11 Memorial Day Desserts

As the sun rises on Memorial Day, families gather in backyards and parks. They are eager to honor our heroes and celebrate summer. There’s joy in the air as people share delicious food and memories.

One of my favorite things is the sweet treats that show patriotism. This year, I’ve picked my top 11 Memorial Day desserts. They are beautiful with red, white, and blue colors and taste amazing. These desserts are perfect for any gathering, bringing everyone together with joy.

So, get ready to impress your loved ones with these amazing Memorial Day treats!

Strawberry Shortcake

Summer brings the perfect time for strawberry shortcake. This dessert is full of fresh flavors. It’s great for sharing with loved ones. Here’s my top strawberry shortcake recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. First, prepare the strawberries. Mix sliced strawberries with sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes to get juicy.
2. Next, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add cold butter and mix until it’s like coarse crumbs.
3. In a different bowl, mix heavy cream and vanilla extract. Then, add this mix to the flour mixture. Stir until it’s just combined.
4. Now, knead the dough a bit on a floured surface. Roll it out to 1-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits.
5. Put the biscuits on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden.
6. After cooling, cut the biscuits in half. Layer them with strawberries and whipped cream. Top with the biscuit cap.

Lemon Pound Cake

The lemon pound cake is perfect for Memorial Day. It’s bright and tangy, making it great for any picnic or party. Its rich buttery taste and fresh lemon flavor will make it a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the lemon zest and juice for that extra citrus flavor.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Red, White, and Blueberry Parfaits

These desserts are perfect for any celebration. They have fresh strawberries and blueberries with creamy vanilla yogurt. This recipe is easy to make and looks great, making it a hit at parties.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup granola

Instructions

1. Start with a layer of vanilla yogurt in a clear glass.
2. Then, add sliced strawberries on top.
3. Follow with a layer of blueberries.
4. Add a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
5. Keep adding layers until the glass is full.
6. Finish with a dollop of yogurt and some berries for a pretty touch.

S’mores Bars

Memorial Day is coming, and I think of tasty summer treats. This s’mores bar recipe is a hit for no-bake desserts. It mixes graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a fun snack. It’s perfect for summer and outdoor parties.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar, then stir until well combined.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, mixing everything thoroughly.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an hour.
6. Cut into squares and serve as a delightful summer snack.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to any summer gathering. It’s a mix of sweet peaches and a buttery crust. This peach cobbler recipe is a must-try for those who love delicious summer desserts.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just enjoying a sunny day, this dessert will be a hit.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the sliced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss gently.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Spread the peach mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable touch.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are perfect for summer. They are fun to make and everyone loves them. You only need a few things to make these treats.

Ingredients

• 1 package of chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 quart of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)

Instructions

1. If you’re using homemade cookies, bake them according to your recipe. Make sure they are cool before you start.
2. Put a big scoop of ice cream on one cookie.
3. Put another cookie on top and press down gently.
4. For extra fun, roll the sides in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts.
5. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for about an hour to firm up.

Key Lime Pie

This key lime pie recipe is perfect for summer. It’s sweet and tangy. The creamy filling and crunchy crust make it a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for about 8 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
6. Stir in the key lime juice until fully incorporated.
7. Pour this filling into the cooled crust.
8. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
9. Refrigerate the pie until set, usually about 3 hours.
10. Top with whipped cream before serving. Enjoy this refreshing key lime pie as a perfect ending to any summer meal.

Flag-Themed Cupcakes

Making flag-themed cupcakes is fun for Memorial Day. They make your dessert table look great. Plus, they’re fun to make with family or friends.

The bright colors and tastes will wow your guests. They’ll add a lively feel to your party.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• Red, white, and blue frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
3. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
6. Once cooled, decorate with red, white, and blue frosting, creating stripes or stars to resemble the American flag.
7. Top with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a festive touch.

Cherry Cheesecake

I’m excited to share a yummy cherry cheesecake recipe. It’s perfect for any special event. This no-bake cheesecake is creamy and rich. It’s a favorite at family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually blend in 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust evenly.
4. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the cheesecake.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. For best results, leave it overnight.

Fruit Tart

A fruit tart is a great way to enjoy summer’s flavors. It’s a fresh fruit dessert that looks amazing. The mix of a crunchy tart shell, creamy filling, and colorful fruit is a summer treat you must try.

Ingredients

• 1 tart shell (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pastry cream (or vanilla pudding)
• 2 cups mixed fresh fruits (kiwi, strawberries, blueberries)
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven if using a homemade tart shell and bake according to your recipe’s instructions. Let it cool completely.
2. While the tart shell is cooling, prepare the pastry cream or use store-bought vanilla pudding for convenience.
3. Once the shell is ready and filled with the pastry cream, artistically arrange the mixed fresh fruits on top.
4. Heat the apricot jam slightly until it’s liquid, then brush it over the fruit for a glossy finish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy this refreshing fruit tart as a perfect summer baking option!

Brownie Sundaes

Nothing beats a classic brownie sundae when I’m craving something sweet. It mixes fudgy brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream. Then, it’s topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. It’s perfect for warm gatherings or casual celebrations.

Ingredients

To make the perfect brownie sundae, I need a few things. I use homemade or store-bought brownies, a quart of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and cherries for garnish.

Instructions

First, I make my brownies and let them cool. Then, I cut them into squares. I layer brownie pieces, ice cream, and chocolate syrup in a bowl.

Finally, I top it with whipped cream and a cherry. Each bite is a mix of flavors and textures that I love!