18 Delicious Memorial Day Dessert Recipes Easy

Hey there, sweet tooths and party planners! Memorial Day is the perfect time to celebrate with friends, family, and, of course, desserts that dazzle. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for something sweet to enjoy, our roundup of 18 delicious and easy dessert recipes has got you covered. From classic American pies to no-bake treats, these desserts are sure to be the highlight of your holiday. Let’s dig in!

Classic American Flag Cake

Ready to wow at your next BBQ? This Classic American Flag Cake is a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Layer up the red, white, and blue for a dessert that’s pure patriotism on a plate.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – 1 cup
• Eggs – 3
• Milk – 1 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Red food coloring – 1 tbsp
• Blue food coloring – 1 tbsp
• Whipped cream – 2 cups
• Strawberries – 1 cup, sliced
• Blueberries – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
5. Divide batter into three bowls. Color one red and one blue, leaving the third white.
6. Layer the batters in the prepared pan, starting with red, then white, then blue. Swirl slightly with a knife for a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Spread whipped cream over the cooled cake.
10. Arrange strawberries and blueberries on top to resemble the American flag.

Crumbly yet moist, this cake bursts with vanilla sweetness, balanced by the tartness of fresh berries. Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer treat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Absolutely irresistible, these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting are your next baking obsession. Dive into layers of rich, velvety texture and tangy sweetness that’s downright addictive.

Ingredients

• Butter – ½ cup
• Sugar – 1 ½ cups
• Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp
• Red food coloring – 1 tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Eggs – 2
• Flour – 1 cup
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Cream cheese – 8 oz
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, then whisk in sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Stir in red food coloring and vanilla extract, then beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Fold in flour and salt until just combined—overmixing leads to tough brownies.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
6. While cooling, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy for the frosting.
7. Spread frosting over cooled brownies and chill for 30 minutes to set.

Kick your dessert game up a notch with these brownies—their fudgy center and creamy topping make them a crowd-pleaser. Try serving them chilled for a refreshing twist or warm for a gooey treat.

Berry Trifle with Whipped Cream

Let’s dive into a dessert that’s as easy to love as it is to make. This Berry Trifle with Whipped Cream layers juicy berries, fluffy cake, and creamy goodness for a bite that’s pure joy.

Ingredients

• Mixed berries – 3 cups
• Pound cake – 1 loaf, cubed
• Heavy cream – 2 cups
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Tip: Chill your bowl and beaters for 10 minutes before whipping for best results.
2. Layer half of the cubed pound cake at the bottom of a trifle dish.
3. Top with half of the mixed berries, then half of the whipped cream. Repeat layers once more. Tip: For a stunning presentation, arrange some berries on top in a decorative pattern.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Tip: The longer it chills, the more the cake soaks up the berry juices, making every spoonful irresistible.

Rich layers of soft cake, vibrant berries, and silky cream come together in every spoonful. Serve it in clear glasses to show off those beautiful layers, or scoop it straight from the dish for a casual treat.

Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream

Get ready to turn up the heat with this tropical dessert that’s all about bold flavors and simple steps. Grill, scoop, and devour—this combo is a no-brainer for summer nights.

Ingredients

• Pineapple – 1, sliced into rings
• Coconut oil – 2 tbsp
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Coconut ice cream – 2 cups

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F.
2. Brush both sides of each pineapple ring with coconut oil for a non-stick grill and extra flavor.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the pineapple rings to caramelize as they grill.
4. Place pineapple rings on the grill. Cook for 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and sugar is bubbly.
5. Remove pineapple from the grill and let cool for 2 minutes to avoid melting the ice cream too quickly.
6. Scoop coconut ice cream onto each pineapple ring. Serve immediately for the perfect warm-cold contrast.

The caramelized edges of the pineapple pair magically with the creamy, cool coconut ice cream. Try stacking them for a playful presentation or drizzling with a touch of honey for extra sweetness.

Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats

Let’s make your Fourth of July epic with these easy, no-bake Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats. They’re crunchy, chewy, and bursting with red, white, and blue vibes.

Ingredients

• Butter – 3 tbsp
• Marshmallows – 10 oz
• Rice Krispies cereal – 6 cups
• Red food coloring – 1 tsp
• Blue food coloring – 1 tsp
• White chocolate chips – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows, stirring constantly until completely melted. Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
4. Divide mixture into three equal parts.
5. Mix red food coloring into one part and blue into another, leaving the third part white. Tip: Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
6. Press the red mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
7. Layer the white mixture on top, then finish with the blue layer. Tip: Use a piece of parchment paper to press each layer evenly.
8. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
9. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a festive finish.
10. Let set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Crunchy on the outside, gooey in the middle, these treats are a fireworks show in your mouth. Serve them stacked like a flag or cut into stars for an extra patriotic punch.

Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

Bite into layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream—this Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is summer in a glass.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Milk – ½ cup
• Butter – ¼ cup, melted
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Strawberries – 2 cups, sliced
• Whipped cream – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Tip: Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Tip: Overmixing leads to dense cake.
4. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cake cool completely, then crumble into small pieces.
6. Layer cake crumbs, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream in glasses. Repeat layers. Tip: For best texture, assemble parfaits just before serving.

Outrageously light and creamy, these parfaits balance sweet berries with tender cake. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Let’s dive into making Chocolate Dipped Strawberries—your go-to for a quick, decadent treat that screams luxury without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Strawberries – 1 lb
• Dark chocolate chips – 1 cup
• White chocolate chips – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Wash strawberries under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Tip: Ensure they’re completely dry to help the chocolate stick better.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 1.5 minutes total). Tip: Avoid overheating to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
4. Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted dark chocolate, swirling to coat halfway up. Let excess drip off.
5. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries.
6. Melt white chocolate chips using the same method as the dark chocolate.
7. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark-dipped strawberries using a fork or piping bag for a decorative touch.
8. Refrigerate strawberries for 30 minutes, or until chocolate is set. Tip: For a glossy finish, let them set at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm.

Dreamy contrast of juicy strawberries and rich chocolate makes these irresistible. Serve them on a platter for a party or pack in a cute box for a heartfelt gift.

Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Hit the refresh button on your dessert game with this zesty, no-bake masterpiece that’s as easy as pie—literally.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (14 oz)
• Key lime juice – ½ cup
• Egg yolks – 3

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Tip: Use a food processor for ultra-fine crumbs if you’re starting with whole graham crackers.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. Tip: Chilling the crust in the fridge speeds up this process.
4. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Tip: The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
6. Cool the pie at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Silky smooth with a punchy lime kick, this pie pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra pop of color.

Firecracker Popcorn Balls

Explode your snack game with these Firecracker Popcorn Balls—sweet, salty, and packed with a crunch that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Popcorn – 10 cups
• Butter – ½ cup
• Marshmallows – 4 cups
• Red food coloring – 2 drops
• Blue food coloring – 2 drops

Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn according to package instructions. Measure 10 cups into a large bowl.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Tip: Use a wooden spoon to stir for even melting.
3. Add marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly until completely melted, about 5 minutes.
4. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one and blue to the other. Stir until color is uniform.
5. Pour the colored marshmallow mixtures over the popcorn. Use two spoons to mix until evenly coated. Tip: Work quickly before the marshmallow hardens.
6. With lightly greased hands, shape the mixture into 12 balls. Place on wax paper to set, about 30 minutes. Tip: If mixture sticks, re-grease hands as needed.

Fiery red and cool blue swirls make these popcorn balls a showstopper. The crispy outside gives way to a chewy center, perfect for handing out at parties or packing into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Blueberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Craving a summer treat that pops with flavor? These Blueberry Lemonade Cupcakes blend tart and sweet in every bite—perfect for picnics or poolside indulgence.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 ½ cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Eggs – 2
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Milk – ½ cup
• Lemon zest – 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Blueberries – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour.
5. Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and blueberries gently to avoid crushing the berries.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Light, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy tang, these cupcakes are a summer sensation. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh blueberries for an extra decadent touch.

Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse

Now, let’s dive into making this dreamy Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse that’s as easy as it is elegant.

Ingredients

• White chocolate – 8 oz
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Raspberries – 1 cup
• Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Tip: Ensure no water gets into the chocolate to prevent seizing.
2. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks in a large bowl. Tip: Chill your bowl and whisk beforehand for faster whipping.
3. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined. Tip: Fold in a figure-eight motion to keep the mixture light and airy.
4. In a separate bowl, mash the raspberries with sugar until slightly chunky.
5. Layer the mousse and raspberry mixture in serving glasses, starting and ending with mousse.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Tip: The mousse sets best when chilled undisturbed.

Get ready to spoon into clouds of creamy white chocolate mousse swirled with tangy raspberry. Serve in elegant glasses for a dinner party or enjoy straight from the bowl for a midnight treat.

Grilled Banana S’mores

Fire up your taste buds with this twist on a classic—Grilled Banana S’mores. **No campfire? No problem.** This recipe brings the outdoors in with a smoky, sweet punch.

