Memorial Day is almost here and between pool openings and softball practices I need desserts that don’t take forever!
So, I’ve collected these super easy desserts over the years that look impressive but literally take minutes to throw together.
Perfect for when you’re juggling sunscreen application, keeping the youngest from cannonballing onto someone’s head, and trying to have an actual conversation with grown-ups!
And, the best part?
Most of thees Memorial Day desserts can be prepped the night before which means you might actually get to enjoy your holiday instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
Perfect for busy moms who want homemade without the hassle.
1 No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake
This no bake strawberry cheesecake is so simple to make and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen too!
It’s super creamy with a graham cracker crust on the bottom and loads of fresh strawberries on top.
The best part is you can make it ahead of time which is perfect for those crazy days and still want to have something yummy waiting in the fridge!
2 Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I know this cake doesn’t creak Memorial Day festivities but EVERYONE absolutely loves this cake and it’s a summer cake for sure!
The caramelized brown sugar and butter with those perfect pineapple rings makes this gooey sweet topping that soaks into the cake.
Grab the recipe for my Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
3 Red, White & Chocolate Bark
This is an easy Memorial Day dessert that you can whip up any ol’ time.
All you do is layer semi-sweet chocolate on the bottom, white chocolate in the middle, then swirling red, white and blue candy melts on top with a toothpick before everything hardened!
Add cute little star sprinkles and some patriotic M&Ms while it was still soft.
Let this chocolate bark cool completely in the fridge before breaking it into pieces.
4 Patriotic Popcorn
Doesn’t all that drizzles of red, white, and blue candy melts create the prettiest swirls over the freshly popped kernels?
This is honestly one of my favorite holiday treats to make because it looks super impressive but takes barely any time, just pop the corn, drizzle on the melted candy in pretty stripes, sprinkle on the fun mix-ins while everything’s still sticky, then break it into clusters once hardened!
5 Summer Berry Cheesecake
This summer berry cheesecake will be absolute star of your Memorial Day cookout!
Everyone’s going to think you slaved away for hours making this showstopper when really it take a little over an hour to whip it up before your event.
6 Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats
Check out these fun Memorial Day desserts perfect for kids!
These rice krispie treats are simple to make.
Fold in extra mini marshmallows after the initial mix to create these amazing gooey pockets throughout that made them so much better than the regular version!
After cutting them into perfect squares, drizzle white candy melts across the tops and immediately shower them with red and blue star sprinkles while the chocolate was still wet so they’d stick properly.
Easy peasy!
7 Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Aren’t these pretzel rods the cutest for Memorial Day and 4th of July celebrations?
You make them easily by dipping them halfway into red, white, and blue candy melts and immediately covering them with star sprinkles while still wet!
That’s it!
8 4th of July Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
These patriotic ice cream cookie sandwiches are simple to make.
Just take store-bought sugar cookie dough, mix in red white and blue mini chips, baked them until barely golden, then sandwiched vanilla ice cream between two cookies!
The real magic happened when you roll the edges in those festive star sprinkles which not only looked adorable but also kept the melting ice cream from making your fingers sticky (a mom hack I’m particularly proud of).
9 Patriotic Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
For our Fourth of July potluck, I assembled these adorable patriotic strawberry shortcake kabobs by threading juicy red strawberry chunks and pillowy store-bought pound cake cubes onto wooden skewers, creating the perfect handheld dessert that didn’t require plates or forks!
Then I drizzled homemade blue icing (just powdered sugar, heavy cream and food coloring whisked together) across the tops, transforming them into red, white and blue treats.
My husband actually snapped a picture for his Instagram because they looked so fancy despite taking me less than 15 minutes to make while the youngest “supervised” by eating all the strawberry tops and cake scraps!
10 Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes
These red white and blue cupcakes are my absolute go-to for Fourth of July potlucks.
Just grab a patriotic cake mix (or divide white cake batter and add food coloring), bake according to package directions, and top with homemade cream cheese frosting!
The best part is you can make them the night before while watching your favorite show, then just add some sprinkles right before heading to the party and everyone will think you’re some kind of baking superhero!
11 American Flag No Bake Cheesecake
Seriously, this Fourth of July flag cheesecake was the absolute hit of the dessert table with its adorable flag design made from blueberry and cherry pie filling!
The creamy filling is super luxurious with both cream cheese and homemade whipped cream folded together, plus just enough lemon juice to give it that perfect tangy flavor that keeps it from being too sweet.
The actual hands-on time is barely 20 minutes – just press the graham cracker crust into the pan, make the filling, refrigerate overnight, then add the fruit toppings right before serving which means no last-minute holiday stress!
12 Red White and Blue Pretzel Salad
This “salad” is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, creamy and fruity, starting with a crunchy pretzel crust that balances out all the sweetness!
