Potluck Desserts

Simple, nostalgic recipes from a trusted guide in the world of queer baking.

Justin Burke credits his first queer potluck with changing his life. Gathering around a table piled high with homemade food evoked a sense of unity that bridged individuals beyond social norms, where chosen families could gather, share recipes, and connect with one another. Two decades later, that magical night continues to inspire Burke in his work merging his passion for food with his journey of self-discovery, whipping up relatable, homemade desserts that defy traditional labels and hold their own next to their avant-garde counterparts.

Now a venerated potluck pro, Burke shares his personal and professional experiences in his debut cookbook, Potluck Desserts, through playful, delicious recipes like Lemon-Thyme Bars, Gooey Butter Corn Cake, Chocolate Cherry Soda Cake, and more. Refined yet approachable, these stylish sweets are organized by baking dish—sheet pans, rectangular pans and foil tins, loaf pans, casserole dishes, and bowls, Bundts, and other round things—and are tagged by time to further simplify the process. Complete with charming personal anecdotes, reflections on potlucks and the queer community, and stunning photography of an abundance of good food, Potluck Desserts gives every home baker the tools, confidence, and pride to serve beloved, nostalgic dishes that everyone will love—colleagues, friends, families, and chosen families included.