Easy Patriotic Treats for a BBQ Party!

Memorial Day is a special time in the United States. It is a day to remember brave men and women who served the country. It is also the unofficial start of summer, which means backyard BBQs, family gatherings, picnics, and lots of delicious food.

And let’s be honest—desserts are always the first thing people get excited about.

If you are hosting a Memorial Day BBQ party or taking a dish to a potluck, patriotic desserts are a fun way to celebrate. Red, white, and blue treats look beautiful on the table, taste amazing, and make everyone smile.

In this list, you will find 15 easy Memorial Day desserts for a crowd. These recipes are fun, simple to make, and perfect for kids and adults.

1. No-Bake American Flag Cheesecake

This easy no-bake cheesecake is creamy, rich, and perfect for Memorial Day parties. The patriotic fruit topping makes it a beautiful dessert for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipped topping

For Decoration

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until fully combined.

Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Mix until creamy.

Fold in whipped topping gently until combined.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Decorate

Arrange blueberries in the top left corner.

Place strawberry slices in horizontal rows to create an American flag design.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Slice and serve cold.

Notes

• Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture.
• Chill overnight for cleaner slices.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches

These festive frozen treats are fun, colorful, and perfect for hot summer Memorial Day celebrations. Kids and adults both love them.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freeze Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 20 red velvet cookies
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup patriotic sprinkles
• Optional star-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions

Step 1: Soften ice cream

Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare cookies

If using a cookie cutter, cut cookies into star shapes.

Step 3: Assemble

Scoop ice cream onto one cookie.

Top with another cookie.

Press gently.

Step 4: Decorate

Roll the ice cream edges in patriotic sprinkles.

Step 5: Freeze

Place sandwiches on a tray.

Freeze for 2 hours or until firm.

Notes

• Wrap individually for easy serving.
• Use store-bought cookies to save time.

Storage

Keep frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

3. Patriotic S’mores Brownies

These rich chocolate brownies with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers are always a crowd favorite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix
• Eggs, oil, and water (as package instructions say)
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup graham cracker pieces
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons red and blue sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare brownies

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions.

Pour into greased 9×13-inch pan.

Step 2: Bake

Bake for about 28 minutes.

Step 3: Add toppings

Remove from oven.

Sprinkle marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and chocolate chips on top.

Step 4: Finish baking

Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until marshmallows soften.

Step 5: Decorate

Add patriotic sprinkles.

Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

• Homemade brownies work great too.
• Let cool fully for neat slices.

Storage

Store in airtight container for 3 days.

4. American Flag Fruit Pizza

This colorful dessert is fresh, creamy, and lighter than many heavy desserts. Perfect for summer BBQ parties.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cookie Base

• 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Topping

• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 2 bananas, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Bake crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Press cookie dough onto baking sheet in rectangle shape.

Bake for 12–15 minutes.

Cool completely.

Step 2: Make frosting

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread frosting over cooled cookie crust.

Step 4: Decorate

Arrange blueberries in top left corner.

Create stripes using strawberries and banana slices.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Add kiwi for extra color.
• Best served same day.

Storage

Store refrigerated for 2 days.

5. Firecracker Sugar Cookies

These festive cookies are colorful, sweet, and extra fun because of the popping candy surprise.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring

Decoration

• Royal icing
• Patriotic sprinkles
• Popping candy

Instructions

Step 1: Make dough

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla.

Mix in dry ingredients.

Step 2: Color dough

Divide dough into 3 portions.

Color one red, one blue, and leave one plain.

Step 3: Shape cookies

Roll dough sections together.

Flatten and cut shapes.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes.

Cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate

Add royal icing.

Top with sprinkles and popping candy.

Notes

• Add popping candy just before serving.
• Kids love helping decorate.

Storage

Store in airtight container for 5 days.

6. Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes

These cute little cheesecakes are creamy, easy to serve, and perfect for Memorial Day potlucks. Individual desserts are always a big hit because guests can grab one and enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• Whipped cream
• Fresh blueberries
• Sliced strawberries
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare muffin pan

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar.

