of stressing in the kitchen. Grab a plate and take a look at these sweet treats to find the perfect showstopper for your next big get-together!

Peach Cobbler Cupcakes

Soft peach-flavored cupcakes filled with gooey fruit filling bring all the cozy flavor of cobbler into a fun handheld dessert. Fluffy whipped cream frosting on top keeps every bite light and creamy without feeling too heavy. They look beautiful on a dessert table and feel extra special for celebrations. Honestly, everyone grabs one the second they see fresh peaches and frosting together.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting

Creamy Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

Fresh strawberries and bananas folded into a creamy cheesecake mixture make this feel both refreshing and indulgent at the same time. Real whipped cream gives everything a light texture that works perfectly for warm weather parties. It’s easy to throw together ahead of time, which always helps when hosting a crowd. Every spoonful tastes sweet, fruity, and nostalgic in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

Funfetti Birthday Cheesecake with Cookie Crust

Colorful sprinkles and creamy cheesecake filling make dessert feel playful and festive for any celebration. The cookie crust adds a buttery crunch that balances perfectly with the rich filling. Every slice has those classic birthday cake vibes but with an extra decadent twist. Guests always smile the second this gets set on the table.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Birthday Cheesecake

Layered No-Bake Banana Split Cake Dessert

Creamy layers, sweet fruit, and crunchy toppings come together in a dessert that tastes just like a classic banana split. The buttery crust holds everything together while the fruity filling keeps it light and refreshing. Since there’s no baking involved, it’s especially nice for busy party prep days. Chilled slices of this always disappear quickly at family gatherings and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Layered No-Bake Banana Split Cake

Classic Smith Island Cake Using Cake Mix

Thin layers of moist yellow cake stacked with rich fudge frosting make this dessert feel extra impressive without being complicated. Every slice has the perfect balance of soft cake and decadent chocolate filling. It’s one of those desserts that instantly stands out on a party table because of all the beautiful layers. Serving this at a celebration always feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Smith Island Cake Using Cake Mix

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Creamy peanut butter mixed with crispy cereal creates the perfect sweet and crunchy bite-sized treat. They come together quickly without needing the oven, which makes party prep so much easier. The balance of salty and sweet flavors keeps everyone reaching for another one. A tray of these never lasts very long once guests start snacking.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies

Easy Hello Dolly Bars with Gooey Layers

Gooey layers of chocolate, coconut, crunchy pecans, and buttery graham cracker crust make these dessert bars completely irresistible. Sweetened condensed milk melts everything together into rich chewy bites packed with texture. They feel wonderfully nostalgic and always fit right in at potlucks and celebrations. Cutting them into squares makes serving a crowd simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hello Dolly Bars

Easy Black Forest Cupcakes with Cherry Filling

Rich chocolate cupcakes paired with sweet cherry filling create such a classic dessert combination. Using cake mix keeps things easy while still delivering plenty of decadent flavor in every bite. The fruity filling adds brightness that balances perfectly with the deep chocolate taste. They look elegant enough for parties but simple enough for casual gatherings too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Forest Cupcakes

Sweet Strawberry Bars with Shortbread Crust

Buttery shortbread and sweet strawberry topping come together in the most cheerful little dessert bars. The fruity layer stays soft and flavorful while the crust adds just the right amount of texture underneath. Bright pink color makes these especially fun for spring and summer celebrations. They’re easy to slice and perfect for serving a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Bars

Key Lime Tiramisu Dessert for a Crowd

Creamy mascarpone layers and bright citrus flavor give this dessert a fresh tropical twist that feels perfect for warm weather parties. Soft ladyfingers soaked in lime syrup keep every bite light and flavorful without feeling too rich. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes it especially refreshing after a big meal. Chilled slices of this feel elegant but still easygoing enough for casual celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Tiramisu Dessert

Easy Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake Dessert

Warm blueberry filling bubbling under a buttery golden topping makes this such a comforting dessert to share. The contrast between the jammy fruit and crisp baked layer gives every bite a cozy homemade feel. Since it comes together with very little effort, it’s perfect when you need something simple for a crowd. Serve it warm and everyone immediately asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake

Quick Oven-Baked Caramel Chex Mix Treat

Crunchy cereal coated in gooey caramel creates the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors. Baking everything in the oven gives it that crisp texture people keep snacking on by the handful. Big batches make it ideal for parties, gift bags, or casual dessert tables. It’s one of those treats people casually nibble on all night long.
Get the Recipe: Quick Oven-Baked Caramel Chex Mix

Classic 1950s Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Fluffy fruit salad with creamy texture and bursts of sweetness always brings a little nostalgia to the dessert table. It’s light, colorful, and easy to make ahead for parties and potlucks. Every spoonful feels refreshing while still tasting rich enough for dessert. Guests of all ages seem to have happy memories tied to recipes like this.
Get the Recipe: Classic 1950s Ambrosia Salad

Classic Carrot Cake Bars in a 9x13 Pan

Warm spices, shredded carrots, and thick cream cheese frosting make these bars taste comforting and homemade. Baking everything in one pan makes slicing and serving so much easier for large gatherings. The texture stays soft and moist while still holding together beautifully on dessert trays. They bring all the cozy flavor of carrot cake without the extra work of layering a full cake.
Get the Recipe: Classic Carrot Cake Bars

Rich Chocolate Dr. Pepper Cake

Moist chocolate cake topped with fudgy frosting creates a dessert that feels rich and nostalgic at the same time. The soda adds extra depth and softness to the cake without overpowering the chocolate flavor. Every bite stays incredibly tender and decadent from start to finish. This is the kind of dessert people talk about long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dr. Pepper Cake

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Creamy cheesecake filling layered over crisp graham cracker crusts makes these little desserts easy to grab and enjoy at parties. Fresh strawberry topping adds a bright fruity flavor that keeps them feeling light and refreshing. Their miniature size makes them perfect for dessert platters and celebrations. Guests love how fancy they look without being difficult to eat while mingling.
Get the Recipe: Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Bites with Graham Crust

Southern Banana Pudding from Scratch

Layers of creamy pudding, soft bananas, and vanilla wafers create a dessert that feels comforting and familiar in every spoonful. The combination of textures turns simple ingredients into something everyone gets excited about at gatherings. Chilled servings make it especially nice for warm weather celebrations and potlucks. Somehow a big bowl of this always disappears before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Pudding