13 Memorial Day Dessert Dinners That End The Night On A Sweet Note – because no backyard barbecue or lakeside cookout is complete without a showstopping finale. As the sun sets on your Memorial Day festivities, these decadent desserts will keep the celebration going with patriotic flair and seasonal flavors. From berry-packed flag cakes to smoky grilled peaches with bourbon cream, each sweet creation is designed to be as memorable as the holiday itself.
These crowd-pleasing recipes strike the perfect balance between nostalgic Americana and fresh summer inspiration. Imagine your guests’ delight when you bring out a towering trifle layered with red, white, and blue goodness, or pass around individual mason jar cheesecakes topped with firework sprinkles. We’ve included make-ahead options for stress-free entertaining, plus creative twists on classic desserts that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
This Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any gathering. With its bright lemon flavor and juicy blueberries, it offers a refreshing taste that will make everyone smile. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
The moist texture and zesty sweetness will have your guests coming back for seconds. Topped with a light glaze and garnished with fresh blueberries, this cake not only tastes amazing but looks stunning, too. It’s the perfect ending to any Memorial Day celebration!
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of creamy cheesecake and the unmistakable taste of peanut butter. This treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness with its smooth, velvety texture and crunchy chocolate accents. It’s not just scrumptious; it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a great choice for any gathering.
With its layer of chocolate cookie crust and a topping of mini peanut butter cups, this cheesecake will surely impress your friends and family. Serve it chilled for the best experience, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds!
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Vanilla
Grilled peaches are a delightful way to end your Memorial Day dinner. The warm, slightly caramelized fruit pairs beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a sweet and refreshing dessert. This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
The combination of honey and vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, adding a rich flavor that everyone will love. Plus, grilling brings out a smoky essence that elevates this dish to a whole new level. It’s a fun and easy dessert that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until they have grill marks and are slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey and vanilla extract.
- Remove the peaches from the grill. Drizzle with the honey-vanilla mixture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for warmer days and gatherings. These sweet layers of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries create a refreshing treat that everyone will love. They are simple to assemble and can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for a stress-free celebration.
Each bite offers a burst of sweetness from the strawberries, complemented by the richness of whipped cream and soft cake. The vibrant colors also make these parfaits a visual treat, sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this easy, layered dessert at your next Memorial Day gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 pound store-bought pound cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In another bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Layer the Parfaits: In serving glasses, layer the pound cake cubes, a layer of the sweetened strawberries, and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve chilled, garnished with additional strawberries on top.
Watermelon Sorbet Cups
Watermelon Sorbet Cups are the perfect refreshing treat for a hot summer day. With their natural sweetness and vibrant color, these sorbet cups are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The flavors of ripe watermelon are beautifully highlighted in this simple recipe, making it a delightful dessert that everyone will love.
These sorbet cups are light and fruity, providing a burst of hydration with every bite. They are also a great way to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just whip up the sorbet, chill it, and serve it in cute watermelon cups for a fun touch!
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe watermelon, cubed and seeded
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of watermelon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the cubed watermelon, sugar, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer.
- Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture until it becomes fluffy and fully frozen, about 2-3 hours.
- Once the sorbet is ready, cut mini watermelon halves to serve as cups. Scoop the sorbet into each watermelon cup.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately for a refreshing dessert!
Patriotic Berry Trifle
This Patriotic Berry Trifle is a festive dessert perfect for Memorial Day celebrations. Layered with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and creamy vanilla pudding, it captures the essence of summer while offering a light and refreshing taste. Not only does it look stunning in a glass dish, but it’s also simple enough to whip up in no time, making it a great choice for any gathering.
With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, this trifle is sure to impress your guests. The combination of whipped cream and fruit creates a balance that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal berries!
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups blueberries
- 4 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 package of ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake, cut into pieces
Instructions
- In a large trifle dish, start by layering half of the ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake at the bottom.
- Add half of the vanilla pudding over the cookies, smoothing it out evenly.
- Layer half of the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the pudding.
- Repeat the layers: another layer of cookies, followed by the rest of the pudding, and finally top with the remaining berries.
- Finish by spreading whipped cream over the top, garnishing with extra berries if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Chocolate S’mores Brownies
Chocolate S’mores Brownies bring the classic campfire treat straight to your dessert table! With layers of rich chocolate brownie topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, these brownies are a delightful mashup that captures all the flavors of a s’more in every bite.
