20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That’ll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town!

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town!

As the long weekend approaches, families across the nation are gearing up to honor Memorial Day with good food, great company, and lots of laughter. This day is not only a time for remembrance but also a celebration of the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day BBQs invite everyone to gather around for delicious food, and what better way to end a festive meal than with some stunning desserts that dazzle the senses?

From cakes that celebrate the colors of the flag to sweet treats that capture the essence of summer fun, this list has everything you need to impress your guests. We’ve gathered 20 incredible Memorial Day desserts that boast vibrant red, white, and blue flavors, making them not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your picnic table. Let’s make this Memorial Day memorable with desserts that are sure to be the talk of the town!

Contents

1. Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 1. Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

These creamy cheesecake bars are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, layered in patriotic colors. Start with a buttery graham cracker crust, ideally made in a 9×13 inch baking pan for the perfect size. Then blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla for a luscious filling.

To achieve the red, white, and blue look, swirl in some pureed strawberries for red and top with a layer of blueberries. Chill until set, slice into squares, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

For an extra crunch, you can add crushed nuts to the crust. This is where a handheld electric mixer comes in handy; it makes blending the cream cheese mixture quick and effortless.

Serve these bars chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day, and consider using an Amazon Basics silicone baking mat to ensure your crust doesn’t stick to the pan. These bars are easy to make ahead of time and are sure to impress at your BBQ!

2. Patriotic Fruit Skewers

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 2. Patriotic Fruit Skewers

These vibrant fruit skewers are not only visually stunning but also healthy, making them a great addition to your dessert table. Just thread strawberries, blueberries, and bananas onto skewers to create a colorful arrangement. To make assembly effortless, consider using fruit skewers set, which includes 100 natural bamboo skewers perfect for your BBQ.

Drizzle with a bit of honey or serve with a yogurt dip to add a sweet touch. For the honey, the honey dispenser offers a no-drip solution that makes serving easy and mess-free, ensuring your guests can enjoy the sweetness without the sticky cleanup.

For an extra festive flair, you can use cookie cutter set to shape watermelon into stars. These patriotic fruit skewers can also serve as a light snack for kids, keeping them energized for playtime! They’re quick to assemble and will leave your guests feeling satisfied without the guilt.

3. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 3. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These fluffy red velvet cupcakes are a classic that never goes out of style. The rich red color not only screams celebration, but the cream cheese frosting is the perfect sweet complement. To make your baking experience even easier, consider using Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix, Red Velvet. This mix ensures that you’ll achieve that signature velvety texture with minimal effort.

Baking these cupcakes is a breeze! Simply combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda with buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. Once baked, top them off with a generous swirl of Duncan Hines Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. This frosting is rich and creamy, making it an ideal match for the cupcakes and saving you the hassle of making frosting from scratch.

For that extra sparkle, sprinkle some edible glitter for baking on top. It adds a festive touch that will impress your guests and make your cupcakes stand out at any BBQ. Be sure to keep them in the refrigerator until serving to maintain that perfect frosting texture. Enjoy baking these delightful treats that are sure to be the talk of the town!

4. Blueberry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 4. Blueberry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm, comforting, and bursting with blueberry goodness, this dessert is a summer must-have. Start by tossing fresh blueberries with sugar and lemon juice, then mix with a crumbly topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter. For effortless mixing and baking, an oven safe baking dish like the DOWAN casserole dish is perfect, providing durability and ample space for all your ingredients.

Bake until bubbly and golden, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. The combination of warm fruit and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love. To help you dish out that delicious ice cream smoothly, an ice cream scoop from OXO will ensure perfect servings every time.

Suggestion: For a bit of zing, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping. This dessert is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, leaving you free to enjoy the party! If you’re concerned about coring your blueberries, consider using an blueberry corer to make the task a breeze.

5. Stars and Stripes Jello Cups

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 5. Stars and Stripes Jello Cups

Bring some fun and whimsy to your dessert table with these stars and stripes Jello cups! Layer red strawberry jello, white vanilla pudding, and blue raspberry jello in clear cups for a festive presentation. To make these layers shine, consider using clear plastic dessert cups, which are perfect for showcasing the beautiful colors while being sturdy enough for a party setting.