Add about 1 tablespoon to each liner.

Press down firmly.

Step 3: Make filling

Beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla.

Mix in eggs one at a time.

Step 4: Fill and bake

Divide filling evenly.

Bake for 18–20 minutes.

Centers should be slightly set.

Step 5: Chill

Cool completely.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Step 6: Decorate

Top with whipped cream, berries, and sprinkles.

Notes

• Do not overbake or cheesecakes may crack.
• Chill overnight for best flavor.

Storage

Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.

7. Red White and Blue Oreo Truffles

These no-bake Oreo truffles are rich, creamy, and super easy to make. Great when you need a simple crowd-pleasing dessert.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 24 truffles

Ingredients

• 36 Oreo cookies
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 12 oz white chocolate, melted
• Red candy melts
• Blue candy melts
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Crush Oreos

Place Oreos in food processor.

Blend into fine crumbs.

Step 2: Make filling

Mix Oreo crumbs with softened cream cheese.

Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Shape

Roll into 24 small balls.

Place on lined tray.

Freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Coat

Dip each truffle in melted white chocolate.

Drizzle red and blue candy melts over top.

Add sprinkles.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate until fully set.

Notes

• Use a fork for easy dipping.
• Keep hands slightly cold when rolling.

Storage

Store refrigerated for 1 week.

8. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake

This cool and creamy dessert is perfect for hot Memorial Day weather. No oven needed, which makes it even better.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box graham crackers
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Make whipped cream

Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Step 2: Layer dessert

Spread thin layer of whipped cream in baking dish.

Add graham crackers.

Spread more whipped cream.

Add strawberries and blueberries.

Repeat layers until dish is full.

Finish with whipped cream and berries.

Step 3: Chill

Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Serve

Slice and serve cold.

Notes

• Overnight chilling gives the softest cake texture.
• Add raspberries for extra flavor.

Storage

Keep refrigerated for 3 days.

9. Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

These fun cupcakes look like ice cream cones and always get attention at parties. Kids absolutely love them.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• Eggs, oil, water (as directed)
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring
• 24 flat-bottom ice cream cones

Frosting

• 1 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare batter

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Make cake batter.

Divide into 3 bowls.

Color one red, one blue, leave one white.

Step 2: Fill cones

Place cones upright in muffin pan.

Fill each cone halfway with batter.

Step 3: Bake

Bake 18–20 minutes.

Cool completely.

Step 4: Make frosting

Beat butter until fluffy.

Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Beat until smooth.

Step 5: Decorate

Pipe frosting to look like soft-serve ice cream.

Add sprinkles.

Notes

• Do not overfill cones.
• Pipe frosting after cupcakes fully cool.

Storage

Store covered for 2 days.

10. Red White and Blue Trifle

This layered dessert looks fancy but is actually very easy to make. Perfect for feeding a large crowd.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pound cake, cubed
• 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
• 4 cups cold milk
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Make pudding

Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thick.

Step 2: Start layering

In trifle bowl, add cake cubes.

Add pudding layer.

Add whipped topping.

Add berries.

Step 3: Repeat

Repeat all layers until bowl is full.

Finish with whipped topping and berries.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• Clear glass bowl shows beautiful layers.
• Angel food cake works too.

Storage

Keep refrigerated for 2–3 days.

11. Patriotic Chocolate Covered Strawberries

These beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries are simple, elegant, and always one of the first desserts to disappear at parties.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 strawberries

Ingredients

• 24 fresh strawberries, washed and dried
• 12 oz white chocolate
• 1/2 cup blue candy melts
• Red decorating icing
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prep strawberries

Wash strawberries well.

Dry completely with paper towels.

Any water can ruin melted chocolate.

Step 2: Melt chocolate

Melt white chocolate in microwave in 30-second intervals.

Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Dip strawberries

Hold each strawberry by the stem.

Dip into melted white chocolate.

Place on parchment paper.

