Picnics are great in theory, yet can be a little less than ideal to execute. There's a reason that we dine indoors, because we have everything we need to make eating a meal a smooth experience: a flat surface to balance our plates, a steady supply of napkins in case we knock over our glass, and an environment with a steady temperature. But when the weather's nice, it's hard to resist the urge to picnic. And so, to make the inevitable outdoor lunching experience easier, it's a good idea to choose picnic-friendly foods -- desserts being a high priority. Click through the slideshow below for 40 picnic-friendly, and delicious, dessert recipes.
Picnic Desserts
Chocolate-Chip-Pecan Cookie Bars(01 of40)
Get the Chocolate-Chip-Pecan Cookie Bars recipe
Feel free to swap walnuts or almonds for the pecans in this recipe, or use half nuts and half dried cranberries for a tart, chewy version. (credit:Con Poulos/Food&Wine)
Feel free to swap walnuts or almonds for the pecans in this recipe, or use half nuts and half dried cranberries for a tart, chewy version. (credit:Con Poulos/Food&Wine)
Nutella-Swirl Pound Cake(02 of40)
Get the Nutella-Swirl Pound Cake recipe
What isn't better with the addition of Nutella? We haven't come across anything, and this pound cake is no exception. (credit:Alexandra Grablewski)
What isn't better with the addition of Nutella? We haven't come across anything, and this pound cake is no exception. (credit:Alexandra Grablewski)
Chocolate-Chocolate Cookies(03 of40)
Get the Chocolate-Chocolate Cookies recipe
As rich and chocolatey as the fudgiest of brownies, yet with the texture of a perfectly moist cookie, this recipe is for those of us who can never get enough chocolate. (credit:Gabrielle Stabile & Mark Ibold)
As rich and chocolatey as the fudgiest of brownies, yet with the texture of a perfectly moist cookie, this recipe is for those of us who can never get enough chocolate. (credit:Gabrielle Stabile & Mark Ibold)
Salted Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies(04 of40)
Get the Salted Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookies recipe
Peanut butter and chocolate is a combination that has won over millions. Adding the sugary richness of a cookie makes this a sure-fire hit for any occasion. (credit:Joseph Erdos)
Peanut butter and chocolate is a combination that has won over millions. Adding the sugary richness of a cookie makes this a sure-fire hit for any occasion. (credit:Joseph Erdos)
Jumbo Brownies(05 of40)
Get the Jumbo Brownies recipe
Brownies are a real crowd pleaser, especially when they're jumbo sized. The recipe calls for walnuts, though omit them if you're not a fan. (credit:Stephanie Foley/Food&Wine)
Brownies are a real crowd pleaser, especially when they're jumbo sized. The recipe calls for walnuts, though omit them if you're not a fan. (credit:Stephanie Foley/Food&Wine)
Blondie Cake(06 of40)
Get the Blondie Cake recipe
This blondie is a peanut butter treat. It has Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, roasted peanuts and creamy peanut butter in the batter. (credit:Ben Fink)
This blondie is a peanut butter treat. It has Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, roasted peanuts and creamy peanut butter in the batter. (credit:Ben Fink)
Salted Shortbread Cookies(07 of40)
Get the Salted Shortbread Cookies recipe
The combination of salty and sweet is one that's hard to resist. And when you add buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie to that mix you know you've found a winning cookie. (credit:John Kernick/Food&Wine)
The combination of salty and sweet is one that's hard to resist. And when you add buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie to that mix you know you've found a winning cookie. (credit:John Kernick/Food&Wine)
Back-To-School Raspberry Granola Bars(08 of40)
Get the Back-to-School Raspberry Granola Bars recipe
These sturdy bars travel well; they make a perfect treat for a picnic. Filled with raspberry jam (though feel free to substitute for your favorite flavor), they hit the spot for an afternoon sweet treat. (credit:Clarkson Potter)
These sturdy bars travel well; they make a perfect treat for a picnic. Filled with raspberry jam (though feel free to substitute for your favorite flavor), they hit the spot for an afternoon sweet treat. (credit:Clarkson Potter)
Chocolate And Pecan Macaroons(09 of40)
Get the Chocolate And Pecan Macaroons recipe
These cookies include rich dark chocolate, flaked coconut and pecans. Their chewy texture is like a cross between coconut macaroons and French egg-white macarons. (credit:EatingWell )
