Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More
    • The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More
    • 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
    • 45-Minute Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Budget-Friendly Recipes
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Videos
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Holidays and Occasions
  3. Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
  4. Our Best Easy Tailgating Desserts

Our Best Easy Tailgating Desserts

Updated August 25, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars image
Credit: Daniel Agee; Food Styling: Ivy Odom; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson

Football season is fast approaching, and that means there's not much time left to get your tailgate offerings planned out. Don't worry, we've got you. We've rounded up our best easy tailgating desserts—cookies, cheesecake bars, brownies, and even a few cakes—that everyone will eat right up, no matter who they're cheering for. The only thing sweeter than these easy treats is a win from your team. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars image
Credit: Daniel Agee; Food Styling: Ivy Odom; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, rich, salty, and sweet all at the same time—these no-bake, chocolate-peanut butter bars are everything. Crisp crushed Bugles (one of our staffs' junk food favorites) make for a fun and amazingly delicious twist on a typical crumb crust. They lend the perfect hit of salty, crispy, buttery goodness in the base of this cookie bar, and topping the assembled bars with a another handful of the the whole chips is a playful touch that lets folks know what's in store when they bite into this salty-sweet situation. These decadent cookie bars were a huge hit in the test kitchen, and recipe developer Ivy Odom notes that they would be "perfect for tailgates, school parties, or for eating in front of the TV, with wine and the rest of the bag of Bugles, after a long day at work."

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Hello Dolly Bars

Hello Dolly Bars
Credit: Oxmoor House

Hello Dolly Bars Recipe

These bar cookies are also known as seven-layer bars. They take less than 30 minutes to make and call for just 8 ingredients, making Hello Dolly Bars the perfect dessert for taking along, well, just about anywhere!

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

The Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie

The Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Credit: Sara Tane

The Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie Recipe

Everybody needs a go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe, and this is the one that you can rely on, time after time. Topped with flaky sea salt and bursting with bittersweet chocolate chunks, this sweet treat is not for the faint of heart. By baking them at a high temperature for a short burst of time, the exterior boasts a crisp texture and golden-brown color, while the inside remains melty, chewy and warm as ever. For the ultimate sweet deal, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drink it alongside a tall glass of milk.

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Copycat Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies

Copycat Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies image
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey

Copycat Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies Recipe

Is this recipe an exact replica of Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies? No. These are better. Rather than thin cakes, we went for oatmeal cookies that pack an almost peanut-butter-like flavor without any nuts. The crème filling completely nails what we love about the prepackaged pies, but takes things further with an almost airy, marshmallow-based consistency. If that doesn't convince you, preparing these at home is just as quick (if not faster) than a grocery run.

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Easy Key Lime Pie

No Bake Key Lime Pie image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Dessert doesn't get easier, or more delicious, than a no-bake key lime pie. Requiring just a handful of ingredients, this easy pie is a great recipe for less experienced bakers—especially considering what a crowd-pleaser it is. Perfect for the hot summer months when you'd rather reduce your oven use, the luscious key lime filling sets up to creamy perfection with the help of Cool Whip. Though we provide instructions for a homemade graham cracker crust, you can make this key lime pie recipe all the easier (and skip the oven altogether) by opting for a pre-made, store-bought pie crust instead. 

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Rocky Road Popcorn Balls

Rocky Road Popcorn Balls
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Rocky Road Popcorn Balls Recipe

Guess what? This is a whole-grain dessert. To keep the ­stickiness at bay, wear latex gloves coated with cooking spray as you shape the popcorn balls.

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sheet Pan Oatmeal Toffee-Orange Cream Bars

Sheet Pan Oatmeal Toffee-Orange Cream Bars image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Sheet Pan Oatmeal Toffee-Orange Cream Bars Recipe

These toasty-sweet, sheet pan sandwich cookies are fantastic for potlucks or tailgates—heck, whip a batch up on the weekend and enjoy for after-school snacks or dessert throughout the week. Toffee bits and cinnamon kick up the flavor of a traditional oatmeal cookie, while adding fresh orange zest to the filling adds a special touch or bright flavor to these tasty bars. Be sure the cookie is completely cool (out of the pan) before cutting it, or it will crumble. And to ensure a smooth cut, you'll want to chill the filled cookie really well before slicing into bars.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Best Fudgy Brownies

Best Fudgy Brownie
Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Best Fudgy Brownies Recipe

Meet your new go-to recipe for homemade brownies. These decadent treats are extra rich and fudgy, thanks to a double hit of baking chocolate and bittersweet chocolate morsels. They're incredibly easy to make, plus you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. And while we're definitely not above boxed brownie mixes, these homemade brownies would certainly steal the show at any party or get-together.

