Memorial Day Pastry Recipes That Will Take The Cake

Memorial Day sets off the summer holiday season that also includes the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The occasion was designated in remembrance of those who perished while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Celebrations tend to take advantage of warm and sunny days, with people coming together to commemorate friends and family members with shared stories and memories.

While cooking on the barbecue is a staple of this holiday, baking and pastry arts students can’t forget dessert to round out their menu. Here are some ideas for Memorial Day:

Flag cake

Although you normally see this treat on Independence Day, a flag cake can also be made for Memorial Day. The recipe incorporates fresh fruit – strawberries and blueberries – as well as pound or shortcake and whipped cream.

After you bake your base cake, cover it with the whipped topping. Halve the strawberries and arrange them as the stripes, with the blueberries acting as the stars, according to Kraft. It’s a simple recipe, but a memorable one that’s perfect for the occasion.

An assortment of bars

Bakers can incorporate their own favorite ingredients into Memorial Day dessert: bars. These pastries are easy to serve for parties, and just as simple to eat. One of our favorite recipes pairs cashews with salted caramel.

It starts with a crust that should be baked at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Before you can put the mixture in the oven, however, it must be cooled for at least 20 minutes, according to Serious Eats. The base is a standard one, combining flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, an egg and vanilla. To make the cashew and caramel topping, cooks should add about 1.5 cups of sugar to a pan on medium heat – stirring until it’s golden brown – then layer in heavy cream, butter, vanilla and salt, adding cashews once the mixture is off the heat and beginning to cool. Pour the topping onto the crust and bake for another 15 minutes.

Blueberry ice cream

What’s summertime without ice cream? Treat guests with a refreshing version by incorporating fruit. Feel free to make homemade ice cream, adding the blueberries – or another type of fruit, if you wish – to the concoction.

Otherwise, you can purchase store-bought ice cream and soften it by placing it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. If you don’t want to use the actual fruit, but still want to add flavor, fold jam into the mixture and refreeze the ice cream until it can be scooped.

Memorial Day is meant to commemorate the fallen. Ask friends and family members who served what their favorite dessert is and make something in honor of someone special. Whether it’s cake, bars or ice cream, guests will enjoy the summer baked goods and pastries that accompany the occasion.