These cookies include rich dark chocolate, flaked coconut and pecans. Their chewy texture is like a cross between coconut macaroons and French egg-white macarons. (credit:EatingWell )
Double Nut And Date Tassies(10 of40)
Get the Double Nut and Date Tassies recipe
This recipe makes a cookie that tastes like pecan pie; it doesn't really get much better than that. (credit:EatingWell)
This recipe makes a cookie that tastes like pecan pie; it doesn't really get much better than that. (credit:EatingWell)
Raspberry-And-Fig Cake(11 of40)
Get the Raspberry-and-Fig Cake recipe
Limes, raspberries and figs flavor this summery cake. And since there's no frosting on this cake, it makes a versatile dessert appropriate for any occasion. (credit:Marie Hennechart/Food&Wine)
Limes, raspberries and figs flavor this summery cake. And since there's no frosting on this cake, it makes a versatile dessert appropriate for any occasion. (credit:Marie Hennechart/Food&Wine)
Viennese Cookies(12 of40)
Get the Viennese Cookies recipe
These Viennese-style cookies have a tender texture from ground almonds and are sandwiched together with apricot jam. (credit:Taste of Home)
These Viennese-style cookies have a tender texture from ground almonds and are sandwiched together with apricot jam. (credit:Taste of Home)
Dark Chocolate-Filled Florentines(13 of40)
Get the Dark Chocolate-Filled Florentines recipe
Oats, chopped nuts and very little whole-wheat flour create these flat, crisp lace-like cookies. Sandwich together two cookies by spreading one half with melted chocolate and the other with apricot preserves. (credit:EatingWell )
Oats, chopped nuts and very little whole-wheat flour create these flat, crisp lace-like cookies. Sandwich together two cookies by spreading one half with melted chocolate and the other with apricot preserves. (credit:EatingWell )
Chocolate-Hazelnut Baklava(14 of40)
Get the Chocolate-Hazelnut Baklava recipe
While we like traditional honey and pistachio baklava, we can't refuse a chocolate hazelnut version. (credit:Kana Okada/Food&Wine)
While we like traditional honey and pistachio baklava, we can't refuse a chocolate hazelnut version. (credit:Kana Okada/Food&Wine)
Double-Chip Cookies(15 of40)
Get the Double-Chip Cookies recipe
The double-chip cookie calls for one part chocolate chips and one part potato chips. Two of our favorite foods mixed together in a cookie -- this is a trend we hope is here to stay. (credit:New Media Publishing)
The double-chip cookie calls for one part chocolate chips and one part potato chips. Two of our favorite foods mixed together in a cookie -- this is a trend we hope is here to stay. (credit:New Media Publishing)
Take 5 Carrot Cupcakes(16 of40)
Get the Take 5 Carrot Cupcakes recipe
When carrot cake can't be had, carrot cupcakes do the trick. And the best part is, with the cupcakes you get even more of that delicious cream-cheese frosting. (credit:Quentin Bacon/Food&Wine)
When carrot cake can't be had, carrot cupcakes do the trick. And the best part is, with the cupcakes you get even more of that delicious cream-cheese frosting. (credit:Quentin Bacon/Food&Wine)
Brutti Ma Buoni(17 of40)
Get the Brutti Ma Buoni recipe
These odd-shaped cookies, which translate from Italian to ugly but good, are very popular in Italy. Made with hazelnuts and egg whites, they're delightfully light and nutty. (credit:John Kernick/Food&Wine)
These odd-shaped cookies, which translate from Italian to ugly but good, are very popular in Italy. Made with hazelnuts and egg whites, they're delightfully light and nutty. (credit:John Kernick/Food&Wine)
Great-Grandmother Pearl's Angel Food Cake(18 of40)
Get the Great-Grandmother Pearl's Angel Food Cake with Peaches recipe
Pound cake is one of the best desserts for a hot summer day. It's got just the right amount of sweet, yet is still light and fluffy. (credit:Earl Carter/Food&Wine)
Pound cake is one of the best desserts for a hot summer day. It's got just the right amount of sweet, yet is still light and fluffy. (credit:Earl Carter/Food&Wine)
One Nutty Date(19 of40)
Get the One Nutty Date recipe
Peanut butter and crunchy walnuts make these buttery date cookies rich and seductive. (credit:EatingWell)
Peanut butter and crunchy walnuts make these buttery date cookies rich and seductive. (credit:EatingWell)
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies(20 of40)
Get the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies recipe
Macadamia nuts add a hint of Hawaiian flavor to these chewy white chocolate cookies. (credit:Julie Toy)
