Office parties can be a welcome deviation from the daily routine, but when it calls for a potluck situation, it can become a little more complicated. How do you go about making something that everyone will like, you can make in bulk and something that won’t take you all night to put together? The answer is simple. Desserts!
There are few people who can resist the charms of a great dessert and many have the added bonus of being quick to make in bulk. So if you’re looking for some inspiration about what to bring to the next office party, here are some simple ideas to sample.
Less is more when scaling a dessert for large groups and trifles are the best at looking more complicated than they actually are. A classic British dessert that layers sponge cake with fruit, custard, and whipped cream you can prepare all the elements very easily, customize it depending on what you have available and the size is only limited by how big a dish you can find.
One of the most challenging parts about baking can be making sure you have all the ingredients you need on hand, which is often what puts people off the whole endeavor. But with these simple 3-ingredient cookies, all you need is peanut butter, eggs and some sugar in a 1:1:1 ratio and you’re all set to make easy cookies that bake in 15 minutes flat.
Give your autumn fudge a unique touch by incorporating a butterscotch twist into your traditional recipe. This fudge is simple to make, thanks to the presence of butterscotch and white chocolate chips, which contribute to the candy's setting process. Unlike conventional fudge, there's no need to fret about reaching a precise cooking temperature making it a hassle-free yet delightful addition to your fall treats.
There’s never a bad time for brownies and luckily these big dish bakes are perfect to make in bulk. 2 or 3 trays can easily feed even the most dessert-hungry office, so pick a simple recipe or get your hands on a good cake mix and bake a batch of rich and gooey chocolate brownies to cut into bite-sized pieces for easy serving and a crowd-pleasing treat.
Cheesecake is another classic dessert that always finds fans but to make the dessert go further, consider bite-sized cheesecake bars instead of a full-sized cheesecake. Easily customisable depending on whether you prefer fruit, chocolate or plain, they're easier to handle and perfect for sharing. Add different toppings like fruit compotes or chocolate ganache to jazz them up even further.
It may be called a mess, but this dessert is a thing of beauty. A delightful mess of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that hails from the UK and can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving. And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about damaging it while traveling because it’s supposed to look broken!
For a more zesty fresh dessert, opt for some Traybake Lemon Bars which are a perfect addition to your dessert spread. Bake a large batch in a rectangular tray, cut into squares, and dust with icing sugar. The tangy lemon flavor offers a refreshing contrast, making it a hit among guests.
A quintessential autumn delight, this fall speciality combines the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist and tender cake. This classic dessert captures the essence of the season, offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile. Whether topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, apple cake is a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of nostalgia.
With these simple desserts you’ll be able to whip up a fantastic dessert spread that will impress the office.