This recipe is simple and perfect for gatherings, especially on Memorial Day. They’re rich, sweet, and satisfying, making them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy your sweet treat!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible dessert. With their chewy cookies and creamy ice cream filling, these sandwiches are perfect for warm days, barbecues, or just a sweet way to end a meal. They’re simple to make, and the best part is that you can customize them with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings!
The sweetness of the chocolate chip cookies pairs perfectly with the coolness of the ice cream, creating a satisfying contrast. Plus, they’re easy to assemble, making them a fun activity to do with friends or family. Just bake your cookies, let them cool, fill them with ice cream, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 4 cups of your favorite ice cream
- Optional: sprinkles or additional chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, take one cookie and place a scoop of ice cream on the flat side. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich. If desired, roll the sides of the sandwich in sprinkles or chocolate chips.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream. Serve immediately or freeze the sandwiches for later enjoyment.
Brownie Sundae with Fresh Cherries
This brownie sundae is a delightful treat that brings together rich, fudgy brownies and creamy vanilla ice cream, topped off with fresh cherries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s a perfect way to cool down on a warm day and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time!
Easy to make, this dessert requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in no time. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day, this brownie sundae is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
- 1 batch of brownies (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup chocolate sauce
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Bake a batch of brownies according to the package or your favorite recipe. Once cooled, cut them into squares.
- Assemble the Sundaes: In a serving glass, layer pieces of brownie at the bottom. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the ice cream and top with fresh cherries. If desired, add whipped cream for an extra touch.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, and feel free to customize with additional toppings like nuts or sprinkles!
Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
The Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle is a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of summer and celebration. This layered treat is not only visually appealing but also offers a refreshing taste that combines the sweetness of strawberries and blueberries with creamy layers of whipped cream or pudding. It’s a simple recipe that can be put together quickly, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings or holiday celebrations.
This trifle is all about fresh ingredients, so you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of seasonal berries. The combination of textures—from the crisp berries to the smooth cream—creates a delightful experience in every bite. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with the kids, allowing everyone to get creative in layering their favorite fruits and cream.
Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness with a hint of tropical sweetness. The smooth coconut filling, combined with a buttery crust and topped with whipped cream, creates a slice of paradise that everyone will love. And the best part? It’s simple to make, making it an ideal addition to your Memorial Day celebrations.
This pie is not only visually appealing but also offers a taste bud adventure with every bite. The creamy coconut flavor is complemented by the texture of shredded coconut and the lightness of whipped cream, making it a refreshing end to a summer meal.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie crust according to package instructions until golden brown. Allow to cool.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the beaten egg yolks, butter, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie before serving.
Mason Jar Key Lime Pies
Mason Jar Key Lime Pies are a fun and delightful dessert that brings together the refreshing zing of key lime with a creamy filling. These little treats are perfect for any gathering, especially on Memorial Day. They are not only easy to make but also add a charming touch to your dessert table.
With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy lime filling, these pies are an instant crowd-pleaser. Each jar offers the right balance of tart and sweet, making them a light and satisfying end to any meal. Plus, they are portable, allowing guests to enjoy them wherever they are relaxing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of mason jars to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust in each jar.
- Chill: Cover the jars and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Serve: Before serving, top each jar with whipped cream and a slice of lime. Enjoy your Mason Jar Key Lime Pies!
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is a cozy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering, especially on Memorial Day. With sweet, tender apples hidden beneath a crunchy oat topping, this dish balances warm flavors and textures that everyone will love. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to whip up, leaving you with more time to enjoy with family and friends.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of sweetness from the apples and a nutty crunch from the oats. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal apples!
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced and peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine sliced apples and lemon juice. Toss with granulated sugar and cinnamon until well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, covering them evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day desserts should be as joyful and vibrant as the holiday itself – a sweet tribute to summer’s unofficial start. Whether you opt for an all-American apple pie with a lattice crust or experiment with s’mores dip served with patriotic star cookies, these recipes guarantee your gathering will end on the perfect sugary high note. Don’t forget the sparklers for an extra festive touch! Here’s to honoring the day with good company, gratitude, and desserts worth celebrating.