Whether you have plans to throw a neighborhood block party, want to treat your friends to a dinner and dessert, or even need to make something for your kiddos, trying to find recipes for a crowd can be quite hard. When it comes to desserts, trying to find recipes that also don't come in the form of a cake box can also prove quite the challenge. However, we are here to make it easy for you. We researched, tested, and approved crowd-pleasing dessert recipes so you don't have to! So look no further - here are our best dessert recipes for a crowd:
Cheesecake Bars
This cheesecake recipe is incredibly easy to make and has a nice summer-flavor from the pineapple! It can be easily doubled or tripled, making it perfect for crowds.
Serves - 12 Bars | From Cookies and Cups
Gather Together:
Crust
- 1 (11 oz) Box of Nilla Wafers Crushed - (about 2 1/2 – 3 cups crushed)
- 1/2 Cup of Butter - Melted
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) Brick of Cream Cheese - Room Temperature
- 1/2 Cup of Butter - Room Temperature
- 2 Cups of Powdered Sugar
- 1 (20 oz) Can of Crushed Pineapple - Well Drained
- 1 (8 oz) Tub of Cool Whip - Thawed
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 pan with foil and set aside.
- In medium bowl combine crushed Nilla Wafers, melted butter and salt. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. I used the bottom of a cup to help press it evenly
- Bake the crust for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- For the filling, combine cream cheese and butter in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed, beating until smooth. Add in powdered sugar and continue beating until all is incorporated with no lumps.
- Turn the mixer to low and add in drained pineapple until mixed in well. Fold in Cool Whip.
- Spread onto cooled crust. Chill for at least 3 hours, or over overnight.
- Cut into squares when ready to serve.
Apple Pie Crumb Bars
Who doesn't love apple pie? Well we made it simple for you and found a recipe that brings all the appeal of the classic dessert in a bar form!
Serves - 9 Bars | From Lovely Little Kitchen
Gather Together:
FOR FILLING
- 2 Cups of Granny Smith Apples - Peeled and Chopped
- 1/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons of Cornstarch
- 1 Teaspoon of Apple Pie Spice Blend
FOR THE CRUST AND CRUMB
- 1 1/2 Cups of All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup of Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
- 1/2 Cup of Butter- Chilled and Cubed
- 1 Egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly grease an 8 by 8 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Add apples, sugar, cornstarch and apple pie spice to a medium bowl and stir together. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or two forks. When the butter is cut into small pea sized flour coated crumbs, add the egg and stir to bring the dough together. Use clean hands if needed. The dough will be crumbly.
- Divide the dough in half and press one half into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the apple filling in an even layer over the dough, then crumble the remaining dough on top. Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 38-40 minutes or until the top is light golden brown and the apples are soft. Cool completely and then cut into bars.
S'Mores Bars
S'Mores are a classic go-to recipe for the summer! So why not make them for a crowd! Here is how:
Serves - 24 Bars | From Six Clever Sisters
Gather Together:
For Crust
- 2/3 Cup of Margarine or Butter - Melted
- 3 Cups of Graham Crackers - Crushed
- 6 Tablespoons of Sugar
For Brownie Layer
- 2-9x13 Brownie Mixes - With Ingredients Found On Box
For Toppings
- 6 Cups of Mini Marshmallows
- 8 Whole Graham Crackers - Broken Into Pieces
- 1 Cup of Milk Chocolate Chips
- 4 Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars - Broken Into Pieces
Directions:
- Heat oven to 350°. Generously grease sheet pan or 2 9x13 pans.
- Mix crust ingredients and press into bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
- Make brownie batter as directed on box and gently spread over graham cracker crust. Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Set oven to broil.
- Immediately sprinkle marshmallows and graham pieces over the brownies. Broil about 5 inches from heat for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
- Let cool 20 minutes, then top with Hershey pieces, sticking them into the warm marshmallows.
- Cool completely and cut into bars.
Lemon Bars
Bring a little zest into a gathering with these super tangy and delicious lemon bars!
Serves - 15 Bars | From Taste of Home
Gather Together:
- 3/4 Cup of Butter - Softened
- 2/3 Cup of Confectioners' Sugar
- 1-1/2 Cups plus 3 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour - Divided
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1-1/2 Cups of Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice - Fresh if Possible
- 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Zest
- Additional Confectioners' Sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar until blended. Gradually beat in 1-1/2 cups flour. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining flour until frothy; pour over hot crust.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until lemon mixture is set and lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.
If you want to be the star of your next gathering or simply just want to impress a crowd,aim for these recipes! Happy cooking!
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- Patrick