Step 4: Decorate

Drizzle red icing.

Dip some tips in melted blue candy melts.

Add patriotic sprinkles.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.

Notes

• Dry strawberries fully.
• Use good quality chocolate for smoother coating.

Storage

Store refrigerated for up to 2 days.

12. Patriotic Milkshake

This fun red, white, and blue milkshake is cold, creamy, and perfect for a hot Memorial Day afternoon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups milk
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring
• Whipped cream
• Patriotic sprinkles
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions

Step 1: Make white layer

Blend vanilla ice cream and milk.

Pour some into glasses.

Step 2: Make colored layers

Divide remaining milkshake.

Color one portion red.

Color one portion blue.

Step 3: Layer carefully

Pour blue layer slowly.

Then white.

Then red.

Step 4: Decorate

Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.

Serve immediately.

Notes

• Freeze glasses for better layering.
• Serve right away before melting.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh.

13. Firecracker Cake

This colorful patriotic cake is soft, fluffy, and perfect when you need a dessert that feeds many people.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• Ingredients listed on cake box
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring

Frosting

• 1 cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Decoration

• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare batter

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare cake batter.

Divide into 3 bowls.

Color one red, one blue, leave one white.

Step 2: Bake

Add spoonfuls of each batter into greased pan.

Swirl lightly.

Bake according to package instructions.

Cool fully.

Step 3: Make frosting

Beat butter until fluffy.

Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Beat smooth.

Step 4: Decorate

Frost cooled cake.

Add patriotic sprinkles.

Slice and serve.

Notes

• Do not over-swirl batter.
• Sheet cake works best for parties.

Storage

Store covered for 3 days.

14. Patriotic Pretzel Rods

These sweet and salty treats are fast, easy, and great when you need a last-minute dessert.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 20 pretzel rods

Ingredients

• 20 pretzel rods
• 12 oz white chocolate
• Red candy melts
• Blue candy melts
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Melt chocolate

Melt white chocolate until smooth.

Step 2: Dip pretzels

Dip each pretzel rod halfway.

Place on parchment paper.

Step 3: Decorate

Drizzle red and blue melted candy.

Add sprinkles immediately.

Step 4: Set

Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Serve.

Notes

• Great make-ahead party snack.
• Kids enjoy helping decorate.

Storage

Store airtight for 5 days.

15. Red White and Blue Ice Cream Cake

This frozen dessert is rich, festive, and perfect for Memorial Day BBQ celebrations.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 14 servings

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pound cake
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream
• Red berry sorbet
• Blueberry ice cream or blue-tinted vanilla ice cream
• Whipped topping
• Patriotic sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare base

Slice pound cake.

Place in bottom of freezer-safe dish.

Step 2: Add layers

Spread softened blue ice cream layer.

Freeze 30 minutes.

Add vanilla layer.

Freeze again.

Add red berry layer.

Step 3: Final freeze

Freeze for 4–6 hours.

Step 4: Decorate

Top with whipped topping and sprinkles.

Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

• Freeze between layers for clean sections.
• Use store-bought cake for convenience.

Storage

Keep frozen for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these desserts ahead of time?

Yes. Many of these desserts can be made one day before your Memorial Day party.

Best make-ahead options:

• Cheesecake
• Icebox cake
• Oreo truffles
• Trifle
• Pretzel rods

Which desserts are best for hot weather?

Cold desserts work best.

Top picks:

• Ice cream cake
• Milkshake
• Ice cream sandwiches
• No-bake cheesecake
• Icebox cake

Which desserts are easiest for beginners?

These are very beginner-friendly:

• Pretzel rods
• Chocolate strawberries
• Oreo truffles
• Milkshake
• Fruit pizza

Can kids help make these desserts?

Absolutely.

Fun kid-friendly recipes:

• Sugar cookies
• Pretzel rods
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Cupcakes
• Fruit pizza

How many desserts should I make for a party?

For a crowd of 15–20 people, 2–3 large desserts or 20–30 individual treats usually work well.