Kids love these, and they are incredibly easy to make. Just prepare the jello according to the package directions and let each layer set before adding the next. For an extra special touch, top the cups with whipped cream made using a whipped cream dispenser. This handy tool will help you achieve that perfect dollop of cream, and it comes with decorating nozzles to make your presentation as festive as the cups themselves.

To add even more fun flavors to your dessert, consider a jello variety pack that includes options like Sonic, Skittles, and Starburst. These refreshing cups will add a pop of color to your dessert lineup and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!

6. Red, White, and Blue Trifle

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 6. Red, White, and Blue Trifle

This impressive trifle is layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries, all stacked beautifully in a glass bowl. Alternate layers of moist cake with luscious cream and a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a visually stunning dessert.

To serve it up right, consider using an Anchor Hocking Monaco Glass Trifle Bowl. This elegant trifle bowl not only showcases your creation but also allows guests to see the beautiful layers of cake and berries.

You can use store-bought cake or bake your own — both options work wonderfully! For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of berry-infused syrup.

To make whipping the cream a breeze, a professional aluminum whipped cream dispenser can help you achieve perfectly light and fluffy whipped cream. Plus, it comes with decorating nozzles that make it easy to add a decorative touch to your trifle.

Let your guests serve themselves for a fun and interactive dessert experience. This trifle not only tastes delicious but also serves as a centerpiece that everyone will admire!

7. Firecracker Popsicles

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 7. Firecracker Popsicles

Beat the heat with these homemade firecracker popsicles that are as fun to make as they are to eat! Layer blue sports drink, like Gatorade Thirst Quencher Sports Drink in Cool Blue, a layer of yogurt, and red fruit juice or puree in popsicle molds.

For the puree, consider using Funkin Passion Fruit Puree, which is made with real fruit and is perfect for adding a natural flavor to your popsicles.

Once frozen, these popsicles create a stunning visual effect and are super refreshing on a warm day.

Suggestion: Use fresh fruits for even more natural flavors, and they’ll be a hit with the kids!

To make the process even easier, grab a set of popsicle molds, which are BPA-free and designed for easy release. These molds allow you to prepare the popsicles in advance, making them ideal for a large gathering. Just pop them out and enjoy!

8. Patriotic Pavlova

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 8. Patriotic Pavlova

This light and airy pavlova is a showstopper that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The base is made from whipped egg whites and sugar, baked until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. To create this delightful dessert, you’ll need a reliable baking dish like the OXO Good Grips glass 2 qt baking dish with lid, which ensures that your pavlova bakes evenly and can be stored conveniently.

Top it off with a generous layer of whipped cream and a colorful medley of berries to represent the red, white, and blue theme. For effortless mixing of the cream, consider using the Hamilton Beach 6-speed electric hand mixer. Its powerful yet easy-to-use design makes whipping cream a breeze, allowing you to achieve the perfect texture without any hassle.

For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts on top. When it comes time to serve, present your stunning pavlova on a beautiful Pfaltzgraff Chateau serve platter. This decorative serving platter adds an elegant touch to your table and showcases your dessert beautifully. Plus, this dessert is gluten-free and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving your guests amazed by its beauty and flavor!

9. Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 9. Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sandwiches are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Memorial Day. Start with soft baked cookies in red and blue colors, filled with vanilla ice cream in the center. You can use food coloring gel set to tint your cookie dough, giving your treats that patriotic pop, or simply sandwich regular cookies around ice cream flavored with berries for a delightful twist.

To add even more flair, consider rolling the edges in sprinkles variety pack or shredded coconut for a festive touch. Not only do the sprinkles enhance the visual appeal, but they also provide an extra crunch that complements the smooth ice cream.

For easy cleanup while baking your cookies, use an Amazon Basics silicone baking mat. This non-stick mat ensures your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly, making your preparation stress-free.

Serve these delightful treats as a sweet surprise, and watch them disappear in no time!

10. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 10. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

These cute strawberry shortcake skewers offer a fun twist on a classic dessert. To make them, you’ll need some delicious pound cake cubes, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. A great option for the cake is Betty Crocker pound cake mix, which makes the process quick and easy.

Simply layer the cake and strawberries onto wooden skewers, and serve with a side of extra whipped cream for dipping. A whipped cream dispenser like the Professional Aluminum whipped cream dispenser can help you create perfectly fluffy whipped cream effortlessly, adding a gourmet touch to your dessert.

