Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer — a time for barbecues, picnics, and honoring the brave men and women who served our country. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or heading to a potluck, no celebration is complete without a sweet treat. These five Memorial Day desserts are easy to make, delicious, and festive enough to steal the show.
1. Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle
A patriotic and refreshing layered dessert with cake, whipped cream, and berries.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake (store-bought or homemade), cubed
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Layer the trifle:
- In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, add a layer of cake cubes.
- Top with a layer of whipped cream.
- Add a layer of mixed berries.
- Repeat until the dish is full, ending with whipped cream and a berry garnish.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
2. Flag Fruit Pizza
A sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit in a flag pattern.

Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 banana, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out cookie dough onto a greased baking sheet and form a large rectangle. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the crust with the cream cheese mixture once completely cool.
- Decorate with blueberries in the top left corner (for stars), then alternate strawberry and banana slices for stripes.
- Chill until ready to serve.
3. No-Bake Patriotic Cheesecake Jars
Individual servings of creamy cheesecake with colorful layers.

Ingredients:
- 1 package graham crackers, crushed
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)
- Red and blue food coloring
- Mason jars or clear cups
Instructions:
- Mix crust: Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press a spoonful into each jar.
- Make cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping.
- Divide into 3 bowls: Leave one white, tint one red, and one blue.
- Layer into jars: Add red cheesecake, then white, then blue.
- Chill for at least 2 hours. Top with more whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired.
4. Cherry Pie Bars
Easier than pie, these bars are perfect for a crowd and packed with cherry flavor.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and extracts.
- Add flour and baking powder gradually to make a soft dough.
- Spread 2/3 of dough into the prepared pan.
- Spoon cherry filling evenly over the dough.
- Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls on top of the filling.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
5. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
An ultra-easy, no-bake dessert with layers of ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, and toppings.

Ingredients:
- 12 ice cream sandwiches
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkles
Instructions:
- Layer ice cream sandwiches (6 per layer) in a 9×13-inch dish.
- Spread half the whipped topping over the first layer.
- Drizzle with hot fudge and caramel.
- Add second layer of sandwiches and top with remaining whipped topping.
- Drizzle again with sauces and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Freeze for 2+ hours, slice, and serve cold.
Final Tips for Serving
- Make Ahead: All of these recipes can be made a day in advance.
- Portable Options: Cheesecake jars and cherry bars are great for taking to events.
- Festive Flair: Use American flag-themed napkins, plates, or mini flags for decoration.
These desserts not only taste great but also bring the patriotic spirit to your Memorial Day gathering. Pick one (or a few) and get ready for a sweet celebration!
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