The middle layers are what make it special with a fluffy cream cheese mixture sandwiched between a blue Jell-O layer with fresh blueberries and a red raspberry Jell-O layer.
While it does take some time because you have to let each layer set properly in the fridge, the actual hands-on work is super simple.
13 4th of July Star Cookies
These adorable patriotic star cookies are so cute.
I just used my favorite sugar cookie dough, a simple star cookie cutter, and let them completely cool before decorating!
For the icing we used my never-fail royal icing recipe divided into three bowls with red, white and blue food coloring, then put each color in a makeshift piping bag (just a ziplock with the corner snipped off because who has time to wash actual piping tips with three kids?).
14 Patriotic Milkshake
These festive layered patriotic milkshakes are absolutely easy to create.
The perfect red, white, and blue stripes in their clear glasses just make it look soo festive!
The secret to getting those beautiful distinct layers is letting each color set up in the freezer for about 5 minutes before adding the next one, plus using a spoon held against the inside of the glass to gently pour each new layer.
Top these with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of those star-shaped sprinkles and there you have it!
The perfect cool treat after an afternoon of cannonballs and marco polo in the blazing July heat!
15 Firecracker Cake
This super festive patriotic bundt cake looks complicated but actually starts with a simple boxed white cake mix divided into three bowls, one left white, one tinted red, and one tinted blue!
Now, you layer the colored batters in the pan without mixing them, then bake as normal which creates these gorgeous swirled layers inside that look like you spent hours creating them.
After you cake cools, drizzle white, red and blue tinted frosting over the top in a random pattern, add star sprinkles, and that’s it.
It can be your centerpiece for your backyard Fourth of July party!
16 Festive 4th of July S’Mores Dip
This incredible American flag s’mores dip combines melty chocolate with strategically arranged red, white, and blue marshmallows to create a patriotic masterpiece that tastes even better than it looks!
After just 10 minutes in the oven, you’ll have this gooey, chocolatey perfection that guests can scoop up with graham crackers while the kids fight over who gets the most marshmallows.
The best part is you’ll look like a Pinterest-worthy hostess when in reality this took you all of 5 minutes to assemble.
17 Patriotic Covered Oreos
These patriotic Oreo treats will be the hit of your Memorial Day barbecue!
Just transform ordinary cookies into red, white, and blue desserts that look store-bought but taste a million times better!
After dipping your Oreos in smooth, melted white candy coating, you’ll drizzle them with vibrant red and blue candy melts in fun patriotic patterns and immediately add sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
18 Red, White & Blue Fudge
Your patriotic fudge will absolutely steal the show at your Fourth of July party with its gorgeous red, white, and blue layers that look professionally made but are surprisingly easy to create at home!
You’ll love how the white cake mix adds this incredible birthday cake flavor to the creamy white chocolate base, making it taste completely different from traditional fudge recipes your guests have had before.
The sprinkles on top aren’t just for looks – they add a fun little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of each perfectly patriotic square!
19 Festive Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Your Memorial Day guests will be blown away by these gorgeous patriotic chocolate-dipped strawberries that combine the freshness of juicy berries with beautiful red, white, and blue designs that look professionally made!
Just dip the berries in white chocolate first, then dip the tip in blue once set, and finish with red drizzled stripes across the white section and tiny white dots on the blue to mimic stars.
20 4th of July Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Aren’t these cupcakes the cutest?
These adorable red, white, and blue ice cream cone cupcakes are so easy to make too!
The clever trick of poking a tiny hole in the bottom of each cone after baking prevents them from getting soggy, keeping that perfect crisp texture that makes these treats so special and unique.
Top them with swirls of patriotic-colored buttercream frosting, festive sprinkles, and a cherry on top for a dessert that not only looks amazing on your holiday table but also eliminates the need for plates or utensils.
21 Red, White & Blue Fudgey Cookies
These fudgy patriotic brownie cookies start with a simple boxed mix and loaded with red, white, and blue M&Ms both inside and on top!
Don’t forget to press additional candies on top right when they come out of the oven.
Not only does this make them look extra festive with those pops of holiday colors, but it also ensures you get that perfect balance of melty chocolate cookie and crunchy candy in every single bite!
22 Red, White, and Blue Whoopie Pies
Oh, man when you serve these adorable red, white, and blue whoopie pies at your next 4th of July bash or Memorial Day BBQ, people will go gaga over them!
The secret to getting those vibrant patriotic colors is using gel food coloring instead of the liquid drops, which gives you intense red and blue without changing the texture of your batter.
And don’t forget the marshmallow fluff frosting sandwiched between, it’s so much lighter and fluffier than traditional buttercream, making these the perfect not-too-heavy dessert for your backyard barbecue when everyone wants something sweet but doesn’t want to feel weighed down in the summer heat!
