50+ Tailgating Dessert Recipes

These tailgating dessert recipes are made for game day. You’ll find easy cookies, brownies, dessert bars, Rice Krispie treats, and other handheld sweets that are simple to make, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing.

Tailgating Dessert Recipes

Football season means good food, cold drinks, friends, and plenty of time spent cheering for your team. And while the savory food usually gets most of the attention, you can’t forget dessert!

The best part? Most of these football party desserts can be made ahead of time, so you aren’t stuck in the kitchen when kickoff rolls around.

The Best Tailgating Dessert Recipes

When I’m choosing desserts for a tailgate, I look for three things: they need to travel well, be easy to serve, and be simple to eat without a plate and fork.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in this collection.

From classic chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter treats to fudgy brownies and crispy cereal bars, there are plenty of options for your next football party.

You’ll also want to check out Easy Recipes to Feed a Crowd.

Football Time!

Do you watch football or tailgate? In the South, football is like going to church on Sunday; it’s just something you do. On Saturdays, chances are you’ll find most alumni on campus or in front of the TV cheering for their favorite team!!

Whether you tailgate on campus or in front of the TV at home, great food is a must. I commissioned some of the top bloggers on the web to share their best tailgating dessert recipe. You will find that collection below as well as these girls’ awesome sites. All the recipes are:

1. Easy to make
2. Can sit at room temp
3. And, most important, don’t require a utensil to eat! (Because, like, how would you hold your drink?)

Awesome Tailgating Dessert Recipes

Tailgating at football games is the ideal time to dive into all your favorite foods, and that includes desserts! If you’re the chosen one to make the game day desserts, choosing desserts you can make a day ahead is smart. All these recipes can easily be made early.

Of course, in the South, Pound Cake Recipes and Cobblers are always welcomed. Any time. Any place.

Easy Tailgate Cookies

Cookies are one of the easiest desserts to bring to a football tailgate. Stack them in a container, cover them well, and they’re ready to go.

They’re also great for making ahead. Bake them the day before the game and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on game day.

Easy Tailgating Brownies

Brownies may be one of the best desserts for a tailgate. Cut them into small squares before leaving home, and they’re ready to serve.

You can also make most brownies a day ahead. Pack them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper, and they’ll be ready when the game starts.

Easy Dessert Bars for a Tailgate

Dessert bars are another smart choice for tailgating because you can bake them in a pan, cut them into squares, and pack them for transport.

They also make it easy to feed a group without needing individual plates or utensils.

Crispy Treats for Game Day

Don’t overlook crispy cereal treats when planning your tailgate desserts. They’re inexpensive, easy to make, and can be cut into small portions before you leave home.

How to Choose Desserts for a Tailgate

The best tailgating desserts aren’t necessarily the most complicated ones. In fact, simple is usually better.

Before choosing a dessert, think about how you’ll transport and serve it.

Choose handheld desserts

Cookies, brownies, bars, and crispy treats are ideal because guests can grab one and keep watching the game.

Make desserts ahead

Look for recipes that can be prepared the day before. This saves time on game day and gives you more time to enjoy the tailgate.

Avoid desserts that need refrigeration

If your dessert needs to stay cold, make sure you have enough cooler space. For an outdoor tailgate, room-temperature desserts are often easier.

Cut bars and brownies before leaving

Don’t bring a whole pan and expect guests to cut their own pieces. Cut everything at home and pack it in a sealed container.

Bring smaller portions

Football parties involve a lot of food. Smaller cookies, brownie bites, and bar cookies allow everyone to try more than one dessert.

Make-Ahead Tailgating Desserts

Making dessert the night before is one of the easiest ways to make game day less stressful.

Cookies can usually be baked ahead and stored in an airtight container. Brownies and dessert bars can be baked, cooled, cut, and packed the day before.

For the best texture, allow baked goods to cool completely before putting them into storage containers. If they’re still warm, condensation can make them soft.

If you’re traveling a long distance, pack desserts in sturdy containers so they don’t get crushed or broken on the way.

More Football Party Recipes

Dessert is only one part of a great tailgate. Build your menu with a mix of appetizers, dips, main dishes, and drinks.

Don’t miss my other tailgating recipes, including:

• 32 Awesome Tailgating Recipes Dips
• 36 Tailgating Recipes Brunch
• Game Day Food
• Genius Tailgating Recipes and Hacks
• Favorite Tailgate Food
• Tailgating Cocktails and Tailgating Essentials Printable
• Best Super Bowl Desserts

Tailgating Dessert Recipes Frequently Asked Questions

More Tailgating Recipes

If you’re planning a football party, don’t stop with dessert. I’ve got plenty of tailgating recipes to help you build the entire menu.

Start with the dips, add some easy game day food, and finish with one, or several, of these easy tailgate desserts.

Football season is better with good food, and dessert is always a good idea.

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