Macadamia nuts add a hint of Hawaiian flavor to these chewy white chocolate cookies. (credit:Julie Toy)
Apricot, Almond And Brown Butter Tart(21 of40)
Get the Apricot, Almond and Brown Butter Tart recipe
Dried apricots pair nicely with the nuttiness of the almonds -- which is further accented by the use of brown butter. (credit:Tina Rupp/Food&Wine)
Dried apricots pair nicely with the nuttiness of the almonds -- which is further accented by the use of brown butter. (credit:Tina Rupp/Food&Wine)
Lemon Angel Wings(22 of40)
Get the Lemon Angel Wings recipe
Some call these angel wings others refer to them as elephant ears. But regardless of their name the light, lemony flavor of these treats is, well, divine. (credit:Taste of Home)
Some call these angel wings others refer to them as elephant ears. But regardless of their name the light, lemony flavor of these treats is, well, divine. (credit:Taste of Home)
Seven-Layer Bars(23 of40)
Get the Seven-Layer Bars recipe
Coconut, chocolate, butterscotch and potato chips make up this seven-layer bar recipe. The potato chips are used in place of the more traditional graham cracker crust, and offer a nice savory element to this super-sweet treat. (credit:New Media Publishing)
Coconut, chocolate, butterscotch and potato chips make up this seven-layer bar recipe. The potato chips are used in place of the more traditional graham cracker crust, and offer a nice savory element to this super-sweet treat. (credit:New Media Publishing)
Thousand-Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies(24 of40)
Get the Thousand-Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe
This recipe is not the one you turn to if you want a cookie in a hurry. No, this cookie requires time and patience. But if you want a chocolate-chip cookie that is full of chocolate flavor, this is the recipe you're looking for. (credit:Sara Remington)
This recipe is not the one you turn to if you want a cookie in a hurry. No, this cookie requires time and patience. But if you want a chocolate-chip cookie that is full of chocolate flavor, this is the recipe you're looking for. (credit:Sara Remington)
Chocolate-Chocolate Cherry Cookies(25 of40)
Get the Chocolate-Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe
These chocolate cookies have everything going for them. They're chewy and loaded with chocolate chips and dried cherries. Use an ice cream scoop to make the dough easier to drop onto baking sheets. (credit:New Media Publishing)
These chocolate cookies have everything going for them. They're chewy and loaded with chocolate chips and dried cherries. Use an ice cream scoop to make the dough easier to drop onto baking sheets. (credit:New Media Publishing)
Cranberry-Honey Spice Pinwheel Cookies (26 of40)
Get the Cranberry-Honey Spice Pinwheel Cookies recipe
These cookies have a bright, zesty filling and spicy aroma. They're convenient because you can make the logs of cookie dough ahead, then pull them out of the freezer and slice and bake as you need. (credit:EatingWell )
These cookies have a bright, zesty filling and spicy aroma. They're convenient because you can make the logs of cookie dough ahead, then pull them out of the freezer and slice and bake as you need. (credit:EatingWell )
Pecan-Cinnamon Wafers(27 of40)
Get the Pecan-Cinnamon Wafers recipe
Pecans add a hint of nuttiness to this sugary, cinnamon cookie (credit:EatingWell )
Pecans add a hint of nuttiness to this sugary, cinnamon cookie (credit:EatingWell )
Hazelnut, Cinnamon And Coconut Cake(28 of40)
Get the Hazelnut, Cinnamon and Coconut Cake recipe
This moist yogurt cake is flavored with flaked coconuts and roasted chopped hazelnuts -- it makes for a satisfying dessert. (credit:TASTE)
This moist yogurt cake is flavored with flaked coconuts and roasted chopped hazelnuts -- it makes for a satisfying dessert. (credit:TASTE)
Cranberry Orange Nut Cookies(29 of40)
Get the Cranberry Orange Nut Cookie recipe
Crisp, moist and chewy, this cookie has all the essential ingredients of a top-notch treat: citrus, nuts and fruit. (credit:EatingWell )
Crisp, moist and chewy, this cookie has all the essential ingredients of a top-notch treat: citrus, nuts and fruit. (credit:EatingWell )
Chocolate Coconut Meringues(30 of40)
Get the Chocolate Coconut Meringues recipe
These light and airy meringue cookies use three extracts (coconut, almond and vanilla) to give it a full flavor. For a finishing flair, decorate them with melted semisweet chocolate and white chocolate, piped across each cookie. (credit:EatingWell )
