Ready to sweeten up your Memorial Day celebration? These 15 tasty Memorial Day dessert ideas are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy every sweet tooth!
I still remember the first time I hosted a Memorial Day BBQ. The burgers were solid, the playlist was perfect, but what really stole the show? The red, white, and blue berry trifle I almost didn’t make. It disappeared in minutes.
Ever since then, I’ve realized that no Memorial Day gathering is complete without a festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re baking from scratch or throwing together something easy and no-bake, there’s a treat in this list for you.
From patriotic cupcakes to fruity flag pies and chilled cheesecake bars, these fun dessert ideas are perfect for honoring the day while keeping things delicious.
1. Patriotic Cakesicles – festive, colorful, and perfect for summer celebrations!
Ingredients:
1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare)
1/2 cup vanilla frosting
2 cups white chocolate candy melts
Red and blue candy melts
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Cakesicle sticks
Instructions:
Bake the vanilla cake according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely.
Crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.
Add the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
Press the mixture firmly into cakesicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for 30 minutes.
Melt the white chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
Remove the cakesicles from the molds and dip them into the melted white chocolate, letting any excess drip off.
Melt the red and blue candy melts separately and drizzle them over the cakesicles.
Immediately add the red, white, and blue sprinkles before the drizzle hardens.
Place the cakesicles on parchment paper and allow them to set completely.
Decoration Tips:
Use piping bags or small ziplock bags with the tip cut off to drizzle the colored candy melts precisely.
Add a variety of patriotic sprinkles, such as stars and nonpareils, for extra texture and festive flair.
For a cleaner look, tap off excess drizzle before adding the sprinkles.
Chill the cakesicles after decorating to ensure the candy melts set quickly and beautifully.
Happy Baking
2. Patriotic Mini Cheesecake Bites – creamy, festive, and perfect for parties!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries
Whipped cream
Mini American flag picks (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a mini muffin pan with liners or lightly grease.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Press about a tablespoon of the crust mixture into each mini muffin cavity.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating just until blended.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over each crust.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until centers are set. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Pipe a small swirl of whipped cream onto each mini cheesecake.
Top with one raspberry and a couple of blueberries. Insert a mini flag pick if desired.
Decoration Tips:
Chill the mini cheesecakes well before adding whipped cream and fruit for a stable finish.
Use a star tip for piping whipped cream to add extra flair.
Lightly dust the finished cheesecakes with powdered sugar for a soft, festive touch if desired.
Happy Baking
3. Patriotic Berry Trifle – light, fruity, and perfect for summer celebrations!
Ingredients:
1 prepared angel food cake, cut into cubes
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 pint fresh blueberries
2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
1 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
White chocolate star for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large trifle dish, layer half of the cake cubes at the bottom.
Spread a layer of strawberry or raspberry jam over the cake cubes.
Add a layer of blueberries and strawberries.
Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the berries.
Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish.
Finish with a decorative swirl of whipped cream around the edges.
Pile fresh strawberries and blueberries on top and place a white chocolate star in the center for garnish.
Decoration Tips:
Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create neat whipped cream swirls around the edge.
Chill the trifle for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Add a few mint leaves around the berries on top for an extra fresh and colorful touch.
Happy Baking
4. Patriotic Oreo Truffles – rich, festive, and perfect for celebrating!
Ingredients:
1 package Oreo cookies
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy melts
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions:
Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
In a large bowl, combine the crumbs with softened cream cheese until fully blended.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze the balls for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Melt the chocolate chips or candy melts until smooth.
Dip each Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
Place them back on the baking sheet and immediately decorate with patriotic sprinkles.
Allow the truffles to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Decoration Tips:
Use a fork or dipping tool for smooth, even chocolate coverage.
Drizzle extra red, white, and blue melted candy over some truffles for added flair.
Store truffles in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness before serving.
Happy Baking
5. Patriotic Berry Snack Cups – fresh, colorful, and perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries
Fresh blackberries
Fresh raspberries
Fresh blueberries
Melon balls (honeydew or cantaloupe)
White chocolate stars
Small patriotic flags
Red and white star-patterned cups
Instructions:
Wash and dry all the berries thoroughly.
Use a melon baller to scoop small balls from the melon.
Fill each star-patterned cup with a mix of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
Add a few melon balls to each cup for a pop of extra color and sweetness.
Top with a white chocolate star and insert a small patriotic flag pick for decoration.
Decoration Tips:
Arrange the berries so that the different colors are evenly distributed throughout each cup.
Keep the cups refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Add a few mint leaves for a touch of green and extra color contrast if desired.
Happy Baking
6. Patriotic Charcuterie Board – fresh, savory, and perfect for summer celebrations!
Ingredients:
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries
White cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
Sliced salami
Mozzarella cheese, cut into stars
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
On a large rectangular board or platter, create a rectangle of blueberries in the top left corner for the “stars” section.
Place mozzarella stars evenly over the blueberries to represent the stars of the flag.
Arrange rows of raspberries and white cheddar cubes across the board to mimic the stripes of the flag.
Add a row of sliced salami to represent a red stripe for added savory flavor.
Tuck a few basil leaves around the edges for color and a fresh touch.
Decoration Tips:
Use a small star-shaped cutter to make clean mozzarella stars.
Keep the layers tightly packed to maintain the flag shape and prevent gaps.
Add extra basil leaves around the corners for a bright and festive finishing touch.
Happy Baking
7. Patriotic Pretzel Rods – crunchy, sweet, and perfect for festive treats!
Ingredients:
Pretzel rods
White chocolate or white candy melts
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Blue and white star-shaped candies
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Dip each pretzel rod about halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
Place the dipped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
Immediately sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles and add star-shaped candies before the chocolate sets.