For an elegant finish, sprinkle your skewers with just a touch of powdered sugar. These mini desserts make for easy eating at your BBQ and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

11. Red, White, and Blue Layer Cake

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 11. Red, White, and Blue Layer Cake

A vanilla layer cake decorated with red and blue buttercream frosting is a showstopper at any event. To create this stunning dessert, bake three layers of vanilla cake using a Fat Daddio’s anodized aluminum round cake pan set, which ensures even baking and perfectly shaped layers.

Once your cakes are baked, frost them with white buttercream. For the vibrant red and blue colors, use a Food Coloring Set, which provides a range of vibrant, food-grade colors that won’t alter the taste of your frosting. Pipe stars or stripes on the cake for a festive touch, making it not only delicious but visually appealing.

To achieve a professional look, utilize the Wilton 12-piece decorating tip set, which includes various tips for piping and decorating your cake beautifully. As a fun twist, consider adding a surprise filling of strawberry or blueberry jam between the layers to enhance the flavor and make each slice memorable.

This cake can be the centerpiece of your dessert table, and with the right tools and ingredients, it will have everyone reaching for a slice!

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 12. Cookie Decorating Station

Set up a cookie decorating station for your guests to unleash their creativity! Start by baking a batch of sugar cookies using Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, which makes twelve 2-inch cookies per pack. This quick and easy mix ensures you have delicious cookies ready for decorating.

Next, provide a delightful assortment of decorations with the Cake Mate Patriotic Decorating Kit, featuring red, white, and blue icing, as well as festive sprinkles to match the Memorial Day spirit. Your guests can use these vibrant colors to create fun designs on their cookies.

To add even more flair to their creations, offer a variety of toppings using the Sprinkles Variety Pack. With multiple colors available, it allows guests to get even more creative in their decorating.

Guests can decorate their cookies however they like, making this a fun and interactive dessert option. Have a few sample designs on hand for guests to replicate if they need inspiration. This activity not only fills the dessert table but also keeps guests entertained — it’s a win-win!

13. Red Berry and Cream Parfaits

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 13. Red Berry and Cream Parfaits

These berry and cream parfaits are a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. Layer fresh strawberries, blueberries, and creamy whipped topping or yogurt in clear cups for a visually appealing dessert. For a convenient and stylish serving option, consider using clear plastic dessert cups, which come with lids, making them perfect for outdoor gatherings.

For added crunch, sprinkle granola or crushed cookies between the layers. A great choice for this is a granola variety pack, which includes a selection of flavors to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, the individually wrapped bars make for a handy snack for on-the-go moments.

You can also substitute with other berries based on what’s in season. If you want to elevate your parfaits even more, using a whipped cream dispenser can help you create fluffy, gourmet whipped cream that will impress your guests. These parfaits are not only delicious; they’re a refreshing way to cool down during the summer heat!

14. Blue Raspberry Lemonade Cake

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 14. Blue Raspberry Lemonade Cake

This cake is both tangy and sweet, making it a delightful dessert for Memorial Day. Start with a classic lemonade cake recipe and infuse it with blue raspberry flavoring extract for a unique twist. This highly concentrated flavoring is 4 times stronger than typical extracts, ensuring that your cake is bursting with that delicious blue raspberry taste.

Top it off with a refreshing lemon glaze and colorful decorative sprinkles to add a fun and festive touch. These bulk rainbow sprinkles are perfect for cake decorating and will make your dessert stand out at the BBQ.

For a fresh presentation, add a few lemon slices on top. To achieve the perfect zest for your glaze, use a lemon zester and grater. With its razor-sharp stainless steel blade, this tool will help you effortlessly incorporate just the right amount of lemon zest into your recipe. This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of iced tea or lemonade at your BBQ!

15. Red, White, and Blue Frozen Yogurt Bark

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 15. Red, White, and Blue Frozen Yogurt Bark

This frozen yogurt bark is an easy and healthy dessert that looks fabulous on a hot day. Start by spreading some Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet. Drizzle it with honey and add layers of fresh strawberries and blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.

For a hassle-free baking experience, consider using a silicone baking mat, which provides a non-stick surface and makes cleanup a breeze. Once you’ve assembled your yogurt bark, freeze it until solid, then break it into pieces for serving.

If you want to elevate the texture, add a sprinkle of granola for a delightful crunch. This colorful treat is perfect for a quick dessert, and everyone will enjoy it on a hot afternoon!

