It’s graduation season! Time to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that led to this big moment. And what better way to mark the special occasion than with a spread of delicious desserts?
We’ve got a collection of 31 amazing treats that are perfect for a graduation party.
From crowd-pleasing classics to creative new ideas, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So grab your whisk and get ready to bake up a storm!
Contents
- 1 Tips for Planning a Graduation Dessert Table
- 2 31 Easy & Delicious Graduation Desserts to Sweeten the Moment
- 2.1 1. Cap and Diploma Cookies
- 2.2 2. Graduation Cupcakes
- 2.3 3. Red Velvet Trifle
- 2.4 4. Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
- 2.5 5. Customised Initial Graduation Cake
- 2.6 6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- 2.7 7. Dessert Kabobs
- 2.8 8. Chocolate-Covered Oreos
- 2.9 9. Caramel Popcorn
- 2.10 10. Strawberry Pretzel Pie
- 2.11 11. Orange Cream Popsicles
- 2.12 12. Rhubarb Icebox Dessert
- 2.13 13. Ferrero Rocher with Graduation Caps
- 2.14 14. DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar
- 2.15 15. DIY Root Beer Float Bar
- 2.16 16. Pretzel Pop Graduates
- 2.17 17. Fruit Display
- 2.18 18. Mini Dessert Cups
- 2.19 19. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- 2.20 20. Seven Layer Bars
- 2.21 21. Happy Graduate Cake Pops
- 2.22 22. Homemade Whoopie Pies
- 2.23 23. Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas
- 2.24 24. Piñata Cupcakes
- 2.25 25. Peanut Butter Graham Bars
- 2.26 26. Cupcake Tower
- 2.27 27. Coloured Macarons
- 2.28 28. Graduation Hat Cake
- 2.29 29. Cheesecake Bars
- 2.30 30. Banana Flip Cake
- 2.31 31. Triple Fruit Freeze
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Save This Page to Pinterest!
- 5 Sweeten the Day
Tips for Planning a Graduation Dessert Table
We’ll get to the mouthwatering list of graduation desserts to choose from, but first, let’s talk about how to turn them into a showstopper table! Here are some ideas to make your dessert spread as delightful as it is to devour:
First things first, variety! Offer a mix of flavours – something chocolatey, creamy, fruity, or crunchy – to keep everyone happy. Have some lighter options like fruit kebabs or mini cheesecake bars, alongside richer desserts like red velvet trifles and whoopie pies.
Don’t want to leave anyone out? Bake a batch of eggless cookies or flourless cupcakes to ensure everyone can join the party. Look for recipes naturally free of common allergens, or highlight which ones are safe for nut-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets. Fruit sorbets can also be a delightful vegan option!
When making your dessert table, presentation is key. Start with a clean, neutral tablecloth and add some height with cake stands, pedestals, or even stacks of books to elevate some of your desserts. This creates visual interest and makes it easier for guests to see all the goodies on offer.
Mason jars filled with candies or colourful cupcake liners peeking out of wicker baskets are also welcome. Use pretty serving dishes and feel free to mix and match – an eclectic look can be quite charming.
To tie everything into the graduation theme, get creative! Start by incorporating the grad’s school colours into the table decorations. It could be the tablecloth, napkins, or the desserts themselves. Scatter graduation cap-shaped cookies, cupcakes with personalised toppers, or a sheet cake decorated with the graduate’s initials and year.
Balloons in school colours, streamers, a celebratory banner, or a photo collage of the grad’s achievements will also help set the mood. And why not get crafty and make your decorations using cardstock and markers? That’d be an awesome touch!
With a little planning and these simple tips, you can create a stunning dessert table that’s the perfect ending to a graduation celebration everyone will remember. Now on to the desserts!
31 Easy & Delicious Graduation Desserts to Sweeten the Moment
1. Cap and Diploma Cookies
These adorable cookies shaped like graduation caps and diplomas are tasty and thematic.
Decorated with frosting details, they make for a fun and festive treat.
2. Graduation Cupcakes
Personalised cupcakes topped with frosting in your school colours or decorated with grad-themed toppers are a sweet way to celebrate graduation.
