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.

“With warmth and a passionate sense of mission, Justin Burke brings new life to potluck traditions that feed a deep hunger for collective meaning and comfort. He reminds us that baking can be the art of claiming our place in the world, the ongoing work of finding and nurturing our true families.”
- John Birdsall, James Beard Award-winning food and culture writer

“Justin Burke’s Potluck Desserts is emblematic of the way I—like so many people—bake, eat and entertain now. Less fuss, more fun. Each delightfully attainable recipe is tailor-made for casual group gatherings, social events, and meaningful connections. And if you want to grow your friend group quickly, might I suggest you turn to Burke’s Banana Fudge Snacking Cake ASAP?”
-Matt Lewis, cofounder of Baked NYC

“Right as you open this cookbook you can feel Justin Burke’s heart for his community… Every page is full of warmth. We’re so lucky that Burke had the courage to take a leap of faith 23 years ago—especially lucky because now his heart will be with us in our homes continually (along with that irresistible strawberry pull-apart shortcake!). Bake this book.”
-Paola Velez, James Beard Award-winning author of Bodega Bakes

“Potluck Desserts is a ray of sunshine in the cookbook world that teaches you not just how to make sweets for a crowd, but for your chosen family. I admire Justin Burke’s ability to tell endearing, vulnerable, and empowering stories in the LGBTQIA+ community through his recipes. There is a place for the humble yet mighty shareable sweets that you know and love (and many you have yet to discover!) in this book.”
-Abi Balingit, James Beard Award-winning author of Mayumu

“'[An] appealing debut, which gathers 75 personally meaningful dessert recipes in celebration of queer potluck culture....These recipes have a charmingly retro vibe. Chapters are organized by baking pan types: rectangular and square, sheet, loaf, casserole, and round. While many recipes rely on convenience foods or come from vintage back-of-the-box and magazine clippings, Burke updates each with new twists..These tried-and-true, crowd-pleasing treats are ideal for any gathering.'“
-Publishers Weekly

Accolades

The Readable Feast Book Awards: 2025 Socially Conscious Award Winner

Amazon: Editor’s Pick, Best Cookbooks of June

Epicurious & Bon Appétit: Best Cookbooks of Summer 2025

Real Simple: Best Cookbooks of 2025

Press

Southern Living: This New Cookbook Offers Sweet Twists On Potluck Desserts But Doesn't Ditch The Cake And Pudding Mixes

Queerty: Serving more than tea: 6 queer culinary reads that don’t play by the recipe rulebook

Martha Stewart: The Best Desserts to Share at a Potluck—and Other Tips From a Pastry Chef

The Local Palate: Cookbook Review: Potluck Desserts

Parade: The Genius Way to Make Strawberry Shortcake 10x Better

Taste: Party in the USA: The Cookbook

Broadcast & Podcast

NBC Morning News Now

King5

CBS Mornings

All Of It: Fire Island's LGBTQ+ History; Queer-Inspired Potluck Desserts; Best Local Beaches; What Are You Doing For Pride Weekend?

The Perfect Bite: Defining the Queer Space with Justin Burke

Good Food: A Fabulous Thanksgiving Potluck With Good Food’s Chosen Family