Planning your menu for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a quiet family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this curated collection of desserts is precisely what you need. From effortlessly easy bar desserts and impressive cakes to comforting cobblers and refreshing no-bake treats, we’ve gathered an array of delicious options. Many even boast the festive red, white, and blue hues perfect for a patriotic celebration. Get ready to indulge in these delightful recipes that promise to make your holiday weekend extra special and sweet!
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a time for remembrance, relaxation, and gathering with loved ones. While the way we celebrate might vary, one thing remains constant: the joy of sharing good food, especially dessert! After a delicious grilled meal, what could be better than a sweet ending that perfectly captures the spirit of the season? This year, let your dessert table shine with irresistible treats that are both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. We’ve thoughtfully compiled a list catering to all tastes, including a fantastic selection of patriotic desserts that are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant red, white, and blue appeal. Dive in and discover your new favorite holiday dessert!
No matter your baking skill level, you’ll find something here to inspire you. We believe that holiday baking should be enjoyable, not stressful, which is why these recipes focus on straightforward instructions and widely available ingredients. From classic crowd-pleasers to fresh, seasonal delights, each dessert has been chosen for its deliciousness and suitability for a festive gathering. So, fire up your ovens (or don’t, for our no-bake wonders!) and prepare to create some unforgettable sweet memories this Memorial Day. Let’s make this long weekend deliciously memorable!
The Best Rice Krispie Treats
Reinvent your childhood favorite with this ultimate recipe for Rice Krispie Treats. These aren’t just any treats; they are generously sized, incredibly soft, and packed with extra marshmallows to achieve that perfect gooey texture everyone craves. Simple to make yet profoundly satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to for a quick, delightful dessert that appeals to all ages. Perfect for a casual Memorial Day picnic or as an easy addition to any dessert spread, these treats require no baking and come together in minutes.
Get the recipe here!
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with these unbelievably easy Blueberry Crumb Bars. Featuring a rich, buttery crumb crust and topping, encasing a luscious blueberry filling, these bars are a delightful alternative to traditional blueberry pie. Their sturdy yet tender structure makes them ideal for packing into picnic baskets or serving at outdoor summer parties, allowing guests to enjoy them on the go. Bursting with fresh fruit flavor, they’re a perfect light and refreshing dessert for your Memorial Day festivities.
Get the recipe here!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Indulge in a truly decadent treat with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe takes your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough and elevates it to new heights by sandwiching a generous layer of homemade salted caramel sauce between two layers of cookie goodness. A final sprinkle of fleur de sel enhances all the sweet and salty flavors, creating an irresistible dessert bar that’s sophisticated yet comforting. Perfect for any gathering, these bars offer a gourmet twist on a beloved classic, making them a standout at your Memorial Day spread.
Get the recipe here!
S’mores Bars
Bring the campfire magic indoors with these incredibly satisfying S’mores Bars. All the iconic flavors of the beloved summer treat are perfectly captured in an easy-to-serve bar form: a robust graham cracker base, topped with a rich layer of chocolate fudge, and crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows. These bars are an absolute must for any summer party, especially your Memorial Day cookout, offering a delightful and mess-free way to enjoy the classic s’mores experience without the need for a bonfire. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Get the recipe here!
Marshmallow Crunch Brownie Bars
Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavors with these amazing Marshmallow Crunch Brownie Bars. Starting with a foundation of incredibly fudgy brownies, they’re topped with a soft, sweet layer of marshmallows. The grand finale is a crisp, delectable mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and Rice Krispies, providing an irresistible crunch. This multi-layered dessert offers a fantastic combination of chewy, soft, and crispy elements that will keep everyone coming back for more. They’re ideal for a festive Memorial Day gathering, offering something truly unique and satisfying.
Get the recipe here!
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Celebrate the quintessential flavors of summer with this incredibly Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe. This classic dessert begins with tender, homemade buttermilk biscuits, providing the perfect base for the star ingredients. Piled high with fresh, macerated strawberries that are bursting with sweetness, and finished with clouds of freshly whipped cream, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. A true summer staple, this shortcake is a refreshing and elegant choice for your Memorial Day celebration, highlighting the season’s finest produce in a simply beautiful way.
Get the recipe here!
Firecracker Cake (From Scratch!)
Light up your dessert table with this stunning homemade Firecracker Cake! This scratch-made Bundt cake is a true showstopper, boasting vibrant layers of red, white, and blue batter that reveal a patriotic surprise with every slice. Perfect for celebrating Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any summer gathering where you want to add a festive touch. The cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly fun to make and serve, promising to be the centerpiece of your holiday dessert spread and a delightful conversation starter.
Get the recipe here!
S’mores Layer Cake
Elevate the humble s’mores to an art form with this incredible S’mores Layer Cake, inspired by the iconic Milk Bar style. This impressive dessert features tender chocolate cake layers, heavenly toasted marshmallow frosting, rich fudge sauce, and crunchy graham cracker crust crumbs. While it’s not the simplest dessert to assemble, the effort is undeniably worth it for the spectacular result. Each forkful delivers a complex symphony of flavors and textures, making it a truly unforgettable dessert that will be the highlight of your Memorial Day feast or any special occasion.
Get the recipe here!
Pavlova Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Berries
For a dessert that is as elegant as it is delicious, try this exquisite Pavlova Layer Cake. This stunning creation features three ethereal layers of crisp yet chewy meringue, generously filled and topped with billowy fresh whipped cream and a vibrant medley of seasonal berries. It’s a remarkably light and refreshing summer dessert, offering a beautiful contrast of textures and a burst of natural sweetness. Ideal for a sophisticated Memorial Day brunch or an outdoor evening celebration, this pavlova cake is a breath of fresh air on any dessert table.
