Looking for the best Memorial Day desserts to make this year? Try these tasty treats in bright shades of red, white and blue.
55 Gorgeous Memorial Day Desserts
Updated on Mar. 25, 2025
1/55
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can have your cake and eat it guilt-free with these taste-tempting treats. The petite graham cracker crust, chopped fresh berries and cream cheese frosting offer all the goodness of cheesecake in manageable portions. —Jill Drury, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These light and tender cupcakes completely mimic a slice of cheesecake. From the hidden graham cracker crust base, strawberry-studded vanilla cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, and extra strawberries and graham cracker crumbs on top, it really is like eating the cupcake version of a cheesecake!
2/55
Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Bars
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve tried “light” cheesecake recipes before with mixed results. Making a few changes, I created a rich, creamy cheesecake filling that truly tastes like the real deal. —Katie Farrell, Ann Arbor, Michigan
A rich and creamy cheesecake filling on top of a graham crust is the perfect vehicle for lots of fresh summer berries. Use a mix of blue and red berries to keep a patriotic theme.
3/55
Lemon-Blueberry Pound Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair a slice of this moist lemon-blueberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a staple at our family barbecues. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
To prevent the blueberries from sinking in cakes like this delicious pound cake, simply toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. The glaze—or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—is optional.
4/55
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Inspired by the strawberry crunch bars the ice cream truck offered every summer, this cake is crunchy and sweet in all the best ways. It’s sure to be a hit for Memorial Day and all summer celebrations. Next, learn how to make strawberry cloud cake.
5/55
Red, White and Blueberry Pie
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
This creamy pie topped with fresh fruit is a crowd pleaser. Prepare the filled pie ahead of time, then top it with whipped cream and berries when it’s time to serve.
6/55
Red, White ‘n’ Blue Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our striking flag salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up! —Laurie Neverman, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Everyone will salute this colorful and patriotic layered dessert. The recipe calls for raspberries in the red layer, but you could also switch to strawberries if preferred.
7/55
Grandma’s Star Cookies
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandma would make these butter cutouts only with a star cookie cutter. I use various shapes for celebrations throughout the year. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Serve a platter of these orange-scented butter cutout cookies at your Memorial Day picnic or potluck. The recipe is so versatile—save it to use with other shapes for holidays year-round.
8/55
Berry White Ice Pops
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Let these ice pops be the first sign of summer. The fruit-filled bars are easy to make, and they’re a hit with people of all ages.
9/55
Red Velvet Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvets I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. For quicker assembly, you can leave the layers untrimmed and simply frost the top and side of the cake with icing. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Is there anything more American than a red velvet cake? The intensely bright red hue makes it perfect for the holiday!
10/55
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
A surprise hit of white balsamic vinegar adds some savory notes to this angel food cake. For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry or strawberry syrup along with the fresh fruit.
11/55
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Sweet, savory and creamy, this pretty little make-ahead dessert is perfect for potlucks and picnics. I love a dessert with texture, and this treat has many layers!
12/55
Blueberry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in blueberry country and this pie is a perfect way to showcase the luscious berries. A neighbor made this pie for us when we had a death in the family several years ago. Our whole family enjoys it. —R. Ricks, Kalamazoo, Michigan
There’s no better way to showcase gorgeous fresh blueberries than a simple pie. You’ll want real whipped cream for this one.
13/55
Patriotic Pizzas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a pie-in-the-sky idea: fruit pizzas you can decorate like a high-flyin' flag! You can decorate a pizza with stripes for the U.S. or with a maple leaf for Canada. Both designs consist of tangy fruit and smooth cream cheese over a tender crust. Since each version is simple to make, you can quickly create either one for a summer picnic or patriotic party. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Make your stars and stripes with smooth, sweetened cream cheese and fresh fruit atop a simple butter crust. It’s a salute to summer!
14/55
Red, White and Blue Dessert
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I changed a recipe I found and ended up with this rich, fresh-tasting dessert. Decorated to resemble a flag, it's perfect for the Fourth of July or any other patriotic occasion. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Pay homage to Old Glory with this festive layered dessert that’s perfect for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. Make sure to use fresh fruit for this so it really stands out.
15/55
Berry Dream Cake
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It's so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
For a berry fun twist on a Memorial Day cake, poke holes into a baked cake and pour warm liquid gelatin over it. When you refrigerate it, you’ll get a fruity marbled effect.