16. Mini Patriotic Pies

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 16. Mini Patriotic Pies

Mini pies are a delightful way to serve dessert at your BBQ. You can create individual-sized pies using your favorite pie crust and fill them with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or a blend of both. To make the preparation easier, consider using mini pie pans that are heavy-duty and disposable. These 5-inch aluminum foil pans allow for easy stacking, storing, freezing, and reheating, making them perfect for serving at outdoor gatherings.

Once you’ve filled the pie pans, top them with a lattice crust using a handy tool like the lattice pie crust cutter. This 10-inch cutter will help you achieve that beautiful lattice design effortlessly, ensuring your mini pies not only taste great but look stunning too.

For an extra special treat, serve the warm pies with ice cream using a reliable ice cream scoop. This heavy-duty scoop features a comfortable handle, making it easy to serve up generous portions of your favorite flavors.

These little pies are not only adorable but also perfectly sized to satisfy those sweet cravings without overindulgence. With the right tools in hand, you’ll have everything you need to impress your guests!

17. Red White and Blue Cupcakes

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 17. Red White and Blue Cupcakes

These fun cupcakes incorporate red velvet and blueberry flavors, topped with creamy frosting in patriotic hues. Start by baking vanilla or red velvet cupcakes using Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Red Velvet Cake Mix for an easy and delicious base. To create your colorful frosting, grab a food coloring gel set to achieve those vibrant red and blue hues.

After your cupcakes are baked, use a piping bags and tips set to swirl the frosting together with a star piping tip for an eye-catching design. Finally, add fresh berries on top for a delightful finish. These cupcakes are perfect for a festive dessert table and will surely be a favorite among guests of all ages!

18. Patriotic Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 18. Patriotic Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple yet elegant dessert option that’s sure to impress. Start by dipping fresh strawberries halfway in melted white chocolate, and for a festive touch, sprinkle them with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Not only do these sprinkles add a pop of color, but they’re also perfect for celebrating Memorial Day!

After dipping, allow the strawberries to set on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This parchment paper is a kitchen essential that makes arranging and serving your treats a breeze.

Serve your beautiful creations chilled for a refreshing treat! These strawberries are not only gorgeous and delicious, but they also make for a perfect finger food at your Memorial Day celebration. For the melting process, consider using Wilton Candy Melts, which are ideal for dipping and ensure a smooth, creamy finish on your strawberries. Enjoy your gathering with this delightful dessert!

19. Fireworks Cupcakes

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 19. Fireworks Cupcakes

These cupcakes are adorned with colorful frosting and edible glitter that sparkles like fireworks. To create these festive treats, start by baking your favorite cupcake flavor in a cupcake baking pan that ensures even baking and easy release. Once your cupcakes are cooled, frost them with a mix of red, white, and blue icing, using a piping tips set to create fun and varied designs. This set includes multiple piping tips that help you achieve those festive, eye-catching patterns.

Finish off your cupcakes with a sprinkle of edible glitter for that extra dazzling touch. This edible glitter adds a sparkly effect that captures the essence of fireworks, making your dessert table truly stand out. These cupcakes will bring a burst of energy and excitement, making them a hit with your guests!

20. Red, White, and Blue Galette

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - 20. Red, White, and Blue Galette

This rustic galette is a beautiful and easy dessert that showcases berries in all their glory. Start by rolling out a pie crust, and to make the process even easier, consider using Mrs. Anderson’s Baking pie crust cookie cutters to create uniform shapes, if desired. Fill the crust with a mixture of strawberries and blueberries, then fold the edges over to create a free-form pie.

Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking on a Silicone baking mat to ensure a non-stick surface that simplifies cleanup.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, easily dished out with a heavy duty ice cream scoop for that perfect serving. This galette not only tastes divine but also adds a touch of charm to your dessert spread!

Conclusion

20 Stunning Memorial Day Desserts That'll Make Your BBQ the Talk of the Town! - Conclusion

With these 20 stunning Memorial Day desserts, your BBQ is sure to be a hit! From refreshing fruit skewers to decadent cakes, these treats embody the spirit of the holiday.

Dazzle your guests with colorful displays and delicious flavors that celebrate the season and honor those we remember. May this Memorial Day be filled with laughter, love, and, of course, mouthwatering desserts!

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