As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the end of another warm season. Here on CookingChew. com, we’re kicking off the celebrations with a sweet treat – Labor Day desserts! There’s nothing like passing around a plate of homemade goodies to take the edge off after a long summer. And what better way to do that than with a little patriotic flair?
We’re leaning into the American spirit with recipes that fit the red, white, and blue motif, from sangria to parfaits. You’ll find everything from classic cake pops to easy lemon cookies, and even some vegan options to cater to your guests’ tastes. And if you’re looking for more Labor Day inspiration, be sure to check out our other recipe collections: 17 appetizers, 30 party recipes, and 28 vegan options – there’s something for everyone!
With these sweet treats and savory bites, you’ll be all set for a memorable Labor Day celebration.
Ambrosia Salad With Cool Whip
This familiar dish has likely made an appearance at countless gatherings and events – from cozy potlucks to church functions and casual get-togethers. Its unique composition of fruit cocktail, instant pudding mix, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut creates a vibrant, sweet treat that’s hard to resist. While it may not conform to traditional salad expectations, this colorful concoction is often served chilled and piled high onto plates with reckless abandon.
And let’s be honest – despite its name, it’s a dessert at heart!
Keto Caramel Apple Pie Fat Bombs
Kick off Labor Day celebrations with a sweet treat that’s as effortless as it is delicious! Our keto caramel apple pie fat bombs are the perfect finger foods for a hassle-free dessert experience. With their uncanny resemblance to the real deal, these bite-sized treats will have your friends and family swooning without breaking a sweat. And the best part? You can whip them up in under an hour, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the company of loved ones while indulging in this tasty indulgence.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Flag Dip
The allure of sweet dips lies not only in their taste, but also in their aesthetic appeal. For me, this year marked a turning point in my appreciation for these treats. I’ve had the pleasure of discovering just how enjoyable they can be to make and consume.
Blueberry Sour Cream Crumb Bars
Indulge in the sweetness of summer’s end by enjoying Blueberry Crumb Bars as a decadent finale to the season. These scrumptious treats combine the best of both worlds – rich, buttery shortbread cookie bars loaded with juicy blueberries and crunchy crumb toppings. Each satisfying bite is a masterclass in balance, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery notes that will leave you wanting more.
With their effortless ease and irresistible flavor profile, Blueberry Crumb Bars are the perfect fit for your Labor Day celebration – or any occasion when a little indulgence is in order.
Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
Indulge in the sweetness of summer with these luscious strawberry lemonade popsicles. Their creamy texture, bursting with the flavors of fresh strawberries and lemons, is sure to quench your thirst on a hot day. With their tangy, sweet, and refreshing taste, they’re the perfect treat to beat the heat.
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
I’m a self-proclaimed Oreo enthusiast, which is why I get giddy when I can incorporate them into my favorite desserts. The idea of crafting an Oreo-based no-bake cheesecake was music to my ears, especially since it’s perfect for Labor Day celebrations. If you’re on the hunt for a stress-free, delicious dessert recipe that doesn’t require firing up your oven, look no further! This no-bake Oreo cheesecake is a game-changer, requiring only a few simple ingredients. And the best part?
You can whip it up in no time. So why not head to your local grocery store and start preparing this tasty treat for yourself?
Easy Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Elevate your Labor Day celebration with a delightful red, white, and blue trifles recipe that’s as effortless as it is scrumptious. This show-stopping dessert boasts a medley of fresh flavors, including succulent strawberries, plump blueberries, creamy vanilla, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. The pièce de résistance? A sprinkle of star-shaped strawberry slices adding an extra layer of whimsy to this already charming treat.
Patriotic Pretzel Rods
While Labor Day may not be inherently patriotic, incorporating red, white, and blue elements into your celebrations is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the occasion. One simple yet sweet way to do this is by incorporating festive foods into your gathering. A colorful treat that’s sure to bring joy is candy-coated pretzel rods – a classic dessert that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare and perfect for grabbing off the platter as guests mingle.
Plus, their finger-friendly nature makes them an ideal choice for a holiday where relaxation and leisure are top of mind.
