15 Easy Memorial Day Desserts

Looking for some sweet and patriotic treats to make your Memorial Day celebration truly unforgettable? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a potluck party, these delicious Memorial Day desserts are sure to be the stars of the show.

From fruity flag cakes to decadent red, white, and blue trifles, we’ve got a mouthwatering collection of recipes that will have your guests raving.

And the best part? Many of these desserts are easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

So, let’s dive into our list of the best Memorial Day dessert ideas that are not only tasty but also incredibly festive and Instagram-worthy.

1. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect way to showcase summer fruits. Combine diced strawberries, blueberries, and chopped apples for a red, white, and blue medley. Toss it in a light lemon dressing and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a simple yet elegant dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup diced pineapple (for the white color)
• 1/4 cup chopped mint (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pineapple.
2. Gently toss the fruits together.
3. Sprinkle chopped mint over the top, if using.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What to Serve With: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Drink: Pair with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake Bars

These creamy cheesecake bars are a breeze to make and require no baking! Just whip up a graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling with a touch of vanilla, and top it with a vibrant blueberry layer. Freeze for a couple of hours, slice, and enjoy!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh berries for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
6. Top with fresh berries if desired.

What to Serve With: Enjoy with a side of fresh mixed berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

What to Drink: Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of milk.

3. Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats

Transform everyone’s favorite childhood treat into a festive dessert. Divide melted white chocolate into portions and dye them red and blue. Dip Rice Krispie Treats in the colored chocolate and decorate with white chocolate stars for a fun and easy crowd-pleaser.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Red and blue food coloring
• Patriotic sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one, blue food coloring to another, and leave the third plain.
3. Add 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to each bowl and stir until well coated.
4. Press each color mixture into a baking pan in layers.
5. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
6. Decorate with patriotic sprinkles if desired.

What to Serve With: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

What to Drink: Pair with a cold glass of milk or a strawberry milkshake.

4. Grilled Fruit Skewers with Vanilla Yogurt Dip

Take advantage of the grilling season! Thread pineapple chunks, banana slices, and fresh strawberries onto skewers. Grill them for a few minutes to get a touch of caramelization. Serve them warm with a cool and creamy vanilla yogurt dip for a delightful contrast.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup peaches, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Thread the fruit onto skewers, alternating pieces for a colorful presentation.
2. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear.
3. In a small bowl, mix the vanilla yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Serve the fruit skewers warm with the vanilla yogurt dip on the side.

What to Serve With: Pair with a light summer salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

What to Drink: Enjoy with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity sangria.

5. Star-Spangled Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Sugar cookies are a timeless dessert, perfect for a patriotic celebration. Cut out star shapes from rolled-out cookie dough and bake until golden brown. Let your creativity flow with red, white, and blue frosting or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue icing or decorating gel
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using star cookie cutters.
6. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.

What to Serve With: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Drink: Pair with a cold glass of milk or a refreshing lemonade.

6. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red velvet cake is a classic dessert with a beautiful red hue. Top it off with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat. This dessert is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract.
8. Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

What to Serve With: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries.

What to Drink: Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

7. Berry Trifle

This layered dessert is a showstopper! In a trifle dish, alternate layers of pound cake cubes, fresh berries, and a sweet vanilla custard. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of blueberries for a light and refreshing ending to your meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought pound cake, cubed
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 2 cups whipped cream
• 1/2 cup vanilla pudding
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a trifle dish, layer half of the cubed pound cake.
2. Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake.
3. Add a layer of strawberries, followed by blueberries and raspberries.
4. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the berries.
5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
6. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

What to Serve With: Enjoy with a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of berry sauce.

What to Drink: Pair with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity sangria.

8. Patriotic Pretzel Bites

Who can resist a sweet and salty combination? Dip pretzel bites in melted white chocolate and decorate them with red and blue M&Ms or sprinkles. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing and won’t last long on the dessert table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bag mini pretzels
• 1 bag white chocolate chips
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles
• Red and blue M&M candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
2. Arrange mini pretzels on a baking sheet.
3. Place one white chocolate chip on each pretzel.
4. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, until chocolate is soft but not melted.
5. Remove from oven and immediately press an M&M candy onto each chocolate chip.
6. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving.

