13 Clean and Colorful Patriotic Desserts for Memorial Day
Guess what? It’s almost Memorial Day, and you know what that means? That’s right, backyard BBQs, flag-themed everything, and let’s not forget that one cousin who always brings the neon-blue Jell-O that stains your soul and tongue for days!
But this year, what if we make things a little bit different? What if we ditched all the artificial dyes that make you question why your tongue is suddenly Smurf-blue and the horrid sugar crashes that have you face-planting way before the fireworks even start?
Wait, wait, I don’t mean we give up all the Memorial Day fun and flavorful desserts, absolutely not! All I’m saying is that this year we’re all about getting that glow-up for our desserts. I’m talking about a real makeover where we still get that festive, colorful look but with real ingredients, wholesome choices, bold natural colors, and definitely nutritious vibes.
Trust me, these sweet treats will be as good as they look and definitely won’t be serving a side of regret or any mystery headaches this year. When I say clean and colorful, I mean juicy berries, creamy coconut, protein-packed Greek yogurt, almond flour crusts, and naturally sweetened delights your family will definitely love.
So, this year as you celebrate the red, white, and blue, I’ve come up with 13 clean, colorful, and patriotic Memorial Day desserts that include a mixture of gluten-free, refined sugar-free, kid-friendly, and seriously fun to make. Ready to impress everyone?
13 Desserts Ideas For Memorial Day
1. Watermelon Fruit Pizza
Desserts don’t always have to mean diet guilt or a sugar crash, especially on Memorial Day. This watermelon fruit pizza brings all the freshness and fabulous flair to your table. With no oven needed, I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love this recipe.
The crust is made of juicy watermelon and topped with honey-kissed yogurt, some berries, and mint that gives it that fancy touch.
Wait, we said healthy, right? So yes, this dessert is not only delicious, it’s gluten-free, naturally sweet, kid-friendly, and yes, it’s gonna wow all your guests.
2. Cherry Sorbet
Wanna bring in some cool-girl desserts energy to your Memorial Day lineup this year? Well, this dessert right here is definitely it!
This cherry sorbet only needs 3 simple ingredients: cherries, a splash of water, and finally just a touch of sugar, which is totally optional.
It’s a vibrant pink treat that tastes just as good as it looks, and super easy to make.
Aside from being dairy-free and vegan-friendly, it sure is low in carbs with just 11g and 46 calories. Simply put, it’s the perfect beauty elixir because of all the antioxidants it packs.
3. Carrot Cake
This recipe right here is a total gem when it comes to wholesome and nutritious ingredients.
This particular carrot cake recipe is an upgrade from your typical oil-drenched carrot cake because it swaps the butter-laden frosting with a light, dreamy Neufchâtel cream cheese swirl that makes it even better!
It’s packed with naturally sweet carrots, pineapples, coconuts, and whole-wheat pastry flour. All these wholesome ingredients make this fantastic recipe high in fiber, really low in fat, and totally crowd-pleasing.
Not only is this carrot cake super moist, but it’s also subtly spiced in a nicely surprising way and extremely Memorial Day-worthy.
Yes, something this good can be this healthy!
4. Strawberry-Rhubarb Bars
Looking for something deliciously sweet but at the same time excitingly tart? Well, this recipe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavor. It brings in that spring fantasy that I’m sure will have everyone wanting it on repeat.
The strawberries and rhubarb combine to make a delicious fruity blend, and you don’t want me to get started on the golden, nutty crust. The little touch of crunchy crumble at the top? Chef’s kiss.
Not only does it taste as good as it sounds, but trust me, this recipe packs a whole load of healthy benefits! It’s Diabetes-friendly, low in calories, and great for your heart.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Bars Recipe
5. Chia Pudding Layered with Strawberries and Blueberries
This Memorial Day dessert recipe is simply an overnight beauty. Not only is it vibrantly colorful, but it also tastes incredible and is super healthy.
The creamy chia pudding is made with vanilla almond milk and layered with blueberries and strawberries. This chia pudding is easy to make and will leave you and all your guests asking for more.
When we talk about nutrition, chia seeds are rich not only in fiber, but also in omega-3 and plant-based protein, so rest assured, this pudding will keep you full and super energized for all the fun activities of the day!