23 Patriotic Pudding Shots
Your Fourth of July party will be the talk of the neighborhood when you serve these show-stopping patriotic pudding shots that combine the creamy tang of cheesecake pudding with just enough vodka to make them festive without being too strong!
My friends absolutely lost their minds over these at last year’s backyard BBQ, especially when I mentioned I also made a separate batch without vodka for the kids using the exact same technique, they’re just as pretty but totally family-friendly!
Here are 20 More Fun Memorial Day Treats You Can Make for Your Party
Nee more Memorial day dessert ideas? I’ve rounded up another 20 super easy red, white, and blue treats that will make your dessert table look absolutely Pinterest-worthy without keeping you trapped in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine!
24 Patriotic Berry Trifle
Layer cubes of pound cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries and blueberries in a clear trifle bowl. It’s no-bake, super easy, and looks gorgeous with all the layers showing.
25 American Flag Fruit Pizza
Roll out sugar cookie dough onto a baking sheet, bake, and let it cool. Spread on cream cheese frosting and arrange strawberries, blueberries, and bananas into a flag shape.
25 Patriotic Poke Cake
Bake a white cake, poke holes all over, and pour in red and blue jello. Frost with whipped topping and scatter fresh berries on top.
27 Berry Cheesecake Parfaits
Layer no-bake cheesecake filling with strawberries and blueberries in small mason jars. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a quick, adorable dessert.
28 Red, White, and Blue Donuts
Dip homemade or store-bought donuts into white icing, then drizzle with red and blue icing. Add festive sprinkles for extra fun.
29 Memorial Day Fruit Salad
Toss strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices together with a little honey and lemon. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, healthy option.
30 Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Press sugar cookie dough into a pan and place M&M’s all over the dough and bake. Cut into bars for easy serving.
31 American Flag Brownies
Bake brownies and cut into rectangles. Frost with white frosting, then use blueberries for the corner and strawberries for the stripes to make mini flag brownies.
32 Patriotic Dipped Rice Cakes
Dip mini rice cakes halfway in white chocolate and sprinkle with red and blue sanding sugar. Let them set for a crunchy and sweet snack that’s super simple.
33 Red, White, and Blue Cream Puffs
Fill store-bought cream puffs with whipped cream tinted red or blue. Stack them into a fun tower or arrange on a platter for a quick festive display.
34 Red, White, and Blue Trail Mix
Mix together dried cranberries, yogurt-covered pretzels, blueberries, and red and blue M&Ms. Portion into little treat bags for a grab-and-go party snack.
35 Patriotic Blondies
Make a batch of blondies and fold in red, white, and blue sprinkles before baking. Once cooled, cut into squares and drizzle with a little white chocolate if you want extra flair.
35 Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake
Layer graham crackers, whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries in a baking dish. Chill overnight for a super easy, no-bake dessert that slices beautifully.
36 Patriotic Fruit and Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Spread sweetened cream cheese inside crescent roll dough, then add cherry and blueberry pie filling before rolling up. Bake until golden for a fruity, creamy treat.
37 Red, White, and Blue Layer Cake
Bake three thin cake layers in red, white, and blue colors. Stack them with buttercream between each layer and frost the outside with more buttercream for a colorful slice when you cut in.
38 American Flag Cupcakes
Frost a tray of cupcakes with white buttercream and arrange blueberries, strawberries, and red icing to form an American flag shape across the tops.
39 Berry Cream Cheese Dip
Whip together cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, and a little vanilla, then top with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Serve with graham crackers or cookies for easy dipping.
40 Red, White, and Blue Snow Cones
Scoop crushed ice into cups and pour red and blue flavored syrups over it. Top with a swirl of whipped cream for a fun and frosty Memorial Day treat.
41 Patriotic Marshmallow Pops
Dip marshmallows halfway in white chocolate and roll in red and blue sprinkles. Stick them on lollipop sticks for easy, no-bake party treats.
42 Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Dip
Mix softened cream cheese with whipped topping and a little sugar, then stir in chopped strawberries and blueberries. Serve with vanilla wafers or pretzel sticks for an easy party dip.
43 Patriotic Berry Lemonade
Make classic lemonade and toss in a handful of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Let it chill in the fridge so the berries infuse the lemonade for a refreshing and fruity twist.
Best and Easy Memorial Day Desserts for Your BBQ Bash!
Well there you have it, my favorite super easy Memorial Day desserts that will have everyone thinking you spent days in the kitchen instead of just minutes!
The best part about all these red, white and blue treats is most can be made ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine and burgers.
Follow me on Pinterest for easy and fun desserts and meal ideas!