Ingredients

• Bananas – 2
• Chocolate chips – ½ cup
• Marshmallows – 1 cup
• Graham crackers – 4

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to **medium heat, 350°F**.
2. Slice bananas lengthwise, keeping the peel on. **Tip:** The peel acts as a natural bowl.
3. Stuff each banana with **¼ cup chocolate chips** and **½ cup marshmallows**.
4. Wrap stuffed bananas in foil, sealing tightly. **Tip:** Double wrap to prevent leaks.
5. Grill for **10 minutes**, or until marshmallows are gooey and chocolate is melted.
6. Crush graham crackers into crumbs. **Tip:** Use a bag and rolling pin for even crumbs.
7. Unwrap bananas, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and serve immediately.

**Savor** the gooey, melty goodness with a crunch. Perfect for dipping or eating straight from the peel—messy fingers guaranteed.

Patriotic Jello Cups

Boldly celebrate with these eye-catching Patriotic Jello Cups—perfect for your summer bash or Fourth of July spread. Layer up the red, white, and blue for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• Strawberry Jello – 1 box (3 oz)
• Blue Raspberry Jello – 1 box (3 oz)
• Unflavored gelatin – 1 packet (0.25 oz)
• Boiling water – 2 cups
• Cold water – 1.5 cups
• Whipped topping – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Dissolve Strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
2. Add 0.5 cup cold water to the Strawberry Jello mixture. Pour into 4 clear cups, filling each one-third. Chill for 30 minutes until set.
3. While first layer chills, dissolve Unflavored gelatin in 0.5 cup boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes. Mix in 0.5 cup cold water and 1 cup whipped topping until smooth.
4. Once Strawberry layer is set, gently spoon the white mixture over it, filling another third. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Dissolve Blue Raspberry Jello in 0.5 cup boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes. Add 0.5 cup cold water.
6. After white layer sets, pour Blue Raspberry Jello to top off the cups. Chill for 1 hour until firm.
7. Tip: For cleaner layers, chill each until just set but still slightly sticky. Tip: Use a spoon to gently add layers to prevent mixing. Tip: Serve with extra whipped topping for added flair.

Outstanding in texture and taste, these Jello Cups offer a creamy middle with fruity top and bottom layers. Serve them with sparklers for a festive touch or layer in a large dish for a shareable treat.

Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust

Oozing with juicy cherries and wrapped in a buttery, golden lattice, this pie is your next showstopper dessert. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy winter nights, it’s a classic with a twist.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Butter – 1 cup
• Water – 6 tbsp
• Cherries – 4 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Cornstarch – 3 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough forms. Tip: Keep butter cold for a flakier crust.
5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
6. Combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
7. Roll out one dough half to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges.
8. Pour cherry mixture into crust.
9. Roll out second dough half and cut into strips for lattice. Tip: Use a ruler for even strips.
10. Weave strips over pie, trim excess, and crimp edges.
11. Bake for 50 minutes or until crust is golden and filling bubbles. Tip: Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.

Luscious and tart, the cherry filling pairs perfectly with the crisp, buttery crust. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible contrast.

Watermelon Sorbet

Ditch the heat with this icy, refreshing Watermelon Sorbet—no fancy equipment needed, just pure, fruity bliss.

Ingredients

• Watermelon – 4 cups, cubed
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Lime juice – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Blend 4 cups of cubed watermelon until smooth.
2. Strain the watermelon juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp.
3. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar with ½ cup water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes, then cool completely.
4. Mix the watermelon juice, sugar syrup, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl.
5. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, scrape the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until fluffy.
7. Serve immediately or freeze until firm, about 4 hours for a scoopable texture.

Oozing with watermelon’s natural sweetness, this sorbet is a frosty, tangy dream. Try it sandwiched between cookies for a next-level summer treat.

Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Sugar

Viral doesn’t even begin to cover it—these Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Sugar are your next obsession. Flaky crust, gooey filling, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch. Let’s bake.

Ingredients

• Pie crust – 2 sheets
• Apple – 2 cups, diced
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tbsp
• Butter – 2 tbsp, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll pie crusts on a clean surface.
2. Use a round cutter to cut 12 circles from the crusts. Press each into a muffin tin.
3. Mix diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Fill each crust with the mixture.
4. Brush the edges of the crusts with melted butter for a golden finish.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Tip: Run a knife around the edges for easy release.
7. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar while still warm. Tip: For extra crunch, broil for 1 minute before serving.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature. Tip: Pair with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Soft apples meet a crispy, buttery crust in every bite. These minis are perfect for sharing—or not. Try drizzling with caramel for an extra decadent twist.

Summary

These 18 delicious Memorial Day dessert recipes are your ticket to a sweet and stress-free celebration. Whether you’re craving something fruity, chocolaty, or a little bit of both, there’s a treat here for everyone. We’d love to hear which recipes become your favorites—drop us a comment below! And don’t forget to share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest for your fellow home cooks to enjoy. Happy baking!