Allow the pretzels to harden completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set.
Decoration Tips:
Hold the pretzel over a plate while sprinkling to catch excess sprinkles for reuse.
Rotate the pretzel gently while adding sprinkles to cover all sides evenly.
Arrange the finished pretzel rods upright in a jar or glass for an eye-catching display.
Happy Baking
8. Patriotic Donuts – bright, festive, and perfect for holiday mornings!
Ingredients:
1 dozen plain donuts (store-bought or homemade)
Red, white, and blue royal icing
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
White star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions:
Place the donuts on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch excess icing.
Prepare royal icing in three colors: red, white, and blue.
Dip or spoon the icing over the donuts, covering the tops completely.
While the icing is still wet, decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Add white star sprinkles onto the blue-iced donuts to mimic a flag pattern.
Let the donuts sit until the icing is fully set and hardened.
Decoration Tips:
Use a piping bag to create stripes or detailed flag patterns with the different colored icings.
Decorate immediately after icing each donut to ensure the sprinkles stick well.
Arrange the finished donuts in a red serving dish for an extra patriotic presentation.
Happy Baking
9. Firework-Inspired Bundt Cake – colorful, festive, and bursting with joy!
Ingredients:
1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare)
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
Pink food coloring
Assorted colorful sprinkles
Star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions:
Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly.
Prepare the vanilla cake batter and pour it evenly into the Bundt pan.
Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and stir until fully blended.
Drizzle the pink glaze generously over the cooled Bundt cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides.
Immediately top the glaze with colorful and star-shaped sprinkles.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra pop of color, use a mix of different sprinkle shapes like stars, circles, and rods.
Drizzle the glaze slowly from the top center so it flows naturally down the grooves of the Bundt cake.
Decorate while the glaze is still wet so the sprinkles stick perfectly.
Happy Baking
10. Patriotic Fruit Pizza – fresh, colorful, and perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients:
1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
White chocolate stars or candy melts
Whipped cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Press the sugar cookie dough evenly onto a round pizza pan to form a crust.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
Arrange blueberries in the top left quarter to form the “blue” field.
Place raspberries in rows to create the “red” stripes.
Pipe whipped cream in between raspberry rows to create the “white” stripes.
Add a large white chocolate star and smaller stars over the blueberries for extra flair.
Decoration Tips:
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make large white chocolate stars from candy melts or white chocolate bars.
Chill the pizza before serving so the cream cheese topping sets and the fruit stays in place.
For extra sparkle, lightly brush the fruit with a bit of warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Happy Baking
11. Patriotic Chocolate Covered Pretzels – sweet, salty, and perfect for festive snacking!
Ingredients:
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
Dip each pretzel halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
Place the dipped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
Immediately sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the wet chocolate.
Let the pretzels sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
Decoration Tips:
Use a fork to dip the pretzels for a cleaner finish and to tap off excess chocolate.
Mix different sizes of patriotic sprinkles for a more textured and festive look.
For extra shine, lightly mist the finished pretzels with edible glitter spray after they set.
Happy Baking
13. Patriotic Chocolate Dipped Sandwich Pops – fun, festive, and easy to make!
Ingredients:
Chocolate sandwich cookies
1 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Popsicle sticks
Instructions:
Insert a popsicle stick carefully into the cream center of each sandwich cookie.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Dip each cookie pop into the melted chocolate, coating it fully or halfway.
Place the dipped pops on the prepared baking sheet.
Immediately sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles onto the wet chocolate.
Allow the cookie pops to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Decoration Tips:
Use a deep, narrow cup for dipping to make coating the cookies easier.
Tap the cookie gently on the side of the cup to remove excess chocolate for a smoother finish.
Mix large and small patriotic sprinkles to create more dimension and color variety on each pop.
Happy Baking
14. Patriotic Flag Brownies – rich, fruity, and perfect for festive celebrations!
Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare)
1/2 cup blueberry jam
1/2 cup strawberry jam
Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries, sliced
White chocolate stars or white candy melts
Powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix instructions and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the brownie batter as directed and bake until set. Allow to cool completely.
Spread the blueberry jam over the top left corner of the brownie to create the “blue” field.
Place fresh blueberries on top of the blueberry jam.
Arrange white chocolate stars on the blueberry jam between the blueberries.
Spread strawberry jam in two stripes across the brownie to mimic the red stripes of the flag.
Fill in between the jam stripes with powdered sugar to create white stripes.
Add sliced strawberries along the red stripes for extra color and flavor.
Decoration Tips:
Use a star-shaped mold or cutter to create perfect white chocolate stars.
For a neater look, use a piping bag to apply the jams in straight, clean lines.
Dust powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Happy Baking
15. Brownie Strawberry Dessert Skewers – sweet, simple, and perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients:
1 batch brownies, cut into bite-sized squares
Fresh strawberries, hulled
Large marshmallows
Cocoa powder
Powdered sugar
Skewers
Instructions:
Prepare brownies according to your favorite recipe and let them cool completely before cutting into small squares.
Wash and hull fresh strawberries.
Thread a brownie square, a marshmallow, and a strawberry onto each skewer, repeating the pattern as desired.
Arrange the finished skewers neatly on a serving platter.
Lightly dust some marshmallows with cocoa powder and some brownies with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Decoration Tips:
Use a sifter or fine-mesh sieve to evenly dust cocoa powder and powdered sugar over the treats.
Alternate brownie textures (some dusted, some plain) to add visual interest to the skewers.
Chill the skewers before serving if making ahead to keep everything fresh and firm.
Happy Baking
