5 Festive Memorial Day Desserts to Sweeten Your Celebration

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:

1. Make the whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Frost the crust with the cream cheese mixture once completely cool.
4. Decorate with blueberries in the top left corner (for stars), then alternate strawberry and banana slices for stripes.
5. 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:

1. Mix crust: Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press a spoonful into each jar.
2. Make cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping.
3. Divide into 3 bowls: Leave one white, tint one red, and one blue.
4. Layer into jars: Add red cheesecake, then white, then blue.
5. 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:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and extracts.
3. Add flour and baking powder gradually to make a soft dough.
4. Spread 2/3 of dough into the prepared pan.
5. Spoon cherry filling evenly over the dough.
6. Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls on top of the filling.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
8. 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:

1. Layer ice cream sandwiches (6 per layer) in a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Spread half the whipped topping over the first layer.
3. Drizzle with hot fudge and caramel.
4. Add second layer of sandwiches and top with remaining whipped topping.
5. Drizzle again with sauces and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
6. 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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