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Kahlúa Cookie Dough Bites

Kahlúa Cookie Dough Bites image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Studios

Kahlúa Cookie Dough Bites Recipe

If you're only going to have "a bite" of dessert, this is the bite to have.

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Classic Banana Bread

Classic Banana Bread recipe
Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Zapalowski

Classic Banana Bread Recipe

This healthier take on banana bread uses yogurt instead of butter, but it's just as moist and indulgent as classic recipes. This banana bread recipe isn't just easy. It's also highly customizable and can adapt to a number of flavors and substitute ingredients. Banana bread should form a crack down the center as it bakes--a sign the baking soda is doing its job. Serve toasted with a smear of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or peanut and top with mixed nuts, if desired. You can even customize your bread with a crunchy streusal topping that the kids will love.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake
Credit: Oxmoor House

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

This class Texas sheet cake recipe features a homemade chocolate cake layer topped with chocolate frosting and chopped toasted pecans.  Its rectangular shape makes this cake perfect for serving to a crowd.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Skillet PB&J Monkey Bread

Skillet PB&J Monkey Bread image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Stuido

Skillet PB&J Monkey Bread Recipe

Ooey gooey peanut butter and jelly goodness! Kids and adults alike will go nuts for this sweet and decadent treat, which gets its chewy, light-as-air feeling from store-bought pizza dough. 

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Classic lemon squares can contain 36g sugar per piece. We put a puckery cheesecake spin on ours--cutting sugar to just 6g per bar--which allows the bright citrus to shine.

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies

Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies
Credit: Jessica Colyer; Styling: Jessica Colyer

Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe

Need to throw together a last minute treat? Make a batch of fluffy and buttery, cream cheese-glazed cookies using 1 whole (14-ounce) can of sweetened and just a handful of other staple ingredients you probably already have in the fridge and pantry. You will use 2/3 cup of the condensed milk in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies (which eliminates the need for additional sugar or eggs), then simply combine the rest of the can with softened cream cheese to create a tangy-sweet glaze. After you glaze the cookies and add sprinkles (if desired), leave them on the wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes so that the glaze can set so that you don't end up with a mess. 

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Chocolate-Hazelnut Brownies

mr-Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey and Elise Mayfield; Prop Styling: Kay Clarke and Laura Evans

Chocolate-Hazelnut Brownies Recipe

Fair warning: Our editors and test kitchen staff LOVED these gluten-free brownies. Words like "decadent" and "divine" were thrown around liberally. 

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

The Ultimate S'mores Cookie

The Ultimate S’mores Cookie image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Studios

The Ultimate S'mores Cookie Recipe

These cookies taste just like a s'more, no campfire required. The graham crackers really come through in the cookie, while the melty chocolate melds with toasted marshmallow during the baking process. 

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Brownies

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Brownies
Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Kate Parisian

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly nutty and salty, these peanut butter pretzel brownies are for the die-hard chocolate lover in everyone's lives. Incorporating Reese's candies, crushed pretzel bits, and a heaping spoonful of creamy peanut butter, these rich, decadent squares are perfect for you next potluck dessert party, special occasion, or late night craving. For an added bonus, go ahead and eat them warm out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream.

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Almond Joy Cookies

mr-almondjoycookies-update
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop Styling: Kay Clarke

Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

Inspired by the favorite almond, coconut, and chocolate candy bar, these loaded Almond Joy Cookies are sure to steal the show on any holiday cookie platter or cookie swap they show up at.  

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18 Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bugle Bars
    2 of 18 Hello Dolly Bars
    3 of 18 The Ultimate Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie
    4 of 18 Copycat Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies
    5 of 18 Easy Key Lime Pie
    6 of 18 Rocky Road Popcorn Balls
    7 of 18 Sheet Pan Oatmeal Toffee-Orange Cream Bars
    8 of 18 Best Fudgy Brownies
    9 of 18 Kahlúa Cookie Dough Bites
    10 of 18 Classic Banana Bread
    11 of 18 Texas Sheet Cake
    12 of 18 Skillet PB&J Monkey Bread
    13 of 18 Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars
    14 of 18 Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies
    15 of 18 Chocolate-Hazelnut Brownies
    16 of 18 The Ultimate S'mores Cookie
    17 of 18 Peanut Butter and Pretzel Brownies
    18 of 18 Almond Joy Cookies

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email
    MyRecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithMyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright MyRecipes. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Best Easy Tailgating Desserts
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.