16/55
Patriotic Frozen Delight
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I pick lots of fruit at berry farms in the area and freeze it to enjoy all year long. This frozen dessert showcases both blueberries and strawberries and has a refreshing lemon flavor. —Bernice Russ, Bladenboro, North Carolina
This scoopable frozen dessert can be made with fresh or frozen berries. The subtle lemon flavor is an excellent pairing with strawberries and blueberries.
17/55
Blueberry Graham Dessert
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you are short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bite as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Blending ricotta and cream cheese is a quick way to get cheesecake flavors without the fuss. Make individual desserts by layering the cheeses with fresh fruit and graham crackers.
18/55
Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These frosty cupcakes are practically a fireworks display on their own. The little treats feature red velvet cake, blue moon ice cream, a creamy white topping and star-spangled sprinkles. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
To make a sweet treat for a summer celebration, layer red velvet cake, blue moon ice cream and a creamy marshmallow topping. Don’t forget the red, white and blue sprinkles!
19/55
Red Star Cookies
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These super stars are plenty sweet and sturdy, making them great for shipping. Slip decorated cookies in stacks of three inside plastic storage bags, then rest the stacks in disposable plastic containers. Put the containers in a cardboard box, then add crumpled newspaper so everything is tightly packed. Seal it with a kiss—or a card. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These cookies will be the star of the Memorial Day dessert table. They’re crisp and sweet, and the icing is versatile enough to make red, white and blue stars.
20/55
Creamy Lime Pie with Fresh Berries
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina
A sweet and zesty lime and cilantro (yes, cilantro!) cream cheese filling sits atop a zingy ginger-cookie crust. Pile on any combo of seasonal fruit.
21/55
Elegant Fresh Berry Tart
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant tart was my first original creation. If other fresh fruits are used, adjust the simple syrup flavor to match. —Denise Nakamoto, Elk Grove, California
It takes little effort to make this pretty tart. The flavors of the buttery crust, creamy filling and fresh fruit tossed in preserves come together beautifully.
22/55
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
This lighter take on a cheesecake is a lovely summer treat, and on a hot day, we’ll take any excuse to make a dessert that doesn’t require an oven. The red, white and blue coloring just screams American summer!
23/55
Berries & Cream Torte
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's so easy to see why this fruity dessert always impresses dinner guests. I sometimes replace the berries with sliced bananas. —Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
This colorful torte has a lot of wow factor for the little effort it takes to put it together. Use cake pans to make the cookie layers exactly the same for a prettier presentation.
24/55
Favorite Coconut Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
This cake is light, delicious and full of coconut flavor. Surround it with bowls of fresh red strawberries and blueberries on the Memorial Day dessert table.
25/55
No-Bake Cheesecake
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3-1/3 cups topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland
When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, this no-bake cheesecake is exactly what you need. It has everything you want, including lots of fresh berries for topping, but no hassle.
26/55
Crispy Star Pops
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These patriotic pops are a hit at our annual Fourth of July get-together. Serve them as an after-picnic dessert. Or, slip them into cellophane bags, tie on ribbons and give them as favors. —Colleen Sturma, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Let the kids help decorate these cute patriotic puffed rice treats. Keep cellophane bags and ties handy so everyone can take some pops home after the neighborhood potluck.
27/55
Strawberry Shortcake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen: strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
Memorial Day weekend just so happens to usually land around early strawberry season, so it would be a crime not to include a strawberry dessert among your Memorial Day dessert spread! This strawberry shortcake is simple, letting the strawberries really shine.
28/55
Star-Spangled Parfaits
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
A lighter option for your Memorial Day dessert lineup, these parfaits are made with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. Fresh mint and a sprinkle of shredded coconut add lovely subtle flavors.
29/55
Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
One of the best things about this pie is the crust made with vanilla wafer cookies and pecans. The sweet and nutty flavors go great with the creamy filling and fresh raspberry topping.
30/55
Watermelon Cupcakes
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughter and I bake together each week. She was inspired by all of her mom's flavored syrups, so we came up with this watermelon cupcake. If you have watermelon syrup, it can replace some of the lemon-lime soda in the cake batter and frosting, but the gelatin adds a lot of watermelon flavor on its own. If you are not going to pipe the frosting, you can reduce the amount of frosting by half. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
What a sweet idea! Watermelon gelatin and a bit of red food coloring help turn ordinary cupcakes into something special. They’ll be the hit of the Memorial Day picnic.
31/55
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
This no-bake strawberry pie has everything: fresh berry flavor, a creamy filling and a sweet-salty crunch from a crushed pretzel crust. It’s a summertime treat that makes everyone happy.
