21 Best Memorial Day Dessert Ideas to Sweeten Your Summer BBQ

These no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups are the epitome of summer delight. They're a refreshing treat for your Memorial Day barbecue, made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries. Quick to make and requiring no time in the oven, they're perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Serve in individual cups for easy sharing and a pretty presentation.

Celebrate patriotism with a red, white, and blue icebox cake. This classic dessert features layers of whipped cream, graham crackers, and fresh berries, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat. Chill overnight for the best texture, making it an ideal make-ahead option for your Memorial Day festivities. Its vibrant colors and cool taste make it a crowd favorite. This is one of the best patriotic desserts.

Add a splash of color to your table with patriotic Jello cups. Layer red and blue gelatin with creamy white whipped topping in clear cups for a festive and fun dessert. These Memorial Day treats are perfect for outdoor gatherings, easy to transport, and loved by both kids and adults. Customize with fruit or sprinkles for added flair.

Enjoy a no-bake Oreo pie made with fresh berries for a delicious yet easy dessert. The chocolate cookie crust pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and tart flavors of strawberries and blueberries. This cold pie is a hit at any summer event, offering a delightful combination of flavors without the need for baking.

No Memorial Day celebration is complete without an All-American apple pie. Featuring a flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, this timeless dessert embodies the spirit of American tradition. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting end to your BBQ feast. Its nostalgic flavors resonate with guests of all ages.

Delight your guests with an old-fashioned cherry cobbler, with a luscious cherry filling beneath a golden, biscuit-like topping. This rustic dessert is easy to make and serves a crowd, making it ideal for Memorial Day gatherings. Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for extra flavor.

Celebrate the season's bounty with strawberry shortcake, a beloved dessert featuring tender biscuits, sweetened strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. This light and airy treat is perfect for outdoor events, offering a refreshing finale to your Memorial Day meal. Customize these seasonal desserts with other berries for a colorful twist.

Enjoy the taste of summer with homemade blueberry crisps. Filled with juicy blueberries and topped with a crunchy oat streusel, this dessert is both comforting and satisfying. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream to brighten up your Memorial Day celebration. It's a simple yet impressive addition to any dessert table.

Impress your guests with a red, white, and blueberry trifle, showcasing layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries. This visually stunning dessert is as delicious as it is patriotic, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Memorial Day spread. Assemble this patriotic trifle in a clear bowl to highlight its vibrant layers.

Showcase your patriotic spirit with an American flag sheet cake. Decorated with strawberries and blueberries to mimic the flag's design, this cake is both festive and flavorful. Ideal for large gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of visual appeal and classic taste. Customize these patriotic desserts with your favorite cake base and frosting.

Add a touch of fun to your celebration with patriotic sugar cookies. Cut into stars and stripes, and decorated with red, white, and blue icing, these cookies are a hit among kids and adults alike. These sugar cookie recipes are perfect for sharing, gifting, or setting up a DIY decorating station at your Memorial Day party.

Dazzle your guests with a firecracker cake roll, featuring swirls of red, white, and blue cake rolled with creamy filling. This eye-catching dessert not only tastes delightful but also adds a festive flair to your table. Slice to reveal its vibrant interior, making it a conversation starter at any gathering. It's a cute colorful baking recipe.

Enhance your barbecue with honey-drizzled peaches and serve with ice cream. The grilling process enhances the peaches' natural sweetness, creating a warm, caramelized treat. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert provides a delightful contrast of temperature and texture, perfect for a summer evening. This is one of my favorite grilled desserts.

Bring the campfire experience to your backyard with a s’mores dessert dip. Combining melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers, this interactive dessert is a hit among all age groups. Serve warm with dippable items like fruit, cookies, or additional graham crackers for a fun and communal treat.

Delight your guests with Mini Berry Tarts, featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh berries. These awesome and convenient bite-sized desserts make them ideal for outdoor gatherings. Their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors add a touch of sophistication to your Memorial Day menu.

Brighten your dessert table with lemon bars topped with fresh berries. The tangy lemon filling complements the sweetness of the berries, creating a balanced and refreshing treat. Their portability and ease of serving make them a practical choice for picnics and BBQs. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Serve with Greek Yogurt Berry Parfait for a lighter option. Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious and eye-catching dessert. These parfaits are packed with protein and antioxidants, making them guilt-free. Serve in individual cups for easy distribution at your Memorial Day event.

Add a creative twist to your fruit platter with watermelon pizza. Slice a round of watermelon and top with an assortment of fresh fruits, mint leaves, and a drizzle of honey or yogurt. This colorful and hydrating dessert is perfect for hot summer days, offering a refreshing and healthy alternative.

Cool down with vegan coconut cream popsicles, made with coconut milk and naturally sweetened with fruit. These dairy-free treats are creamy, refreshing, and suitable for guests with dietary restrictions. Customize with your favorite fruits or natural flavors for a personalized touch. Perfect for beating the Memorial Day heat.

These frozen banana pops are a healthy, kid-friendly Memorial Day dessert that doubles as a fun party treat. Simply dip banana halves into melted dark chocolate, then roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes. Freeze until firm for a cool and refreshing snack that’s naturally sweet, dairy-free, and customizable. They're perfect for BBQs, picnics, or casual cookouts. Easy to make ahead and serve on sticks, these pops are mess-free and loved by all ages.

Impress your guests with mini patriotic cheesecakes as the perfect dessert for Memorial Day. Made with a graham cracker crust and rich cream cheese filling, these bite-sized treats are decorated with red strawberries and blueberries that add to the festive flavor. Refrigerate them overnight for best results. They are ideal for portion control and display beautifully on dessert platters. Add a touch of whipped cream for extra luxuriance.