The last Monday in May is right around the corner, and while Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have given their lives in service and protection of our country, it’s also widely regarded as the start of the summer season. Memorial Day means a myriad of different things to families across America– whether it’s a day of heartfelt remembrance for you or perhaps it’s a time that your close family and friends gather together, I’ve compiled a number of summery desserts for your Memorial Day Weekend celebration or any summer barbecue or party you might have coming up on the calendar.
Peach Dumplings
There is one word for this dessert: joy. Peach Dumplings have been a staple in my family’s recipe book for years, and we make them all the time for guests or parties. Sweet and sticky goodness and wrapped in a crispy crescent-roll, this to-die-for dessert will have you going back for seconds and thirds. Top it off with cold vanilla ice cream and it’s the perfect finale to your summer get-together.
Recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake
A light and fluffy cake topped with a crunchy streusel — what could be better end to your meal? Lemon and blueberry make an all-star team when paired together, transforming any average dessert into a sweet and citrus dream! This lemon blueberry crumb cake will have your party-goers begging for the recipe.
Recipe from The Food Network’s Ina Garten
Strawberry Short Cake
Need something refreshingly simple? Strawberry Short Cake is a classic favorite that will remind you and your guests of summer days gone by. This recipe from the New York Times is quick– the perfect fit if you need to make something in a rush or without a lot of time to prep. Want to really blow everyone away? Make homemade whipped cream to elevate this strawberry simplicity.
Recipe from The New York Times Cooking
Homemade Ice Cream
Statement of fact: Homemade Ice Cream will always be better than what you can buy in a store. If you’ve ever been at a barbecue or party with a large bowl of semi-melted homemade ice cream, then you know I’m right. Making ice cream at home can be daunting and often requires equipment, so it’s not frequently done, but I have two recipe options for you that promise to be easy and worthwhile. If you have an ice cream churner or alternative machine that makes ice cream, this homemade vanilla ice cream recipe that you can customize with any toppings is to die for! For those who don’t have a machine but are interested in what it could be like, check out how to make homemade ice cream without any machinery– just you, a whisk, and your freezer.
Recipe (with machine) from Barefoot in the Kitchen
Recipe (without machine) from Barefoot in the Kitchen
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
With three steps and only an hour of prep time, this chocolate peanut butter pie will be the delight of the party. Super rich (so much so that the chef recommended tiny slices) and creamy, this pie is a traditional staple that is familiar and nostalgic. If you’re hoping to make your guests feel at home, this dessert will do that for you. And who can deny pairing chocolate and peanut butter together? It’s never the wrong choice.
Recipe from The Food Network/Ree Drummond