Raspberry Sorbet Layer Cake
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of a Raspberry Sorbet Layer Cake, a refreshing dessert perfect for satisfying your cravings. This creamy masterpiece is crafted with a medley of fresh blueberries, raspberries, whipping cream, raspberry sorbet, and a hint of vanilla. Beginning with a store-bought Sara Lee pound cake as the base and adding only a few additional ingredients, you can easily create a slice of heaven that’s sure to impress.
Rocky Road Brownies
While many desserts require an arsenal of ingredients, this indulgent treat is built upon the simplicity of a good brownie box mix. Ghirardelli’s version is our preference, but any reliable brand will suffice. The only additional components required beyond the oil and eggs specified on the box are a mere four sweet accents to be roasted to perfection: marshmallows, pecans, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips.
This unassuming dessert transforms into a richly decadent treat, its gooey texture and deep flavors sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Kick off your Labor Day celebration with a refreshing twist on traditional sangria. A festive gathering isn’t complete without a few signature drinks, after all. To take the fun to the next level, serve this vibrant red, white, and blue concoction to your guests and watch the party come alive! This easy-to-make recipe combines white wine, vodka, Triple sec with an abundance of fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, pineapple chunks, and raspberries.
The result is a fruit-packed cocktail that’s sure to get your celebration fired up!
Lemonade with Lemongrass and Ginger
When entertaining guests who prefer refreshing drinks over cocktails, this recipe is sure to impress. The perfect blend of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, spring-fresh mint, lemongrass, sugar, and ginger creates a thirst-quenching treat that’s ideal for sipping by the pool or at a potluck. With its invigorating flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to lively conversations with friends and family.
Red, White, and Blue Jello Parfaits
Kick-start your holiday celebrations with a budget-friendly and hassle-free dessert option – Red, White, and Blue Jello Parfaits! This no-bake delight requires only a few simple ingredients: strawberry-flavored red Jello, berry blue-flavored blue Jello, and Cool Whip. With these essentials at hand, you can create a delectable treat that won’t break the bank or take up too much of your time.
Perfect for Labor Day celebrations, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and refreshing flavor combination.
Cheesecake Brownies
Indulge in a double dose of sweetness with these decadent brownies that not only tantalize your taste buds but also treat your eyes. The fudgy texture and velvety cheesecake filling create a delightful sensory experience, while the chewy, thick, and rich consistency will leave you craving more. This creative twist on traditional brownie mix is sure to impress, elevating a humble box of mix into a show-stopping dessert.
Whoopie Pies
Indulge in this luscious Whoopie Pie recipe that will leave you craving more! The tender cake, infused with subtle tanginess from buttermilk, is the perfect canvas for a generous helping of rich, creamy vanilla buttercream. Meanwhile, the chocolate cookies provide a delightful textural contrast, their flavors expertly balanced by the filling’s velvety smoothness. Be warned: once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked – these decadent treats are impossible to resist!
Lemon Bars
There’s nothing like capping off a Labor Day picnic with a delightful dessert. In my opinion, these cookies are a match made in heaven, combining the tender softness of a shortbread crust with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon filling. The magic happens when the lemon juice and zest meld together to create an irresistible aroma and flavor profile that’s simply tantalizing.
Atop the buttery shortbread base lies a generous helping of creamy lemon curd, striking the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. With its velvety texture and zesty kick, these lemon bars are the epitome of summertime indulgence.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
The strawberry season in this desert region is now at its peak, and it’s nothing short of delightful! What I love most about this dish is the harmonious blend of a crunchy salty pretzel crust, a smooth and creamy cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry jello topping – it’s truly a match made in heaven. The combination of flavors and textures is simply sublime: sweet, salty, crisp, and cool all come together to create a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
And yet, despite its unconventional nature, I must admit that the pretzel crust and creamy filling are what ultimately elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Lemon Cookies Made With Boxed Cake Mix
Treat your taste buds and visual senses to a dessert that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious! These radiant yellow cookies bid farewell to summer with ease. To create these delightful treats, simply gather just six essentials: lemon juice, the zest of a lemon, a box cake mix, powdered sugar, and you’re ready to go! Whether you’re preparing for a morning picnic or a spontaneous dessert indulgence, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Heath Bar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful combination of textures and flavors found in these soft and chewy Heath Bar cookies. The crunchy exterior gives way to a sweet-and-salted toffee taste that will leave you craving more. While they may not be as thick as some other cookie varieties, their unique characteristics still make them utterly charming. The perfect balance of sugariness and deep caramel flavor elevates this cookie recipe to new heights of pleasure, making it a true standout.
