If you want to impress your guests and satisfy every sweet tooth in the room, a dessert bar is the way to go. Whether it’s a cookie bar, an ice cream sundae station, or a hot cocoa bar, the possibilities are endless and delicious. Dessert stations are perfect for birthday parties, bridal or baby showers and even weddings!
Dessert bars aren’t just a trend—they’re a whole moment. Imagine a cookie bar that sparks childhood memories, or a S’mores station with a side of squeals. Whichever you choose, these sweet setups will bring your loved ones together and keep them coming back for seconds.
How to Choose Your Dessert Bar Theme
First things first: what’s on the menu? Start with a vibe—classic and cozy, bold and chocolatey, or colorful and candy-packed. Think about your theme, and all the things most likely to make your guests rave. Aim for a little crunch, a little creaminess and a whole lot of Hershey’s goodness!
Here are some crowd-pleasers to consider:
Cookie Bar
Who doesn’t love cookies? Bring on the nostalgia (and the sprinkles)! Set up a cookie bar with classic HERSHEY'S Classic Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies and Peanut Butter Blossoms. Then amp up the flavors with gourmet creations like Chocolate-Stuffed Coconut Macaroons and HERSHEY'S Red Velvet Cookies. Add warm caramel or chocolate dipping sauces for extra indulgence! Bonus points for serving with mini milk bottles. Milk mustache photo ops: guaranteed.
A perfect way to add a personal touch to your celebration is with a Pittsburgh Cookie Table. This is a twist on traditional cookie setups where your family and friends bake the batches and bring them to the party. It’s a great way to share family recipes, cultural desserts and give everyone a chance to show some love.
Ice Cream Bar and Sundae Bar
Cool things down with a build-your-own ice cream bar. First, gather your ice cream flavors. Think classics like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but don’t forget a few fun varieties like cookies and cream or mint chocolate chips. Then choose your toppings like chopped HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars, REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, crushed JOLLY RANCHER Candies, mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles—the works. A cherry on top? Always. Whipped cream? You know it. Want to create a signature sundae recipe? Try mixing in your favorite syrups and toppings to make a masterpiece that’s all about you.
Dipping Fountain & Fondue Station
A cascading chocolate fountain with melted HERSHEY’S Chocolate is a showstopper. Set out skewers and let guests dunk their way through strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, brownie bites—even chunks of angel food cake or rice cereal treats. For a dramatic twist, display dark and white chocolate fountains side by side.
If a fountain feels like too much of a splash for your style, a fondue station with warm chocolate still brings plenty of fun with a chill vibe. You could look for mini-fondue pots and fountains and bring the dessert to the guests at every table. The sweetest centerpiece you ever saw!
Breakfast Station
A breakfast-inspired dessert bar is a no-brainer for brunch-time events like bridal showers. But what about as a playful late-night party treat? Think mini waffles, donut holes, muffins, pancakes and fresh berries with HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Chips. Just add whipped cream, then drizzle with flavored HERSHEY'S Syrup. Because who says breakfast can’t crash the afterparty?
Hot Cocoa Bar
Cozy and sweet! This one’s especially great for winter events. Pour rich hot chocolate made from HERSHEY’S Cocoa. Then invite guests to make it their own mugs with toppings: peppermint sticks, mini marshmallows, cinnamon and flavored HERSHEY'S Syrup. Add a few HERSHEY’S KISSES Candies for melt-in-your-mug magic. Don’t forget whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish. Serve in custom mugs that guests can take home as a party favor to keep the cozy vibes going long after the celebration.
Coffee Bar
For the crowd that runs on caffeine a sophisticated coffee station hits just right. Think rich espresso, steamy lattes and a whole lot of buzz. Add chocolate-covered espresso beans, flavored HERSHEY'S Syrup and HERSHEY’S Cocoa so guests can stir up their own brew. For non-coffee drinkers, give them hot tea options with honey sticks and lemon slices. Sip, stir, smile.
Popcorn Bar
It’s salty, it’s sweet, it’s even a little spicy—a gourmet popcorn station has it all! Offer light varieties like classic SKINNYPOP Original Organic Popcorn, alongside more decadent flavors like REESE'S peanut butter drizzled popcorn. Add some spice with SKINNYPOP Cheddar Jalapeño Flavored Popcorn. Combine with mix-ins like HERSHEY’S Caramel Syrup, crushed cookies, or even cayenne for a little heat. Decorative paper bags or cones make for easy serving and easy mingling, or make it “walking taco” style and use snack size bags of popcorn.
S’mores Bar
Need we say s’more? Classic S’mores ingredients—graham crackers, marshmallows, and HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars—are a true party-pleaser. But let guests smoosh their own stacks with next-level ingredients with next-level ingredients like HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate with Caramel Candy Bars and REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. For indoor events, set up a safe flame or warming station for toasting. For outdoor parties, go all out with a fire pit and reusable sticks for marshmallows. You can also have your caterer prep pre-made gourmet s’mores with all the add-ins, perfect for passing around.
Perfect Pairings Dessert Bar
Use your dessert bar to tell a story. Did you meet your partner over pie and ice cream? Maybe your family shares a Sunday morning donuts and coffee ritual. Display your “perfect pairs” with handwritten signs or clever labels that explain their significance to you. Such a personal touch transforms simple desserts into memorable moments for you and your guests.
How to Style Your Dessert Table
Make your dessert station sweet on the eyes. Here are some styling tips to design an eye-catching dessert display:
- Build height and dimension: Stack desserts on cake stands, wooden crates or a pile of books to make your table pop.
- Coordinate with color: Pull the dessert table into your overall event design with serving dishes, linens and decorative elements that complement your event colors.
- Add meaningful details: Incorporate family heirloom cake servers, vintage dessert plates or personalized signs and photo frames that tell your story.
- Light it right: Attract guests to the dessert station with string lights or candles that create a warm, inviting glow.
- Label the treats: Identify each treat and highlight special ingredients or dietary restrictions with creative, handwritten signs.
Keep Your Dessert Bar Looking and Tasting Fresh
Desserts are best when they taste just as good as they look. Keep items like ice cream or whipped toppings chilled in coolers behind the scenes. Then rotate them out as needed. For outdoor events, make sure there’s plenty of shade—or opt for treats that won’t melt as the temps rise. If possible, recruit someone to run the dessert station. It’s a great way to keep everything tidy and well-stocked. Plus, it lets you focus on the fun.
Ways to Take Home Food as Favors
Extend the sweetness of your celebration by offering take-home treats. Set out cute to-go containers or treat bags so guests can pack up their favorite desserts. Mini jars of hot cocoa mix, boxes of cookies or S’mores kits make sweet parting gifts. Personalized tags or ribbons make these feel more like gifts than leftovers. Want to go the extra mile? Keep the party going by including recipe cards for homemade treats so guests can try their favorites at home.
Allergy Concerns
Always keep all your guests’ well-being in mind. Clearly label anything with common allergens like nuts, dairy or gluten. Offer a few allergen-free treat options so no one feels left out. Separate scoops, tongs and serving trays help avoid cross-contamination. And if you’re unsure—ask! Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Dessert tables and DIY treat stations are a sweet way to reflect your personality and create moments of joy for your guests. Whether you go big with a chocolate fountain or keep it cozy with a hot chocolate bar, the sweetest soirées are the ones that share moments of goodness with the people you love. So go ahead—mix, match, and make your celebration uniquely yours with delicious dessert details.