What to Serve With: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed nuts or fresh fruit.

What to Drink: Pair with a cold glass of lemonade or a fruity iced tea.

9. Firecracker Popsicles

These popsicles are a fun and festive way to beat the summer heat. Layer red and blue colored fruit juices or freeze yogurt in popsicle molds. You can even add fun inclusions like blueberries or white chocolate chips for extra bursts of flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 cups vanilla yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the strawberries with a tablespoon of honey and a little water. Pour into the bottom of popsicle molds and freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Blend the vanilla yogurt with the vanilla extract. Pour over the frozen strawberry layer and freeze for another 30 minutes.
3. Puree the blueberries with a tablespoon of honey and a little water. Pour over the frozen yogurt layer and insert popsicle sticks.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely frozen.

What to Serve With: Enjoy these popsicles as a stand-alone treat or with a side of fresh fruit.

What to Drink: Pair with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

10. Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s a reason why chocolate chip cookies are a favorite. Take this classic recipe to the next level by baking it in a bar pan. This easy dessert allows you to cut out perfect squares for sharing and requires minimal prep work.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking soda, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

What to Serve With: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

What to Drink: Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

11. No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

This ice cream is perfect for last-minute gatherings. Simply whip up heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Fold in fresh strawberries and freeze for a few hours. This refreshing homemade ice cream is sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the strawberries with the sugar until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Fold in the strawberry puree until evenly distributed.
5. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.

What to Serve With: Enjoy with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

What to Drink: Pair with a glass of cold lemonade or iced tea.

12. Angel Food Cake with Berries

Light and airy angel food cake is the perfect base for a beautiful fruit display. Pile on fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and refreshing dessert. Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 12 egg whites
• 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift the cake flour and 1/2 cup of sugar together. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt, and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the flour mixture and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan. Run a knife through the batter to remove air bubbles.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and springs back when touched.
7. Invert the pan and let the cake cool completely before removing.
8. Serve with mixed berries.

What to Serve With: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Drink: Pair with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity white wine.

13. Watermelon Pizza

Watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit. Take it up a notch by creating a fun and festive watermelon pizza. Slice watermelon into rounds and top it with fresh blueberries, mint leaves, and crumbled feta cheese.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large watermelon, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. Spread a thin layer of Greek yogurt over each watermelon round.
3. Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi on top.
4. Drizzle with honey.
5. Cut into wedges like a pizza and serve immediately.

What to Serve With: Enjoy as a refreshing snack on its own or alongside a light salad.

What to Drink: Pair with a chilled glass of lemonade or a fruity mocktail.

14. Patriotic Puppy Chow

This sweet and crunchy treat is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Combine Chex cereal with melted white chocolate and peanut butter. Dye portions of the mixture red and blue and toss it all together for a fun and festive twist on a classic dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Red and blue M&M candies
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions:

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently mix until evenly coated.
3. Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and toss until the cereal is well coated.
4. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to cool.
5. Once cool, mix in the red and blue M&M candies and sprinkles.

What to Serve With: Enjoy as a standalone snack or mix with pretzels and nuts for a sweet and salty combination.

What to Drink: Pair with a glass of milk or a cold glass of fruit punch.

15. Red, White, and Blue Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for a backyard barbecue. Pop some popcorn, drizzle it with melted white chocolate, and divide it into portions. Dye some red and blue, mix them with the popcorn, and shape them into balls for a delicious and festive dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (3 oz) red and blue Jell-O mix
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn syrup and sugar, and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the Jell-O mix and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the popcorn and gently stir until evenly coated.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape into balls with greased hands.
6. Roll the popcorn balls in sprinkles to decorate.

What to Serve With: Serve as a festive snack on its own or alongside other party treats.

What to Drink: Pair with a cold glass of lemonade or a fruity soda.

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