Get the recipe here!
No Bake Banana Split Dessert
Cool down with a delightful blast from the past: the No Bake Banana Split Dessert! This beloved classic offers all the flavors of a traditional banana split in an easy-to-make, layered form. It features a crisp graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese-based filling, fresh banana slices, sweet pineapple, juicy strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy nuts, rich chocolate syrup, and a cherry on top for that iconic finish. Perfect for hot summer days, this no-bake wonder is a fantastic, refreshing dessert for your Memorial Day gathering.
Get the recipe here!
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Discover the simple elegance of a perfectly baked Cream Cheese Pound Cake. This wonderfully straightforward recipe yields a cake that is exceptionally tender, incredibly moist, and bursting with rich flavor every single time. Its versatility makes it a summer essential; serve it plain, or elevate it with fresh whipped cream and a generous assortment of seasonal fruits like berries or peaches. This classic pound cake is comforting, satisfying, and a fantastic canvas for various toppings, making it a reliable and delicious choice for any Memorial Day gathering.
Get the recipe here!
Dirt Dessert
Bring a touch of whimsical fun to your Memorial Day spread with this classic Dirt Dessert recipe! This easy-to-make summer treat features delightful alternating layers of crunchy crushed Oreos and a creamy, rich chocolate pudding mixture. Ingeniously designed to resemble dirt, it’s often made complete with playful gummy worms “crawling” through the layers, much to the delight of kids and adults alike. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires no baking and is perfect for a casual, fun-filled holiday celebration.
Get the recipe here!
No Bake Oreo Layer Dessert
For an effortlessly impressive dessert, turn to this incredible No Bake Oreo Layer Dessert. This layered masterpiece starts with a delicious Oreo crust, followed by a smooth, tangy cream cheese layer, and then a rich chocolate pudding layer. It’s all topped with a light and airy Cool Whip topping, sprinkled with even more crushed Oreos for extra flavor and texture. This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for making ahead and serving chilled, making it an ideal, stress-free option for your Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Get the recipe here!
Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle
Create a patriotic masterpiece with this gorgeous Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle. This festive dessert is a feast for the eyes and the palate, built with fluffy angel food cake (feel free to use store-bought for convenience or bake your own homemade version!), a lightened-up, creamy pudding mixture, and generous layers of fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries. It’s a show-stopping dessert that perfectly embodies the spirit of Memorial Day, offering a refreshing and flavorful end to your holiday meal. Its vibrant colors and delightful taste make it an undeniable hit.
Get the recipe here!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Rekindle fond memories with a taste of pure nostalgia: Strawberry Pretzel Salad! This unique and utterly delightful dessert features a perfectly salty pretzel crust that perfectly complements the sweet layers above. It’s topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling, and finished with a vibrant layer of fresh strawberries set in glistening Jello. This sweet and salty combination is a beloved summer classic, a staple at family picnics and potlucks. It’s an unexpectedly addictive treat that will be devoured at your Memorial Day gathering.
Get the recipe here!
Red, White & Blue Layered Finger Jello
Add a fun and patriotic twist to your Memorial Day celebration with this Red, White & Blue Layered Finger Jello. This old-school classic, also known as Jello Jigglers or Knox Blocks, is given a vibrant makeover with festive red, white, and blue layers. The gelatin sets up perfectly firm, allowing for easy slicing into fun, bite-sized pieces that are simple for everyone to pick up and enjoy. It’s an incredibly refreshing, playful, and visually appealing dessert, making it an ideal choice for summer BBQs and holiday gatherings, especially with kids around!
Get the recipe here!
Blueberry-Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake
Indulge in the bright and cheerful flavors of summer with this exquisite Blueberry-Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake. This beloved seasonal cake boasts a delightfully light and refreshing flavor profile, thanks to the zesty notes of lemon and the subtle tang of buttermilk. It’s generously studded with juicy fresh blueberries, ensuring a burst of fruit in every bite. This cake is so irresistibly good, you’ll find yourself baking it repeatedly throughout the summer season. It’s a perfect, elegant dessert for your Memorial Day table, offering a taste of sunshine.
Get the recipe here!
Blueberry Cobbler
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Blueberry Cobbler to showcase the freshness of summer berries. This easy-to-follow recipe comes together quickly, yielding a comforting dessert that’s bursting with flavor. The filling bakes up perfectly thick and bubbly, while the golden biscuit topping provides a wonderful contrast of textures. This classic dessert is practically begging for a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream melting over its warm, fruity goodness. It’s the ultimate cozy yet seasonal treat, ideal for your Memorial Day celebration.
Get the recipe here!
Strawberry Biscuit-and-Jam Cobbler
Indulge in the simple, rustic charm of this Strawberry Biscuit-and-Jam Cobbler. This delightful summer dessert features tender, cobbler-style biscuits artfully nestled atop a bed of luscious fresh strawberry jam. Baked until the jam is bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown, it’s a wonderfully aromatic and comforting treat. The sweet warmth of the strawberries combined with the soft, rich biscuits creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of cream, for an unforgettable Memorial Day dessert that celebrates seasonal bounty.
Get the recipe here!
As you can see, there’s a dessert for every preference and occasion within this fantastic collection. Whether you’re drawn to the classic comfort of a pound cake, the playful layers of a no-bake treat, or the vibrant patriotism of a red, white, and blue creation, your Memorial Day celebration is sure to be sweetened. These recipes are designed to be approachable yet impressive, allowing you to spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of family and friends. We hope this selection inspires you to bake (or no-bake!) something truly special this holiday weekend. Enjoy the festivities and, most importantly, the delicious desserts!