Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family and indulge in some delicious desserts to celebrate the official arrival of summer. As temperatures rise, we’ll start to cycle heavy molten chocolate cakes or rum cakes out of our recipe arsenal in favor of lighter, fresh flavors like citrus, berries, and herbal accents.
From refreshing fruity treats to classic American pies, there are so many tasty options to choose from. So, break out your mixer, pull out your baking sheet, and take a look at some of our favorite desserts to try this Memorial Day weekend.
1. Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic Memorial Day dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This dessert is made with layers of fluffy shortcake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. To make this dessert even more special, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries to give them an extra kick of flavor.
2. Blueberry Cobbler
Blueberry cobbler is a simple and delicious option that’s perfect for this patriotic holiday weekend. This dessert is made with fresh blueberries, a buttery biscuit-like topping, and a sprinkle of sugar. Unlike a pie, a cobbler does not have an additional crust on the bottom level. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
3. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a tangy, refreshing dessert that’s great for hot summer days. On the bottom is a buttery shortbread crust with a zesty lemon filling on top. Top the bars with powdered sugar and serve them chilled for a delightful treat that’s sure to please.
4. Peach Crisp
Similar to a cobbler, a peach crisp is made with fresh peaches, a crumbly topping, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Unlike cobbler, a peach crisp is topped with a streusel topping, as opposed to a biscuit topping. Serve it straight out of the oven with a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting and satisfying dessert.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert perfect for any occasion, including Memorial Day. This dessert is made with buttery brown sugar dough and chunks of chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Take it up a notch by swapping out traditional milk chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate chips. You could also try out red, white, and blue chocolate candies for a patriotic twist. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a classic American treat.
6. Key Lime Pie
A tart, cooling choice perfect for the sweltering summer days is key lime pie. This dish has a graham cracker crust and a creamy middle comprised of key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks. For a taste boost, add some whipped cream and lime zest on top.
7. Fruit Salad
For a refreshing and healthy dessert option, consider making a fruit salad. This dessert is made with a variety of fresh fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon. Toss the fruit with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of mint for a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for Memorial Day. If you are craving something a little sweeter, top off your serving with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. S’mores
S’mores are a classic DIY dessert that’s perfect for evenings spent around the campfire. Load up your graham cracker with a chocolate bar, toast a big fluffy marshmallow over the fire, and sandwich it in between the graham crackers. This gooey treat is sure to provide loving memories for little ones to last a lifetime.
Don’t have a campfire? Fire up the grill and enjoy your s’mores in just a few short minutes.
9. Cherry Pie
Cherry pie is a classic American dessert that’s great for Memorial Day. While apple pie might be a little heavy for summertime, the tartness from the cherries makes for one easygoing alternate option. This dessert features a flaky pie crust and a sweet, decadent cherry filling. Heat it up and serve it with vanilla ice cream after hot dogs and burgers for a comforting and satisfying treat.
10. Popsicles
For a refreshing and easy dessert option, consider making popsicles. You can make these frozen treats with a variety of fruits and flavors, like strawberry, blueberry, or even watermelon.
Simply blend the fruit with a bit of sugar and water, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze overnight for a refreshing and healthy dessert option. For an even healthier option, look for sugar-free juices or even try making yogurt popsicles.
Ring in Summer Right
From classic American pies to tangy fruit-filled treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this coming Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or simply enjoying some time alone, these desserts are sure to make your Memorial Day weekend even more special. So, go ahead and indulge in some sweet treats, and savor every delicious bite. Happy Memorial Day!