The almond gives us that to-die-for texture, and the berries are the perfect natural sweeteners.
Chia pudding layered with strawberries and blueberries Recipe
6. Vegan Red, White & Blue Parfaits
There’s no better way to get everyone into the exciting Memorial Day mood than with these super delicious festive parfaits. This dessert is gorgeous and downright effortless.
In just 15 minutes, you can have this all ready for everyone to enjoy.
The layers are made of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and the perfect touch of cloud-like yogurt and whipped topping. It’s the ultimate Memorial Day treat.
This parfait recipe would look stunning in tall glasses or mason jars and is perfect for BBQs or a light afternoon dessert.
Vegan red, white & blue parfaits Recipe
7. Coconut Milk Popsicles with Fruit
If you’re a fan of coconut milk, then this popsicle dessert recipe will be perfect for your Memorial Day celebrations.
To make, combine full-fat coconut milk, vanilla, and honey. Blend berries and later combine the two. Freeze the mixture for a few hours to get your wholesome coconut milk popsicles.
As a huge plus, this dessert recipe is vegan-friendly, loaded with antioxidants from the fruits, and has a whole load of healthy fats. And it’s completely sugar-free!
Coconut milk popsicles with fruit recipe
8. Peaches and Coconut Cream Popsicles
This frozen, delicious dessert will definitely bring all the fun to your Memorial Day celebrations. It’s made of coconut cream, peaches, vanilla, some sugar, and a touch of lemon.
All these ingredients are then blended together and simply put in the freezer.
Once all nicely frozen, you’ll get your mouthwatering vegan treat that’s free of dairy, and maybe even a little bit addictive.
Quick Peaches and Coconut Cream Popsicles Recipe
9. Flourless Chocolate Quinoa Cake
This chocolate quinoa cake recipe is so healthy that it will likely become your new favorite.
Instead of flour, this recipe uses quinoa. And the result? A rich, fudgy beauty that will absolutely wow all your Memorial Day guests!
This cake is gluten-free to make everything even better on a healthy scale.
Top it off with some cream cheese frosting to get the best out of this recipe. You can also add strawberries and blueberries to get that blue and red vibe that screams Memorial Day.
Flourless Chocolate Quinoa Cake Recipe
10. Coconut Cream Fruit Tarts
If you aren’t a fan of baking, or maybe with everything that’s going on, you simply don’t have time, then this Memorial Day recipe is perfect for you.
These fruit tarts are super delicious, and trust me, they are healthy and nutritious. You only need 5 ingredients: medjool dates, almonds, coconut milk, raspberries, and strawberries.
The recipe is naturally sweet and gluten-free. All your vegan guests will enjoy it.
Coconut Cream Fruit Tarts Recipe
11. Gluten-Free Firecracker Almond Bundt Cake
I know that Memorial Day is all about vibrant and wonderful desserts, and this recipe definitely delivers.
The firecracker almond bundt cake has the telltale festive red, white, and blue layers. And it is super moist and flavorful.
Sweet vanilla almond glaze is used as the topping; conveniently enough, it has a dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free Firecracker Almond Bundt Cake Recipe
12. Cherry Almond Crumble
This super simple recipe is convenient with everything you have lined up for your Memorial Day celebrations.
But don’t worry because this dessert doesn’t trade simplicity for deliciousness. It’s baked to a nice golden color, and guess what? It’s also gluten-free! Go ahead and serve it with warm cream or even ice cream.
13. No-Bake White Chocolate & Cranberry Granola Bars
Finally, a personal favorite! These no-bake cranberry & white chocolate granola bars are perfect for all the festivities on Memorial Day.
They are wholesome and I assure you, super simple to make.
These granola bars are full of wholesome and nutritious ingredients such as oats, seeds, nut butter, and protein powder.
Aside from being delicious, these bars are also gluten-free and perfect for kids and vegetarians.
No-Bake White Chocolate & Cranberry Granola Bars Recipe
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day is bound to be fun, jovial, and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard party to officially kick off Summer or merely looking to add some color to your intimate family affair, these clean and colorful Memorial Day desserts are the perfect way to celebrate without overindulging on unhealthy options.
All the above options are simple, colorful, and full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients that everyone will enjoy.