25 Memorial Day Desserts for a Sweet Kickoff to Summer
Cue the red, white, and blue treats.
Sure, juicy burgers, saucy ribs, crunchy coleslaw, and creamy potato salad are some of the standouts on most Memorial Day menus, but no spread is complete without something sweet! Whether you’re throwing a cookout, potluck, or picnic over Memorial Day weekend, because this holiday remembers those who died in combat and celebrates the bright, sunny summer days ahead, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather all your loved ones, churn out all the best grilling recipes, and polish off your plate with mouthwatering summer desserts.
Whether it's a patriotic dessert that pays homage to fallen soldiers or a cozy crumble packed with seasonal berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, or cherries, you'll find the most delicious Memorial Day desserts here. For something classic and crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with s’mores bars, blueberry cobbler, or a chocolate pie that Ree Drummond’s husband, Ladd, absolutely loves. If you’re hoping to fill your get-together with nostalgic bites, old-fashioned banana bread pudding and comforting strawberry pretzel salad will do the trick. There are also plenty of no-bake desserts, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside. So, turn up the patriotic music, scroll through these Memorial Day desserts, and get ready to celebrate.
Key Lime Bars
Not only do these zesty, bite-sized bars taste like summer, but they’re also so easy to serve at any Memorial Day party. Just cut them in squares, display them on a patriotic platter, and let your guests grab and enjoy. Just don’t forget the whipped cream!
Get Ree’s Key Lime Bars recipe.
Root Beer Float Pie
Root beer floats are a childhood favorite; but instead of spending time topping off individual glasses, try this dessert that’s easy as pie! The graham cracker crust is piled high with a creamy filling that tastes exactly like the beloved beverage!
Get Ree’s Root Beer Float Pie recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Everyone can stay cool in the summer heat with these handheld treats. In each one, strawberry ice cream is stuffed between chocolate chip cookies.
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Want a Memorial Day dessert that tastes just like Grandma’s? With luscious layers of vanilla wafers, sweet bananas, creamy pudding, and toasted meringue, this old-fashioned banana pudding will do the trick!
Get the Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding recipe.
Lemon Chess Pie
Give the timeless custard-based chess pie a zippy spin with a burst of lemon. This Memorial Day dessert idea will last for five days in the fridge, and if you’re in a pinch, you can always use a store-bought pie crust!
Get Ree’s Lemon Chess Pie recipe.
Berry Chantilly Cake
In between the three layers of tender homemade cake brushed with raspberry syrup, you'll find fluffy mascarpone whipped cream and fresh summer berries.
Get the Berry Chantilly Cake recipe.
Blackberry Pie
Juicy berries might be the star of this seaonsal pie, but the flaky, buttery crust and whipped cream topping will also be a hit. Rest assured, there's no soggy bottom in sight.
Get the Blackberry Pie recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
If you want to save that American flag cake for the 4th, make this seasonal treat instead. Berries go in the batter and layered on top of the cream cheese frosting for double the flavor.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
S'mores Bars
You don't need a campfire to make s'mores! This version has a graham cracker base, chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow topping—all made in your kitchen.
Get the S'mores Bars recipe.
Pink Lemonade Pie
When the days are hot, this refreshing pie will come in handy. You can make it ahead and stash it in the refrigerator. All you have to do is add extra whipped cream and a garnish before serving.
Get Ree's Pink Lemonade Pie recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
This red, white, and blue dessert is sure to steal the show at your cookout. But the best part is that it's so easy to make! You can use store-bought pound cake to speed things up.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Light, fruity, and creamy—this cheesecake might just be the dreamiest dessert you make all weekend! The secret to stability and flavor is a box of strawberry Jell-O.
Get the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Ice Cream Icebox Cake
This impressive-looking dessert combines store-bought vanilla ice cream with swirls of lemon curd and blackberry preserves. They're layered in between crushed gingersnap cookies for a fruity and fun slice.
Get the Ice Cream Icebox Cake recipe.
Blueberry Pie
This show-stopping summer pie has a thick filling of fresh blueberries and a flaky, buttery lattice crust. The only thing that can make it better would be a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Get the Blueberry Pie recipe.
Chocolate Pie
This chocolate pie is one of Ladd's all-time favorite desserts. As Ree puts it, it's the ultimate "foolproof, crowd-pleasing, incredibly simple, classic chocolate pie that's been a favorite for years."
Get Ree's Chocolate Pie recipe.
Blueberry Ice Cream
There's nothing more refreshing than homemade ice cream made with fresh, seasonal blueberries. You can enjoy a scoop on a bowl or cone or on top of your favorite summer pie.
Get the Blueberry Ice Cream recipe.
No-Bake Key Lime Pie
You don't need to stand around a hot kitchen all day to make this twist on key lime pie. The cool, creamy dish comes together without turning on the oven.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries perfectly balance each other out in this springtime pie. For even more sweetness, sprinkle the top of the crust with crunchy turbinado sugar.
Get the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe.
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Ice cream cake is always a good idea. This stunner is layered with graham crackers, whipped cream, and topped off with sweet berries.
Get the Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe.
Brookies
If you can't decide between cookies and brownies, why not make both? These brookies are the best of both worlds.
Get the Brookies recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Homemade Lemonade