3. Red Velvet Trifle
Layers of rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake mousse, and fluffy whipped cream come together in this indulgent dessert.
Topped with chocolate shavings or fresh berries, it’s a decadent treat that’s sure to impress at any graduation celebration.
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4. Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
These sweet and chewy treats combine the classic flavour of Rice Krispie treats with the fun taste of cake batter.
Made with marshmallows, Rice Krispies cereal, and a hint of cake mix, they’re a delightful pick for graduation parties!
5. Customised Initial Graduation Cake
Celebrate your grad in style with a custom initial cake!
Pick your favourite colours for the frosting, and add some grad-themed decorations like mini diplomas or caps.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Take juicy strawberries and dip ’em in melted chocolate for a simple yet delicious treat.
They’re easy to prepare and always a hit among all ages!
7. Dessert Kabobs
Get creative by threading mini pieces of your favourite desserts onto skewers for a fun treat.
It can be fruits, marshmallows, macarons, cookies, pound cakes, or brownie chunks.
The end result will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth at your graduation bash!
Similar Article: Funny 18th Birthday Cake Ideas
8. Chocolate-Covered Oreos
Upgrade your Oreos by dunking them in melted chocolate for a scrumptious twist.
They’re super easy to make and utterly irresistible.
Just be prepared to make plenty because they’ll disappear fast!
9. Caramel Popcorn
Coat freshly popped popcorn with a homemade caramel sauce for a deliciously crunchy and light snack. It’s perfect for just about any occasion, including graduation celebrations.
10. Strawberry Pretzel Pie
This pie’s got it all – a crispy crust made of pretzels, then a layer of creamy, sweet cheese, topped with fresh strawberry jelly.
It’s like a flavour party in your mouth!
11. Orange Cream Popsicles
Want something cool and tangy? These orange-cream pops are just the ticket!
A burst of citrusy goodness in frozen form, smooth and refreshing, they’re a healthier option than ice cream, but still just as satisfying on a hot day.
12. Rhubarb Icebox Dessert
A fluffy layer of marshmallow that sits atop a tangy rhubarb filling.
This make-ahead dessert is perfect for graduation celebrations; it’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavour.
Plus, you can prepare it in advance, making party planning a breeze.
Also Read: 30 Awesome Paper Crafts For Adults
13. Ferrero Rocher with Graduation Caps
Simply attach a mini Reese’s cup to the top of a Ferrero Rocher to create a cute little graduation cap.
It’s a clever and tasty way to celebrate the graduate’s big day.
14. DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Set up your very own ice cream sundae bar by laying out a variety of ice cream flavours, like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry and add some flavoured syrups.
And don’t stop there! Load up on toppings like choco chips, sprinkles, marshmallows, and all your favourite candies.
Let everyone build their dream sundae—it’s a guaranteed hit!
15. DIY Root Beer Float Bar
Get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ good time with a root beer float bar! Load up a bucket with root beer and set out toppings in cute containers.
It can be cherries, chocolate sprinkles, and striped straws in a jar.
A bucket of vanilla ice cream and a can of whipped cream is a must-have for that perfect float finish.
16. Pretzel Pop Graduates
These chocolate-dipped Pretzel Graduates may not have hit the books as hard as you did, but they’ll most likely steal the show at your grad party with their cute cap and tassel made of chocolate and pretzels and delicious taste!
17. Fruit Display
Create a stunning centrepiece for your graduation party by arranging colourful fruits in the shape of your graduation year or age.
Use a variety of fruits like strawberries, grapes, apples, melons, and pineapple to fill in the numbers.
18. Mini Dessert Cups
These bite-sized dessert cups pack a big punch in a tiny package!
Fill mini cups with your favourite treats like pudding, cake crumbs, candies, fruit pulps, whipped cream, or cake crumbs for a sweet and satisfying treat on the big day.
19. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with a surprise in the centre—a gooey peanut butter cup nestled inside each one.
Prepare a batch for the graduation party and watch them vanish in no time!
20. Seven Layer Bars
A buttery graham cracker crust topped with layers of caramel, sweetened condensed milk, choco and butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts—all baked until golden and gooey.