These light and airy meringue cookies use three extracts (coconut, almond and vanilla) to give it a full flavor. For a finishing flair, decorate them with melted semisweet chocolate and white chocolate, piped across each cookie. (credit:EatingWell )
Poppy Seed Cake(31 of40)
Get the Poppy Seed Cake recipe
This poppy seed cake is moist and crunchy thanks to the use of poppy seeds. Dusted with confectioner's sugar, it's a simple yet delectable cake. (credit:Taunton Press)
This poppy seed cake is moist and crunchy thanks to the use of poppy seeds. Dusted with confectioner's sugar, it's a simple yet delectable cake. (credit:Taunton Press)
Rocky Road Brownies(32 of40)
Get the Rocky Road Brownies recipe
These brownies have it all. Chopped nuts, marshmallows and chocolate baked atop a cakey chocolate layer. (credit:EatingWell)
These brownies have it all. Chopped nuts, marshmallows and chocolate baked atop a cakey chocolate layer. (credit:EatingWell)
Ganache-Stuffed Chocolate-Chip Cookies(33 of40)
Get the Ganache-Stuffed Chocolate-Chip Cookies recipe
While these cookies may require an extra step than most chocolate chip cookie recipes, it's well worth your time and effort. Sandwiching freshly baked cookies with chocolate ganache is possibly the best way to enjoy this type of cookie. (credit:Con Poulos/Food&Wine)
While these cookies may require an extra step than most chocolate chip cookie recipes, it's well worth your time and effort. Sandwiching freshly baked cookies with chocolate ganache is possibly the best way to enjoy this type of cookie. (credit:Con Poulos/Food&Wine)
Honey Spice Beer Cake(34 of40)
Get the Honey Spice Beer Cake recipe
Use your favorite beer in this recipe, the flavor will really shine through. The honey, lemon and spices make this one recipe you won't be able to resist. (credit:Daniel Kukla)
Use your favorite beer in this recipe, the flavor will really shine through. The honey, lemon and spices make this one recipe you won't be able to resist. (credit:Daniel Kukla)
Lava Rocks(35 of40)
Get the Lava Rocks recipe
The name says it all. These cookies are dangerously rich with a triple dose of chocolate from cocoa powder, grated bittersweet chocolate and cocoa nibs. Pecans add a rocky crunch. (credit:EatingWell )
The name says it all. These cookies are dangerously rich with a triple dose of chocolate from cocoa powder, grated bittersweet chocolate and cocoa nibs. Pecans add a rocky crunch. (credit:EatingWell )
Nana's Creole Pecan Cake Bars(36 of40)
Get the Nana's Creole Pecan Cake Bars recipe
Dates and raisins dot this pecan bar adding a hint of fruity sweetness throughout. This treat will keep for a few days so feel free to make it a ahead of time and store in an airtight container. (credit:EatingWell)
Dates and raisins dot this pecan bar adding a hint of fruity sweetness throughout. This treat will keep for a few days so feel free to make it a ahead of time and store in an airtight container. (credit:EatingWell)
Citrus-Kissed Honey Buttons(37 of40)
Get the Citrus-Kissed Honey Buttons recipe
Honey is the perfect foil for the orange and lemon zest in these buttery cookies. (credit:EatingWell)
Honey is the perfect foil for the orange and lemon zest in these buttery cookies. (credit:EatingWell)
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cupcakes(38 of40)
Get the Coconut Chocolate Chip Cupcakes recipe
These cupcakes are easy to take on the road. And when they're chock-full of flaked coconut and chocolate chips, why wouldn't you? (credit:New Media Publishing)
These cupcakes are easy to take on the road. And when they're chock-full of flaked coconut and chocolate chips, why wouldn't you? (credit:New Media Publishing)
Raspberry-Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies(39 of40)
Get the Raspberry-Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies recipe
Chocolate and cherries go well together, and so do chocolate and raspberries! (credit:EatingWell)
Chocolate and cherries go well together, and so do chocolate and raspberries! (credit:EatingWell)
Banana Multigrain Bars(40 of40)
Get the Banana Multigrain Bars recipe
While these banana bars may be healthy -- full of good-for-you grains -- they are also delicious and make a nice change from the traditional chocolate bar brownie. (credit:Cooking Light)
While these banana bars may be healthy -- full of good-for-you grains -- they are also delicious and make a nice change from the traditional chocolate bar brownie. (credit:Cooking Light)
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