The Procrastinator’s Guide to Last Minute Party Desserts
When planning weddings or large events, dessert sometimes falls through the cracks. While coordinating a large-scale celebration adds complexity, pulling together a last-minute dessert solution doesn’t have to be stressful or disappointing. With a little creativity, you can still wow your guests—even if you’re scrambling the day before the event.
Here are ten crowd-pleasing options to consider if you're running out of time but still want to make a sweet impression:
1. Boxes of Doughnuts from Dunkin’ or Voodoo Doughnuts
Who doesn’t love doughnuts? It’s a classic treat that’s readily available and appeals to guests of all ages. But don’t just plop down a box and call it good—make it part of the experience. Turn the doughnut reveal into an event within the event. Have the service staff bring out the boxes with flair, creating a memorable dessert parade.
For a local touch in the Denver area, consider grabbing an assortment from Voodoo Doughnuts. Their quirky flavors and vibrant presentation make them perfect for creating a fun dessert experience. If you’re after a more classic vibe, LaMar’s Donuts offers freshly made, delicious doughnuts in traditional flavors that can easily be jazzed up with a creative presentation.
2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Magill’s or Little Man Ice Cream
An ice cream sundae bar is a versatile and fun way to end the night on a sweet note. Even if you're down to the wire, you can still pull together this classic treat from grocery store staples or local boutique ice cream shops. Stock up on three ice cream flavors (keeping it simple will help speed up the line), some essential toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, and chocolate sauce, and don’t forget the whipped cream and cherries for that nostalgic sundae touch.
For a Denver-area twist, pick up pints from Magill’s Ice Cream or Little Man’s, two beloved spots known for their unique flavors and creamy texture. Magill’s Jack Daniels Chocolate Chip or Little Man’s Salted Oreo could add a gourmet touch that guests won’t soon forget. Both shops offer pre-packed pints for quick and easy last-minute pickups.
3. Chocolate Fondue with Truffles from Enstrom Candies
Chocolate fondue brings an element of fun and indulgence to any event, but don’t worry if you can’t get a fountain on short notice. You can absolutely set up a chocolate fondue station with just a few crock pots or warming dishes. Melt some high-quality chocolate, and set out a variety of dippable treats such as strawberries, marshmallows, cookies, pretzel rods, and cubes of pound cake.
As a chocolate-y bonus, consider throwing in some Enstrom Candies. This Colorado institution is known for its gourmet chocolates. Pick up some of their chocolate truffles or toffee to serve as an extra treat.
4. Macarons from Bella Macaron & Coffee Shop
Located in Westminster, Bella Macaron & Coffee Shop offers an exquisite selection of macarons in various flavors and colors. Their macarons make an elegant and sophisticated addition to any dessert table. Whether you prefer classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or want to explore more adventurous options such as raspberry or pistachio, Bella Macaron’s assortment is sure to impress.
Arrange them as a tower or in decorative jars to add a touch of charm and color to your event. The delicate texture and vibrant presentation make these treats perfect for adding a refined touch to any celebration.
5. Cupcakes from Yours Truly Cupcakes
For a last-minute yet charming dessert option, Yours Truly Cupcakes in Denver is an excellent choice. Known for their delicious and artfully decorated cupcakes, they offer a variety of flavors such as vanilla bean, chocolate salted caramel, and red velvet, each crafted with high-quality ingredients.
You can order an assortment to suit different tastes, and they even offer liquor-infused options for an adult twist. Arrange the cupcakes on tiered stands or place them in stylish boxes for a grab-and-go dessert experience. Yours Truly Cupcakes also provides custom decorations, making it easy to match the cupcakes to your event's color scheme or theme.
6. Bundt Cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes has locations throughout the Denver metro area, making it easy to pick up a last-minute dessert that looks like it was planned all along. Their mini "Bundtinis" or full-sized bundt cakes come in flavors like lemon, red velvet, and chocolate chocolate chip, all beautifully frosted and ready to impress.
7. S'mores Stations Sourced from Your Local Big Box Store
For a fun and interactive dessert, consider a s'mores station. No good local recommendation for a one-stop-shop solution on this one, but most big box stores like Target or Home Depot have kits in the summer months.
If you’re adamant about going local, you can always piecemeal the spread with marshmallows from Hammonds and chocolate from Deiters. This option adds an element of nostalgia and entertainment to your event.
8. Popcorn Bar from City Pop
City Pop in Denver offers gourmet popcorn in a variety of flavors, from classic caramel to spicy cheddar. A popcorn bar is a fun, last-minute dessert option that can be customized with different flavor combinations and mix-ins like chocolate-covered pretzels, M&Ms, or nuts. Provide guests with paper bags or small boxes to create their own sweet and savory blends. It’s interactive, unexpected, and a great way to add a crunchy element to your dessert lineup.
9. Cookie Platters from The Tiny Cookie Trolley
When you need a dessert solution that only good cookies will solve, call in The Tiny Cookie Trolley for a cookie platter. They’re perfect for weddings because they don’t require any utensils or messy slicing. Mix and match fun flavors like Blueberry Sundae and After Dinner Mint. The Tiny Cookie Trolley’s bite-sized treats offer a homemade touch and are an ideal addition for anyone seeking a local, memorable dessert that fits seamlessly into any event theme.
10. When All Else Fails, Bring French Fries from Steuben’s
This may not be a traditional wedding dessert, but fries are a surprising crowd-pleaser that can save the day. If you find yourself in a pinch with no time to plan, order a bunch of fries from your favorite burger joint via Uber Eats or have your caterer bake up a big batch.
To elevate this savory snack, serve them in individual cones or baskets and offer a variety of dipping sauces like truffle aioli, sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even chocolate sauce for a sweet-and-salty twist.
In Denver, Steuben’s is well-known for its mouthwatering fries and delicious dipping sauces. Order up a large batch, and have them delivered hot and fresh. You can even pair the fries with something sweet, like a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce, to add a dessert-like twist to this unexpected yet crowd-pleasing option.
Planning desserts doesn’t have to be stressful, even at the last minute. With these options, you can deliver a memorable treat that delights your guests and adds that sweet finishing touch to your special occasion.
Looking for bite-sized cookies for your next event?
Serve up crowd-pleasing flavors like our Salted Toffee Chocolate Chip & Chocolate Malt Brownie 👇