They’re a classic addition to any gathering, including grad parties.
21. Happy Graduate Cake Pops
Whip up these cute cake pops to celebrate the grad! Mix cake with frosting, roll into balls, dip in candy coating, and freeze.
Top with a chocolate square, a mini M&M, and a Fruit by the Foot tassel, then attach to a peanut butter cup for the cap. Add a smiley face for extra cheer!
22. Homemade Whoopie Pies
With a divine filling sandwiched between cake-like cookies, these soft and chewy homemade whoopie pies are pure bliss.
Trust us, your friends and families won’t be able to stop at just one!
23. Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas
a soft, chewy sugar cookie base loaded with creamy frosting and a colourful array of fresh fruit on top – a taste of summer in every bite!
Perfect for sharing at your graduation party or any gathering where you want to wow your guests with a delicious and vibrant dessert.
24. Piñata Cupcakes
Surprise your grad guests with piñata cupcakes! These fun treats look like regular cupcakes, but with a bite, they burst with colourful sprinkles – just like a piñata!
They’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles.
25. Peanut Butter Graham Bars
Classic combo, graduation approved! These no-bake peanut butter graham bars are creamy, crunchy, and totally delicious.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family – and they’re easy to make, leaving you more time to celebrate!
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26. Cupcake Tower
Take your cupcakes to new heights! A cupcake tower is a neat trick to show off your delicious creations for the grad party.
Plus, it saves space on the dessert table – a win-win!
27. Coloured Macarons
Add a pop of colour to your celebration with these adorable macarons! Choose your school colours or favourite shades for a sweet and stylish treat.
They’re light, delicious, and perfect for a fancy (but easy!) graduation dessert.
28. Graduation Hat Cake
Level up your party with a graduation hat cake! This yummy cake gets a topping they’ll love – a fondant diploma and graduation cap in their school colours.
It’s a picture-perfect way to celebrate their big day!
29. Cheesecake Bars
Graduation calls for cheesecake! These creamy bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves a bite of that rich, smooth filling on a buttery crust.
Plus, you can easily cut them into squares for a stress-free dessert table win!
30. Banana Flip Cake
Celebrate with a taste of nostalgia!
This Banana Flip Cake is light, fluffy, packed with creamy banana flavour, and topped with whipped cream.
Your favourite childhood pudding in cake form, perfect for a summer-themed graduation dessert!
31. Triple Fruit Freeze
Beat the heat and celebrate the graduation with a refreshing Triple Fruit Freeze!
Layers of kiwi, blueberry, and grape goodness come together in a fun, icy pop. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and will keep everyone cool on a warm graduation day!
Read: 35 Best Fall Crafts for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a graduation party is exciting, but it can also get a little overwhelming. Here are some answers to those burning questions about making and serving graduation desserts:
Can I make some desserts ahead of time?
Yes! Many desserts like brownies, bars, cookies, and even some cakes can be baked a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers at room temperature, but anything with frosting or cream cheese needs to be chilled.
Avoid the fridge for some desserts, as it can dry them out. You can also prep things like cake batter or cookie dough and keep them chilled until baking time.
What can I serve alongside all these yummy desserts?
Coffee, tea, and fruit punch are all classic choices that pair well with a variety of desserts. You could also try a refreshing iced tea with a hint of citrus or a sparkling fruit punch with fresh berries. Lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser, especially for a summer graduation party.
No matter what you choose, keep both water and non-caffeinated options available for everyone.
How much dessert should I prepare?
A good rule of thumb is to estimate 2-3 dessert servings per person. However, consider factors like the time of day (afternoon parties might call for lighter portions) and if there will be other food options.
My friend has a nut allergy. What can I do?
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious nut-free desserts on this list! Look for recipes that use alternative ingredients like chopped dried fruits or sunflower seeds. Plus, you can keep a separate platter labelled “nut-free” for any allergy-friendly options.
Save This Page to Pinterest!
Sweeten the Day
There you have it! 31 mouthwatering desserts and treats for the perfect sweet ending to any graduation day celebration.
No matter your style or skill level, these sugary delights are guaranteed to make the big day a delicious success. Let us know in the comments below which dessert you’re planning to try!