With its one-of-a-kind character, I’m confident that you’ll find yourself thoroughly enamored with these Heath Bar cookies.
Fantasy Fudge
Indulge in the sweet reality of fantastical confections! The addition of crunchy chopped walnuts brings an exciting depth of textures to each deliciously fudgy bite. The rich, lusciousness of every mouthful is a chocolate and marshmallow cream lover’s dream come true. For those seeking a dessert that satisfies their cravings for the perfect blend of both, fantasy fudge is the ultimate indulgence.
Pineapple Dream Dessert
During my college days, I was responsible for bringing a dessert to an off-campus gathering. The mention of a recipe called ‘Seventh Heaven’ caught my attention, as it consisted of only 7 ingredients and was designed to be layered in a large rectangular cake pan. Coincidentally, I had just acquired a similar-sized cake pan at a local thrift store for the bargain price of quarter. As a novice cook back then, I was impressed by how effortlessly I could assemble this heavenly dessert.
The secret to its allure lies in the chunks of crushed pineapple that are baked within the cake mixture, resulting in moist and luscious layers packed with a creamy pineapple filling. With its sweet, buttery flavor, this delectable pineapple cake is truly irresistible!
Grilled Fruit Kabobs
Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Grilled fruit skewers are a delightful surprise that will tantalize taste buds and leave you craving more! When it comes to cookouts or BBQs, I find that serving these succulent skewers on wooden sticks adds a charming touch. As the main course is devoured, the grilled fruit provides a delightful finale, its natural sweetness and caramelized flavors making for an unbeatable ending.
Vanilla Sheet Cake
Sheet cakes are often underrated, but they truly deserve to be celebrated. While layer cakes can be impressive, they require a level of complexity and finesse that sheet cakes don’t. The simplicity of a sheet cake is actually its greatest strength – it’s easy to make, yet still yields a rich and supple texture, a deep vanilla flavor, and the fluffiest buttercream icing. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration.
With its light and airy texture and overpowering vanilla flavor, this cake is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. It’s a treat that will satisfy every vanilla lover’s sweet tooth.
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion: grilled s’mores pizza. The combination of crispy, toasted crust with gooey, melty marshmallows and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven. This modern twist on an old favorite is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. With every bite, the flaky crust gives way to a velvety-smooth chocolate and marshmallow filling that’s impossible to resist. It’s a sweet and sinful treat that will leave you wanting more.
Texas Sheet Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of Texas sheet cake, a beloved classic that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. This from-scratch masterpiece is elevated by a sumptuous homemade frosting, making it a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth. At its core, this cake is a masterful blend of brownies and chocolate fudge, offering a unique experience that sets it apart from other desserts.
A key advantage of this cake is the flexibility to frost it while still warm – a decision that’s entirely up to personal preference. The result is a sticky, sweet walnut-embellished icing that not only looks stunning but also keeps the cake moist and delectable for days to come.
Lemon Icebox Pie
Culinary innovators will delight in these icebox recipes, a thoughtful gift from the culinary world. While non-bakers might not typically associate desserts with baking, icebox cakes and pies prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delectable treat. With these recipes, you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic lemon pie – including the buttery crust and the harmonious blend of sweet and citrus notes – without breaking a sweat. The best part?
It’s incredibly easy, with the most challenging aspect being simply waiting for the dessert to chill in the refrigerator.
