Memorial Day: a time for remembering heroes, grilling everything in sight, and… oh yeah, the desserts! Let’s face it, after your Uncle Barry’s taken the hot dog eating contest a little too seriously, everyone needs a sweet distraction.
Ditch the potato salad leftovers and prepare to drool over these 18 patriotic desserts that are guaranteed to be a hit at your backyard BBQ – and just might earn you the title of Dessert Champion!
1. Berry Flag Cake
A stunning sheet cake decorated with fresh blueberries and strawberries to create an American flag design. The white frosting creates the perfect backdrop for your patriotic pattern.
Guests will be impressed by both the look and taste.
2. Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies
Crisp sugar cookies cut into star shapes and decorated with red, white, and blue royal icing. The sweet vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with the colorful decorations.
Make them ahead and store in an airtight container. Kids love helping with the star-shaped cookie cutters.
3. Red, White & Blueberry Trifle
Layers of angel food cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries create a showstopping dessert in a clear glass bowl. The colors pop against each other beautifully.
Assembly takes just minutes but looks like you spent hours. The light, airy texture makes this perfect after a hearty barbecue meal.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Sliders
Mini biscuits split and filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream look like tiny burgers! The buttery biscuits provide the perfect base for sweet berries.
Serve these individual treats on a platter for easy grabbing. Their small size means guests can enjoy them without feeling too full after a big meal.
5. Patriotic Popsicles
Homemade layered popsicles with strawberry, coconut, and blueberry layers create a frozen flag treat. The fruity flavors are refreshing on a hot day.
Kids go crazy for these colorful ice pops! Make them a day ahead so they’re fully frozen when your guests arrive.
6. Mason Jar Berry Cheesecakes
Individual no-bake cheesecakes served in mason jars with graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh berries on top. The portable format makes them perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Prepare these a day ahead for best flavor. The clear jars showcase the pretty layers while providing convenient individual servings.
7. Blueberry Hand Pies
Flaky pastry pockets filled with sweet blueberry filling and drizzled with glaze. The portable format means no plates or utensils needed!
The buttery crust breaks open to reveal juicy berries inside. These hand-held treats are perfect for walking around during your Memorial Day gathering.
8. Watermelon Pizza
A round watermelon slice topped with yogurt frosting and colorful berries creates a fun pizza-like dessert. The juicy watermelon base provides the perfect summer flavor.Cut into triangular slices for serving. This healthy option balances out heavier barbecue fare while still feeling like a special treat.
9. Red Velvet Cupcakes
Classic red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting swirled on top and decorated with blue sprinkles. The rich, slightly chocolatey cake pairs perfectly with tangy frosting.
Add small flag toothpicks for extra patriotic flair! These crowd-pleasers combine striking color with a flavor everyone loves.
10. Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
Buttery pound cake infused with lemon zest and studded with fresh blueberries, topped with a tart lemon glaze. Bright citrus flavor balances the richness of the dense cake. S
lice this beauty to reveal blueberries throughout. The combination of lemon and blueberry creates a refreshing taste.
11. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A retro layered dessert with salty pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese center, and fresh strawberry jello top. The contrast of salty, sweet, and fruity creates an unforgettable taste.
Cut into squares for serving. Jiggly textures keep people coming back for more!
12. Grilled Peach Sundaes
Halved peaches grilled until caramelized, topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
The warm peaches melt the cold ice cream slightly. This simple dessert takes advantage of the already-hot grill after cooking your Memorial Day main dishes.
13. S’mores Dip
Melted chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows in a cast iron skillet, served with graham crackers for dipping. All the campfire flavor without the mess!
The skillet keeps the chocolate warm and gooey. It brings everyone around the table for one last sweet bite at your Memorial Day gathering.
14. Cherry Pie Bars
Buttery shortbread base topped with cherry filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Easier than making a pie but with all the same delicious flavor.
Cut into portable squares that hold together well. The bright red filling makes these bars a perfect patriotic addition to your Memorial Day dessert spread.
15. Coconut Cream Parfaits
Layers of coconut pudding, whipped cream, and toasted coconut flakes in clear glasses. The tropical flavor offers something different from the usual berry desserts.
The creamy texture feels indulgent yet light. It can be prepared the day before your Memorial Day celebration.
16. American Flag Fruit Pizza
Sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and arranged fresh fruit in an American flag design. The cookie base provides a sweet, crisp foundation for the toppings.
Blueberries and strawberries create the iconic pattern. This impressive dessert can be cut into squares for easy serving at your Memorial Day event.
17. Raspberry Lemonade Bars
Tangy lemon bars with a raspberry swirl on a buttery shortbread crust. The bright colors and flavors capture the essence of early summer.
A dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. They provide a welcome contrast to rich barbecue fare at your Memorial Day celebration.
18. Mini Pavlovas
Crisp meringue shells filled with whipped cream and topped with red and blue berries. The contrast between crunchy exterior and marshmallowy interior creates an exciting texture.
Elegant individual desserts look fancy but they are surprisingly simple.