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Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat? Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ, picnic, or just hanging out with family, these easy dessert recipes are perfect for warm weather and red-white-and-blue fun.
From fruity favorites to no-bake bites, these 17 Memorial Day desserts are simple to make, easy to serve, and totally crowd-pleasing.
1. Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Layer sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake or biscuits in cups for a no-mess take on a summer classic.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the strawberries sit in sugar for 10 minutes to bring out their juices.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake Cups recipe
2. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers
Alternate strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows or banana slices on skewers for a fun, festive, no-bake dessert.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill before serving for an extra-refreshing bite.
Get the Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers recipe
3. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
Roll vanilla ice cream sandwiches in red, white, and blue sprinkles for a fun and easy frozen treat.
Olivia’s Tip
Freeze again after assembling so they don’t melt too fast.
Get the Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe
4. Berry Cheesecake Bars
These no-bake bars feature a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and fresh mixed berries on top.
Olivia’s Tip
Use parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
Get the Berry Cheesecake Bars recipe
5. Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Soft, chewy cookie bars with lemon zest for a fresh twist. These are easy to cut and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a light lemon glaze to boost flavor and make them picnic-ready.
Get the Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars recipe
6. Watermelon Popsicles
Blend fresh watermelon and a splash of lime, then freeze into molds. It’s the ultimate refreshing treat for hot weather.
Olivia’s Tip
Add chopped mint for a cooling boost.
Get the Watermelon Popsicles recipe
7. Mini Flag Fruit Pizzas
Top sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting and decorate with strawberries and blueberries to create mini American flags.
Olivia’s Tip
Let kids help decorate—it’s fun and festive.
Get the Mini Flag Fruit Pizzas recipe
8. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These chilled bars have a crunchy base and a rich chocolate topping. Great for making ahead and serving cold.
Olivia’s Tip
Use parchment paper and chill overnight for clean slices.
Get the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars recipe
9. Berry Trifle Cups
Layer angel food cake cubes, whipped cream, and fresh berries in small cups or jars for a portable treat.
Olivia’s Tip
Use store-bought cake to save time without losing flavor.
Get the Berry Trifle Cups recipe
10. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Sweet, salty, and creamy—this retro dessert layers a pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and strawberry gelatin with fresh berries.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it chill for at least 4 hours so it sets fully.
Get the Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe
11. Rice Krispie Treat Stars
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make patriotic Rice Krispie treats and dip in white chocolate and sprinkles.
Olivia’s Tip
Spray your cutter with oil for clean shapes.
Get the Rice Krispie Treat Stars recipe
12. Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake
Moist, zesty lemon cake filled with blueberries and topped with a light glaze. It looks beautiful and feeds a crowd easily.
Olivia’s Tip
Dust with powdered sugar for a quick, elegant finish.
Get the Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake recipe
13. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Spread yogurt on a tray, sprinkle with fresh fruit and granola, and freeze. Break into pieces for a refreshing, healthy-ish dessert.
Olivia’s Tip
Use parchment so it peels off cleanly when frozen.
Get the Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe
14. Cherry Hand Pies
These mini pies are easy to grab and enjoy without a fork. Use store-bought pie crust and canned cherry filling to save time.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for a golden finish.
Get the Cherry Hand Pies recipe
15. Red, White & Blue Jello Cups
Layer red and blue Jello with whipped topping in clear cups for a fun and festive treat that kids will love.
Olivia’s Tip
Let each layer chill fully before adding the next to keep them neat.
Get the Red, White & Blue Jello Cups recipe
16. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Mix strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and grapes with a simple honey-lime drizzle for a refreshing side or dessert.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss just before serving to keep it fresh and juicy.
Get the Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing recipe
17. Firecracker Cupcakes
Decorate vanilla cupcakes with red, white, and blue frosting and sprinkles. Top with mini American flags or star picks for flair.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a piping bag for a clean, swirled look with multiple colors.
