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Home » Recipe Collections

19 memorial day desserts that disappear before the fireworks start

Published: May 14, 2026 by Jeanna Duka · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Memorial Day desserts should be light, festive, and just indulgent enough to kick off summer the right way. These treats show up looking patriotic and somehow vanish before the grill even cools down. Think fruity layers, chilled sweets, and easy bakes that hold up in the heat. You may want to double every batch—seriously.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry shortcake cookies on a wire platter against a pink background.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These strawberry shortcake cookies come together quickly and feature real fruit, ready to bake in under an hour. They're a practical Memorial Day dessert when time is short but something seasonal is still the goal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

No Bake Lime Avocado Tart

An image of a No Bake Lime Avocado Tart.
No Bake Lime Avocado Tart. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A no-bake avocado lime tart chills in the fridge with a short prep and no oven time. It works for Memorial Day when you want something fresh that doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Lime Avocado Tart

Coconut Cream Pie with Meringue

An image of a slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Cream Pie with Meringue. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This coconut cream pie has a fluffy top and smooth center, made with a clear step-by-step approach. It suits Memorial Day when you want something that's both simple and a little eye-catching.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie with Meringue

Mixed Berry Galette

A top view image of mixed berry galette in sheet pan with a scoop of icecream in the middle.
Mixed Berry Galette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This berry galette needs only 15 minutes of prep and bakes to a golden crust with juicy fruit. It's a low-effort Memorial Day dessert that looks good without much work.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Galette

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of Strawberry Pretzel Salad on a plate with a spoon and some slices of fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad stacks up with a salty crust, creamy layer, and fruit topping, all without complicated steps. It's a solid Memorial Day dessert that’s quick to make and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image of peach cobbler in a baking dish with a portion of it missing.
Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ripe peaches and allspice bake into a cobbler with a golden crust, ready in under an hour. It fits Memorial Day well thanks to its seasonal ingredients and straightforward method.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

Strawberry Spoon Cake

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made in a cast iron skillet, this strawberry spoon cake layers soft fruit and fluffy cake for a dessert that’s easy to prep. It’s a good Memorial Day pick when you need something fast that still feels fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spoon Cake

Cherry Slab Pie

An image of a Cherry Slab Pie.
Cherry Slab Pie. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Cherry slab pie travels easily, cuts neatly, and feeds more than a round pie. It’s a practical Memorial Day dessert if you're bringing something to a group gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Slab Pie

Mexican Fruit Cup

An image of Mexican fruit cup with sliced limes on the side.
Mexican Fruit Cup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Packed with watermelon, mango, and a hint of spice, this Mexican fruit cup comes together fast and keeps well in the fridge. It's a fresh option for Memorial Day desserts when lighter, fruit-forward dishes are a good match for the weather.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup

Air Fryer S'mores

A slice of Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars on a plate.
Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This air fryer s’more recipe skips the campfire and delivers gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate in five minutes flat. It's a smart Memorial Day dessert when you want a quick classic without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This strawberry tiramisu skips the coffee and bakes, layering fruit and cream in under 20 minutes. It’s well-suited for Memorial Day when oven space is limited and prep time is short.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Tiramisu

Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Juicy blackberries and a flaky crust make this cobbler simple to prep and bake without much planning. It's a fitting Memorial Day dessert when you want something that feels a bit homemade without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This lemon icebox pie sets in the fridge with just a few ingredients and doesn’t need the oven. It's a smart choice for Memorial Day, especially after a big meal when something cool hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Pie

Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mini apple pies bake fast and are easy to serve, with buttery crusts and spiced filling in every bite. They're great for Memorial Day gatherings where people want quick-to-cool, ready-to-eat desserts.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Built in a loaf pan, this no-bake ice cream cake layers crackers, ice cream, jam, and berries for a clean finish. It’s a go-to for Memorial Day when the weather is hot and oven use is off the table.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This apple pie version uses a graham crust and skips complicated dough steps for quicker results. It’s a reliable Memorial Day dessert when you’re short on time but still want a classic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A graham cracker crust and creamy peanut butter filling make this pie simple to prepare with familiar ingredients. It works well for Memorial Day when you need something that’s easy to serve and liked by most.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These strawberry lemonade cookies bake in under 30 minutes and use lemon and jam for a bright finish. They're a practical pick for Memorial Day when you want something fast with clear seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars

Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Peanut butter and jelly frozen yogurt bars stack up with granola, jam, yogurt, and chocolate in a no-bake format. They make sense for Memorial Day when fridge desserts help keep things cool.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Yogurt Bars

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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