32/55
Cast-Iron Cherry-Berry Peach Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had an overabundant supply of cherries one year, so I adapted several recipes to use them up. I knew this one was a keeper when I received phone calls from my mother and grandmother complimenting me on this pie. —Amy Hartke, Elgin, Illinois
The best thing about this pie is that you can use fresh or frozen fruit, or a mix of both. The all-butter crust cooks up beautifully in the cast-iron pan, which goes from oven to table.
33/55
Strawberry Gelato
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. Fresh raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for the strawberries if you prefer. If your berries are tart, add a touch more sugar or honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Summer means getting that ice cream maker back on the kitchen counter. Start with this refreshing strawberry gelato, which has a hint of sea salt and honey.
34/55
Patchwork Quilt Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake has a great homemade flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to pile on the buttery frosting, which adds a burst of vanilla. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
You don’t want soggy fruit for this one: Here’s how to wash berries so they look and taste great. To get the sharp lines of the geometric pattern, build with sliced strawberries and blueberries on a plate or cutting board first.
35/55
Two-Berry Fluff Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy salad is a welcome treat on warm Texas afternoons. Because there's a blueberry orchard near our home, we often pick up berries to use in this recipe and others. When blueberries and strawberries aren't in season, you can substitute frozen berries with equally good results. —Karen Wenzel, Conroe, Texas
To get good fluffiness, make sure to beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar well before adding the cream. It’s like a sweet dreamy cloud with a burst of berry freshness.
36/55
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
There’s no doubt that traditional tiramisu is delicious, but this berry version feels like a perfect dessert for summer. You can layer the sweet mascarpone, ladyfinger cookies and fresh fruit in a clear pan, a trifle bowl or individual cups.
37/55
Bomb Pop Cookies
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
The sound of the ice cream truck has even my husband running out to the curb with money in hand. Our neighborhood has a big potluck on the Fourth of July, so I decided to make cookies that resemble Bomb Pops. These were a big hit! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
These fun red, white and blue cookies will be the hit of every patriotic potluck, picnic and block party. Each layer is flavored as well as colored, which perfectly mimics the classic ice cream truck treat.
38/55
Strawberry-Citrus Freezer Pops
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These frozen pops are a big sunny welcome to the summer season. Use fresh strawberries and clementines for the best flavor.
39/55
Blueberry Upside-Down Skillet Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in Maine, I am lucky to have an endless amount of wild blueberries. This recipe is similar to a pineapple upside-down cake. It's easy, light and also great with cranberries. —Nettie Moore, Belfast, Maine
This cake is a stunner without needing a lot of effort or time to make. Use fresh or frozen blueberries, and don’t forget the hit of orange juice in the caramel. It’s a nice touch!
40/55
Mixed Berry Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a delightful way to enjoy summertime fruits. If you're short on one of the berries, just make up the amount with one of the other fruits in the pie. —Elaine Moody, Clever, Missouri
Use any ratio of fruit in this pie: If you have more blueberries than raspberries or you don’t have blackberries yet, just make up the difference with what’s available. Make sure to have some vanilla ice cream ready when serving.
41/55
Citrus Berry Shortcake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a quick and easy classic with a soft shortcake layer. Sometimes I'll sprinkle blueberries over the top for an especially colorful finish. —Meryl Herr, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The orange juice and orange zest add an extra layer of flavor to this strawberry shortcake. Sprinkle blueberries on top for a colorful (and patriotic) finish.
42/55
Strawberry Cheesecake
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas
We turn to timeless recipes again and again for a reason! Simple yet sophisticated and tart yet creamy, this strawberry cheesecake is beloved by everyone.
43/55
Berry Tarts
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring spring flavors together in these delectable miniature tarts. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture—or choose your favorite berries instead. These sweet treats are great for a ladies tea, brunch or spring holiday celebration. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio
Fresh berries and lemon are a perfect combo any time of year, but these light tartlets are a particularly good Memorial Day dessert. Raspberries and blueberries work best, but you can use any fresh seasonal fruit.
44/55
Galette
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite pie is blueberry, made with fresh-picked northern Ontario blueberries. Adding peaches and a rustic crust creates a bit of summer fun that's perfect for a picnic. —Christine Kropp, London, Ontario
This peach and blueberry galette is even easier than pie. The rustic look is perfect for a laid-back Memorial Day party, or any day!
