23 Sweet Memorial Day Desserts Everyone Will Love
I’ve burned more brownies than I can count, so trust me, I know dessert struggles.
I used to think you had to spend hours in the kitchen to make something impressive for Memorial Day.
There was a time when my “fancy dessert” was just ice cream with sprinkles.
Yes, I’ve tried last-minute cookie hacks that totally flopped at the party!
But after a lot of trial, error, and way too many sticky counters, I found some easy Memorial Day desserts that actually work.
These sweet ideas aren’t just simple—they’re crowd-pleasers that add a festive touch to your celebration.
So let’s look at some delicious desserts that’ll make your Memorial Day extra special:
1. Red, White & Blueberry Trifle
Layer fluffy cubes of angel food cake with whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries in a big glass bowl.
It’s light, festive, and looks like you spent hours on it (you didn’t).
Bonus: it feeds a crowd and somehow tastes even better after it sits overnight.
2. American Flag Fruit Pizza
This is one of those desserts that makes people go “oooh!” before they even take a bite.
Start with a sugar cookie crust, spread on sweet cream cheese, and arrange blueberries and sliced strawberries like the American flag.
It’s edible art—and way easier than it looks.
3. S’mores Dip
Sometimes you just need chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, without the whole campfire setup.
Toss everything in a skillet, bake until bubbly, and dive in while it’s still gooey.
It’s sticky, indulgent, and totally worth every napkin. Best enjoyed outdoors with a lemonade in hand.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Who says shortcake needs a plate and fork? Skewer strawberries, cubes of pound cake, and mini marshmallows or whipped cream.
Drizzle with melted chocolate or dunk in whipped cream.
These are picnic-perfect, kid-friendly, and—let’s be honest—cuter than they have any right to be.
5. Lemonade Popsicles
Tart, sweet, and cold as your mother-in-law’s side eye when you forget to bring napkins.
These popsicles are made with real lemonade and fresh berries for a red-white-and-blue look.
Pop ‘em in the freezer the night before and you’re good to go.
6. Patriotic Icebox Cake
This dreamy, no-bake dessert layers graham crackers, whipped cream, and juicy berries.
After a few hours in the fridge, it softens into a sliceable beauty.
It’s cool, creamy, and just the kind of easy magic you want on a hot, lazy Memorial Day.
7. Cherry Pie Bars
Think all the flavor of grandma’s cherry pie, minus the pie stress.
These buttery bars have a jammy cherry filling and a sweet glaze on top.
They’re slice-and-go, which makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or sneakily eating one before guests arrive.
8. Firecracker Jello Cups
If Jello had a patriotic glow-up, this would be it.
Layer red, white, and blue gelatin in clear cups, then top with whipped cream and star sprinkles.
They jiggle, they sparkle, and the kids will lose their minds.
Also? They’re strangely addictive for adults, too.
9. Blueberry Cobbler
You know that one dish that disappears before you can even set down the spoon? This is it.
Bubbling, jammy blueberries meet golden biscuit topping for a warm, nostalgic dessert.
Serve with vanilla ice cream and watch grown adults elbow each other for seconds.
10. Watermelon Sorbet
Hot day? Say hello to this icy, sweet miracle made from puréed watermelon, lime juice, and a touch of honey or coconut milk.
No fancy equipment needed—just blend and freeze.
It’s light, refreshing, and feels like a pool party in your mouth.
Bonus: it’s naturally gorgeous.
11. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
You want something fast, festive, and a little salty-sweet?
These pretzel rods are dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in patriotic sprinkles.
They’re a hit with kids, totally customizable, and easy to make in big batches.
Plus, no one’s turning down a crunchy chocolate stick.
12. Mini Berry Cheesecakes
These little guys are dangerously cute.
Made in muffin tins, they’ve got a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh berry topping.
Perfect for parties where nobody wants to commit to a full slice of cake—but everyone wants to try “just one more.”
13. Apple Hand Pies
All the joy of apple pie, minus the forks and formalities.
These hand pies are flaky, sweet, and perfect for grabbing between cornhole turns.
Drizzle with a little icing if you’re feeling fancy—or serve warm with ice cream and make everyone swoon.
14. Flag Cake
This one’s a crowd favorite for good reason.
Just bake a classic sheet cake, top it with whipped cream, and decorate with berries in a flag pattern.
It’s patriotic, photogenic, and practically guaranteed to earn you “best dessert” at the cookout.
15. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ignore the name—this is dessert through and through.
It’s got a salty pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese layer, and strawberry Jello on top. Retro? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.
Somehow it’s crunchy, creamy, fruity, and irresistible all at once.
16. Rice Krispie Firecrackers
Turn your childhood favorite into a festive bite with a firecracker twist!
Shape Rice Krispie treats into mini cylinders, dip one end in red or blue candy melts, and stick a licorice “fuse” on top.
They’re playful, portable, and just the right amount of nostalgic.
17. Grilled Peach Sundaes
Take juicy summer peaches, throw them on the grill until caramelized, and top with vanilla ice cream, honey, and maybe a few crushed nuts.
The smoky-sweet flavor is a chef’s kiss.
It’s rustic, elegant, and feels a little fancier than the usual backyard fare.
18. Patriotic Whoopie Pies
Soft, cakey cookies sandwiching a fluffy marshmallow filling? Yes, please.
Tint the batter red and blue, or roll the edges in star-shaped sprinkles for extra flair.
They’re fun, handheld, and completely irresistible—basically the party guests of the dessert table.
19. Coconut Cream Pie Cups
A buttery graham crust, velvety coconut filling, and a cloud of whipped cream—all layered into single-serve jars or cups.
These chilled beauties are perfect for hot afternoons and don’t require slicing, scooping, or fuss.
They disappear fast, so make more than you think you’ll need.
20. Red Velvet Brownies
These fudgy, crimson beauties are rich, chocolatey, and dressed for the holiday.
Swirl in some cream cheese frosting or top with white chocolate chips for contrast.
Cut into bite-sized squares—or go rogue and use a star-shaped cookie cutter for extra flair.
21. Frozen Yogurt Bark
This is your “I want something sweet but not too heavy” option.
Spread vanilla Greek yogurt on a baking sheet, scatter with berries and granola, and freeze until firm.
Break it into shards like candy. It’s crunchy, creamy, and surprisingly satisfying on a hot day.
22. Blackberry Cornmeal Cake
This rustic treat is subtly sweet and oh-so Southern.
The cornmeal gives it texture, while juicy blackberries bring the flavor.
It’s the kind of dessert you serve with whipped cream, a glass of sweet tea, and a story about how your grandma made it better.
23. Boozy Snow Cones
Bring back childhood memories—with an adult twist.
Shave some ice, pour over flavored syrups spiked with rum, vodka, or wine, and serve in classic paper cones.
Try blue raspberry with coconut rum or cherry with bourbon.
Warning: one is never enough.
Wrap Up
Memorial Day desserts make your celebration extra sweet and fun.
From cool treats to fruity favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These ideas are easy, tasty, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Try one—or a few—and make your holiday even more special.
Happy celebrating!
