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15 9x13 Retro Desserts for a Summer Potluck

These tried-and-true summer desserts are classics for a reason.

By

Updated on July 1, 2024

close-up of a slice of Judy's strawberry pretzel salad. Topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and pretzel crumbles. — Photo: Meredith Food Studios

Craving a taste of nostalgia? These mouthwatering summer desserts are a delicious blast from the past. Plus, they come together quickly and easily in your trusty 9x13-inch pan (so they're perfect for potlucks). From grandma-approved family recipes to vintage cakes straight from a spiral-bound cookbook, these 9x13 potluck desserts will steal the show at your next summer get together.

01 of 15

Lemon Lush

Lemon Lush

"This lemon lush dessert has a shortbread crust and layers of lemon and cream cheese filling. A family friend shared this recipe with me. It's always a hit at any get-togethers." —Mrs Kelly Z

02 of 15

Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad

colorful stack of seven layer gelatin salad squares sits — Meredith Food Studios

"This is a family favorite dish from my childhood. We called it Ribbon Jello and my Mom made this dessert only in the summer months. It was wonderful to have a 'slice' after coming home from a trip to the swimming pool." —Cindym

03 of 15

Judy's Strawberry Pretzel Salad

close-up of a slice of Judy's strawberry pretzel salad. Topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and pretzel crumbles. — Meredith Food Studios

"This three-layer strawberry pretzel dessert salad includes a pretzel crust, cream cheese center, and strawberry top." —Tom

04 of 15

Creamsicle Ice Cream Cake

Creamsicle® Ice Cream Cake

"Two layers of orange-flavored cake sandwich a layer of vanilla ice cream in this simple recipe, then it's finished off with some whipped topping for a bit of extra flair. And it tastes like the real deal." —Mackenzie Schieck

05 of 15

Grandma's Blueberry Buckle

a white casserole dish containing a lattice topped peach cobbler sits cooling on a wooden board. A scoop has been taken out of the casserole dish and is plated with a half melted scoop of vanilla ice cream — Danielle K

"An old-fashioned buttermilk peach cobbler. If you like, add blueberries. Serve with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream." —JJOHN32

06 of 15

Jello Poke Cake

Jell-O Poke Cake — The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

"This jello poke cake is an old Southern recipe passed down by my grandmother. Vary the flavor of gelatin used to get a specific color for any holiday, such as lime for St. Patrick's Day. You can top this cake with berries or sprinkles if you like!" —mollie

07 of 15

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

close up view of Pineapple Angel Food Cake topped with cream and yellow sprinkles — FoodFan

"This pineapple angel food cake requires just three easy ingredients: cake mix, canned pineapple, and whipped topping." —Donna

08 of 15

Lemon Pie Bars

Lemon Pie Bars

"This is a really easy recipe that my mom made before the lemon bar 'rage' was on! Thick-skinned lemons work the best. I suggest using real butter and eggs, I've tried using eggbeaters--nowhere near as good!" —RCFoodie

09 of 15

Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

close up view of Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake on a floral plate — Lins

"I came up with this recipe to combine a couple of my husband's favorites. It's easy and very tasty. The family loves it! It is great with vanilla ice cream!" —AngieK

10 of 15

Ruby Cake

Fruit Cocktail Cake with a coconut-brown sugar-nut topping and a creamy coconut sauce — pomplemousse

"This is a Fruit Cocktail Cake with a coconut-brown sugar-nut topping and a creamy coconut sauce." —Penny

11 of 15

Oatmeal Scotchies in a Pan

Oatmeal Scotchies in a Pan — Baking Nana

"Traditional and delicious oatmeal scotchies baked in a convenient 9x13 pan. Perfect every time!" —ABELAIRE

12 of 15

Lemon Poke Cake

lemon poke cake with white frosting garnished with lemon slice and mint sprig — France C

"This is a moist lemony cake. It is called a poke cake because you poke holes in it to absorb the glaze. If you want, you can serve this with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping." —MARBALET

13 of 15

Blackberry Cobbler

Slice of Blackberry Cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a plate — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This blackberry cobbler has a light and fluffy cake-like topping instead of the traditional biscuit-style. My fiancé said this blackberry cobbler was the best she's ever had. Serve warm with heavy or whipped cream." —Baron

14 of 15

Banana Pudding

A plated serving of banana pudding, topped with vanilla cookies and sliced banana — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"A banana pudding with cream cheese, condensed milk, and vanilla wafers that's quick and easy to make. Enjoy!" —Patty

15 of 15

Grandma's Blueberry Buckle

blueberry buckle on a white and blue plate — Deb C

"This blueberry buckle recipe makes a 9x13-inch cake. It was handed down to me by my grandmother. I always make it during blueberry season. My guests just love it!" —Gary Douylliez

More Inspiration

Strawberry Sheet Cake — Yoly

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