45/55
Flag Cake
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready to hear oohs and aahs! This stars-and-stripes cake is sure to light up your Fourth of July party or other patriotic celebration. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This patriotic-themed cake makes a stunningly delicious Memorial Day dessert. The stars are made with fresh blueberries and blueberry gelatin, and the red stripes are chopped berries and raspberry-flavored gelatin. Want to keep it even simpler? Skip the gelatin and just use fresh fruit for the flag.
46/55
Raspberry Pie Squares
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making pie for a crowd may seem impossible, but not when you turn to this crowd-pleasing recipe! The sweet-tart raspberry filling pairs well with a flaky homemade pastry. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slab pie is a great way to make pie for a crowd. The simple raspberry filling here is easy to make and has an incredible sweet-tart flavor.
47/55
Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sugar cookie dough is a speedy way to turn ricotta and mascarpone cheeses topped with blackberries into beautiful bars. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Make these gorgeous bars with sugar cookie dough, ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, and fresh blackberry topping. Cut the bars into whatever size works for your group.
48/55
Bumbleberry Pie
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want to make an impression, make this pie! The recipe produces one of the flakiest crusts ever, and the combination of rhubarb and different berries in the filling is delicious. —Suzanne Alberts, Onalaska, Wisconsin
No, a new type of berry was not created! Bumbleberry is a mixture of multiple berries, usually raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, and sometimes includes apples and rhubarb. This gorgeous pie contains all five. Yum!
49/55
Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom's yummy cobbler is truly a wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is so easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Strawberry and rhubarb ripen around the same time, inspiring many delicious strawberry-rhubarb recipes like this easy cobbler. I love the buttery, flaky, pie-like top crust that doesn’t need any finicky rolling and shaping!
50/55
Blueberry Crumble Tarts
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pop one in a lunch box, share a batch at work or wait until dessert—these are sweet anytime, anywhere. Sometimes I refrigerate prepared tarts overnight and bake them while making dinner the next day. Foolproof. —Carole Fraser, North York, Ontario
Everyone will love their own little blueberry crumble tart. The prepared tarts can be made ahead of time and baked right before serving.
51/55
Strawberry Pie
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Everything about this pie is as easy as … well, you know. Make sure you use the most beautiful strawberries for this, as they’re really the star of the show.
52/55
Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a bang at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests love the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really adds to a patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
It’s hard to deny the effect of a striped gelatin mold. The red, white and blue layers are sharp and bright, and the cool, fruity taste has everyone going back for more.
53/55
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole Trifle
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those times when you need a really fast and pretty dessert. The lemon-flavored cream is the perfect pairing for fresh strawberries and blueberries.
54/55
All-American Pie
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With apples, cherries and blueberries, this patriotic slab pie even tastes American. If the day doesn't call for stars and stripes, feel free to use any shaped cookie cutters you like for this awe-inspiring potluck dessert. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This dessert takes a bit of time, but all the effort is worth the tasty reward and inevitable high praise. Plus, everyone can get a slice of their favorite berry pie: blueberry, apple or cherry!
55/55
S’mores on a Stick
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to take these treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
For this ultra summery sweet, the usual s’more fillings are melted together to create a sticky mixture that holds the popsicle stick and is sandwiched by two graham crackers for a grab-and-go treat. Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top and decorate with red, white and blue sprinkles for the holiday!
Memorial Day Desserts FAQ
What’s the most popular dessert on Memorial Day?
The most popular dessert on Memorial Day is anything red, white and blue, especially if it is in the shape of an American flag! Our all-American pie or flag cake will wow guests, and plenty of other on-theme desserts are here to celebrate the holiday.
What desserts are easy to bring to a Memorial Day gathering?
Desserts like cookies, brownies, cupcakes and pies are easy to transport and set out at Memorial Day gatherings. They usually don’t need to take up space in the host’s fridge and you don’t have to perform a balancing act to get them to the party in one piece!
Which of these Memorial Day desserts are gluten-free?
Need to serve one or two gluten-free summer desserts? Try one of our cooling frozen treats, like the berry white ice pops, strawberry-citrus freezer pops or creamy strawberry gelato. Layered desserts like star-spangled parfaits, cheesecake berry parfaits, patriotic frozen delight, or red, white and blue dessert are also naturally gluten-free.
For a vintage twist, break out the gelatin and set up our patriotic gelatin salad or red, white ‘n’ blue salad. Our crispy star pops are a Memorial Day-themed take on Rice Krispies treats. Just ensure all packaged ingredients are free from any gluten-containing ingredients and have not been processed in a facility that handles wheat and gluten.
