21 Crowd-Pleasing Memorial Day Desserts for Any Party

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Memorial Day is a great time to gather with family and friends, enjoy the long weekend, and make happy memories together.

Many people celebrate with backyard barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. After all the savory food, everyone loves ending the meal with something sweet.

That is why easy Memorial Day desserts can make your celebration even more fun. From fruity treats and creamy no-bake desserts to chocolate favorites and colorful patriotic sweets, there is something for everyone.

In this list of 21 crowd-pleasing Memorial Day desserts for any party, you will find simple recipes that are easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing.

21 Crowd-Pleasing Memorial Day Desserts

1. Red, White, and Blue Celebration Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups whipped cream
  • Red and blue food coloring

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a round cake pan lightly.
  2. Beat butter and sugar together until soft and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla essence, mixing until smooth.
  4. Slowly add flour and milk while stirring gently to make a smooth batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the cake turns light golden and is fully cooked.
  7. Cool the cake completely before decorating.
  8. Separate whipped cream into three bowls.
  9. Leave one bowl white and mix red and blue food coloring into the other bowls.
  10. Spread white cream over the cake and pipe red and blue cream stars around the edges for a Memorial Day party cake.

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2. Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 cups whipped cream
  • 8 small sponge cakes

Method:

  1. Place the sliced strawberries into a bowl and sprinkle sugar over them.
  2. Stir gently and let them sit for 10 minutes so the juice forms.
  3. Cut the sponge cakes into small cubes.
  4. Layer cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream into serving cups.
  5. Repeat the layers until the cups are full.
  6. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

3. Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cream cheese
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup crushed biscuits
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup blueberries

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a square baking pan.
  2. Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into the pan.
  3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
  4. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
  5. Scatter blueberries on top.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes until set.
  7. Cool completely and chill before cutting into bars.

4. Memorial Day Cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries sliced

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
  2. Beat butter and sugar together until creamy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
  4. Stir in milk, vanilla, and flour slowly until smooth.
  5. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter.
  6. Bake for 18–20 minutes until risen.
  7. Cool completely and top with whipped cream, blueberries, and strawberries.

5. No-Bake Oreo Dessert

Ingredients:

  • 20 Oreo cookies crushed
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese
  • 1 cup whipped cream

Method:

  1. Mix crushed cookies with melted butter and press into a dish.
  2. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Fold in whipped cream gently.
  4. Spread the mixture over the cookie crust.
  5. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

6. Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a tray.
  2. Mix flour and butter until crumbly, then press into a tray.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Whisk sugar, eggs, and lemon juice together.
  5. Pour over the crust and bake another 20 minutes.
  6. Cool fully before slicing.

7. Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups watermelon cubes
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

  1. Place the watermelon cubes into a blender jar.
  2. Blend the watermelon for about 30 seconds until it becomes smooth and juicy.
  3. Add the honey and lemon juice to the blender.
  4. Blend again for a few seconds until everything mixes well together.
  5. Carefully pour the watermelon mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top.
  6. Insert popsicle sticks into the center of each mold.
  7. Place the molds into the freezer for at least 4 hours until the popsicles become fully frozen and firm.
  8. Remove the popsicles carefully from the molds and serve immediately.

8. Brownie Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a mini muffin tray.
  2. Place the butter into a bowl and melt it gently, then allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Add the sugar to the melted butter and mix well until combined.
  4. Crack the eggs into the bowl and stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
  5. Add the flour and cocoa powder slowly while mixing until a thick chocolate batter forms.
  6. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tray, filling each space halfway.
  7. Place the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the brownie bites are set.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

9. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Ingredients:

  • 1 litre vanilla ice cream
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Sprinkles
  • Chopped nuts
  • Cherries

Method:

  1. Remove the ice cream from the freezer for 5 minutes, so it becomes easier to scoop.
  2. Place the chocolate syrup, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and cherries into small serving bowls.
  3. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into dessert bowls or cups.
  4. Arrange all the toppings on a table so everyone can choose their favorites.
  5. Let guests drizzle syrup over the ice cream and add sprinkles, nuts, or cherries on top.
  6. Serve immediately before the ice cream melts.

10. Berry Trifle

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cake cubes
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 2 cups whipped cream

Method:

  1. Place a layer of cake cubes into the bottom of a clear serving bowl or glass dish.
  2. Add a layer of sliced strawberries and blueberries over the cake pieces.
  3. Spread a layer of whipped cream gently over the fruit.
  4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
  5. Finish with whipped cream on the top layer.
  6. Place the trifle into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving cold.

11. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until soft and creamy.
  3. Add the egg and mix well until smooth.
  4. Slowly stir in the flour until a dough forms.
  5. Add the chocolate chips and mix gently so they spread through the dough.
  6. Scoop small spoonfuls of dough onto the tray, leaving space between each cookie.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges become golden brown.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving.

12. Banana Pudding Cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 bananas sliced
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 10 vanilla wafers

Method:

  1. Place a spoonful of vanilla pudding into the bottom of each serving cup.
  2. Add a few banana slices over the pudding layer.
  3. Crush the vanilla wafers lightly and sprinkle some over the bananas.
  4. Add another spoonful of pudding on top.
  5. Finish each cup with whipped cream.
  6. Place the cups into the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving chilled.

13. Apple Pie Sliders

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of apple slices
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 8 slider buns

Method:

  1. Place the apple slices into a frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the sugar and cinnamon to the apples.
  3. Cook for about 8 minutes while stirring often until the apples become soft.
  4. Slice the slider buns open carefully.
  5. Spoon the warm apple filling into each bun evenly.
  6. Place the filled buns onto a baking tray.
  7. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes until the buns become lightly golden and serve warm.

14. Rice Krispies Treats

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cereal
  • 3 cups marshmallows
  • 2 tbsp butter

Method:

  1. Grease a square tray lightly and set it aside.
  2. Place the butter into a saucepan over low heat and allow it to melt.
  3. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a smooth mixture.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat.
  5. Add the cereal quickly and stir until all pieces are coated.
  6. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tray using a spoon.
  7. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes until firm.
  8. Cut into squares before serving.

15. Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup blueberries

Method:

  1. Wash all the fruit carefully under cold water.
  2. Remove the tops from the strawberries if needed.
  3. Take wooden skewers and begin threading the fruit onto them.
  4. Alternate strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, and blueberries to create colorful patterns.
  5. Continue until each skewer is full.
  6. Place the fruit kabobs into the refrigerator until ready to serve cold.

16. Mini Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed biscuits
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese
  • ½ cup sugar

Method:

  1. Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are coated.
  2. Spoon the biscuit mixture into serving cups and gently press it down to form a base layer.
  3. Place the cream cheese and sugar into another bowl.
  4. Beat together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the biscuit crust.
  6. Place the cups into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.

17. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 1 cup melted chocolate

Method:

  1. Wash the strawberries well and dry them completely with paper towels.
  2. Melt the chocolate in a microwave or over hot water until smooth.
  3. Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate.
  4. Turn the strawberry gently so it becomes coated on all sides.
  5. Place the dipped strawberries onto the baking paper.
  6. Allow the chocolate to set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.

18. Cherry Hand Pies

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of pastry dough
  • 1 cup cherry filling
  • 1 egg beaten

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into circles using a cup or cutter.
  3. Place a spoonful of cherry filling into the center of each pastry circle.
  4. Fold the pastry over to make a half-moon shape.
  5. Press the edges with a fork to seal them closed.
  6. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

19. Vanilla Sheet Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 2 cups whipped cream

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a rectangular baking tray lightly.
  2. Place the butter and sugar into a large bowl.
  3. Beat them together until the mixture becomes soft, pale, and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Pour in the vanilla essence for extra flavor.
  6. Slowly add the flour and milk, stirring gently until the batter becomes smooth with no lumps.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly.
  8. Place the tray into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.
  10. Spread whipped cream over the top before slicing and serving.

20. S’mores Dip

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 cups marshmallows
  • Crackers for serving

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place a small baking dish on the counter.
  2. Spread the chocolate chips evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Place the marshmallows over the chocolate chips in one even layer.
  4. Put the dish into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
  5. Watch carefully until the marshmallows become puffed and golden brown on top.
  6. Remove the dish carefully from the oven using oven gloves.
  7. Let it cool for 2 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with crackers for dipping.

21. Patriotic Parfait Cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups yogurt or whipped cream
  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup granola

Method:

  1. Place a spoonful of yogurt or whipped cream into the bottom of each serving cup.
  2. Add a layer of chopped strawberries over the cream.
  3. Sprinkle a little granola on top for crunch.
  4. Add another spoonful of yogurt or whipped cream.
  5. Place a layer of blueberries on top to create festive red, white, and blue colors.
  6. Repeat the layers until the cups are full.
  7. Place the cups into the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving chilled.

Final Thoughts

These Memorial Day dessert recipes are fun, colorful, and perfect for any backyard barbecue, picnic, or family party. From creamy parfaits and chocolate treats to fruity sweets and festive cakes, there is something everyone will enjoy.

You can serve one dessert or create a full dessert table with several choices for your guests. Most importantly, enjoy the holiday, share sweet treats, and make happy memories with family and friends.

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