Angel Food Cake
Imagine a culinary marvel that defies gravity with its towering structure and airy texture – enter angel food cake! This heavenly dessert’s unique properties stem from the intricate blend of ingredients, featuring egg whites, flour, and sugar as its core components. What sets angel food cake apart from its traditional counterparts is its distinctive lack of fat content.
Unlike typical cakes that rely on butter, oil, or egg yolks for moisture and richness, angel food cake relies solely on the delicate balance of its mixture to achieve its signature height and texture. And if you’re craving more, we’ve got 28 mouthwatering topping ideas waiting in the wings! But before you get creative, let’s dive into my top tips for storing this delicate masterpiece, ensuring it remains as light as air for a satisfying treat.
Funky Monkey Grilled Cheese
As the weather warms up, it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in a sweet and satisfying treat. The combination of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, ripe bananas, and creamy peanut butter is a match made in heaven. To create this delightful dessert, start by spreading a rich mixture of cream cheese, peanut butter, and honey on one side of a brioche. Next, top it with sliced bananas and mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor. But don’t stop there!
Take the indulgence to the next level by generously slathering Nutella on the second piece of brioche, creating a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Blueberry Pie
The aroma of freshly baked blueberry pie still lingers in my mind. It’s as if those plump, juicy blueberries are waiting patiently for me to conjure up a warm slice straight from the oven. The perfect combination of flaky crust and sweet-tart filling is what makes this classic dessert truly unbeatable. Every bite satisfies my cravings, with each component working harmoniously together – the buttery pastry, the bursting blueberry flavor, and the satisfying crunch of each forkful.
Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops
While it may not be a straightforward task, creating these bite-sized treats requires tiny ice cream cones as a starting point. However, I’m always excited to share this adorable cake pop recipe whenever the opportunity arises. The combination of their irresistible cuteness, edibility, and overall appeal makes them truly hard to resist. As a result, they’ve earned a spot on my list of go-to desserts that can instantly elevate a dessert table from ordinary to extraordinary.
Blondies
Blondies are elevated to a whole new level when made with brown sugar and browned butter. The caramel-like flavor of the brown sugar combines with the nutty, buttery taste of the browned butter to create an irresistible treat that’s fudgy, rich, and indulgent. And the best part? You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, adding a personal touch to this already-exceptional dessert. If you’re looking for more ways to use up brown sugar, we’ve got a collection of recipes waiting for you.
Pina Colada Cupcakes
As I recall the name of this decadent delight, my heart skips a beat. The sheer excitement surrounding this cupcake is palpable! This sweet indulgence transports me to a tropical island paradise, where the scent of BBQ wafts through the air and the warmth of sunshine kisses my skin. To complete the sensory experience, the coconut buttercream frosting is topped with toasted coconut shreds and an umbrella-toting tropical drink, evoking the essence of a piña colada on a sun-kissed beach.
Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that whispers sweet nothings to my taste buds.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Indulge in the sweet delight of this scrumptious pineapple upside-down cake, perfectly crafted to satisfy your cravings. This moist and tender masterpiece boasts an abundance of caramel, luscious pineapple, and plump cherries on top, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any outdoor gathering or backyard cookout. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to serve, even on paper plates! Renee herself has declared this cake one of her all-time favorites – and we can’t help but agree.
Red Velvet Cupcakes
The quintessential combination of red velvet cake with cream cheese icing remains a timeless favorite. What sets this indulgent treat apart from others is the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures. The use of both butter and oil creates a sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Furthermore, the incorporation of whipped egg whites yields a remarkably light and airy batter, making each bite a true delight.
Chocolate Icebox Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of buttery, toasted edges and rich, velvety chocolate as these icebox cookies delightfully hit the spot. Not only do they satisfy your cookie cravings instantly, but their convenience factor is also unbeatable – simply make the dough, freeze it, and bake whenever you please. The harmonious balance of cocoa powder’s deep, chocolatey flavors and a hint of vanilla’s subtle sweetness makes this cookie an irresistible treat.
The bottom line
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, I’m excited to share this collection of our most popular dessert recipes to help make your gathering unforgettable and create a sweet ending to your holiday celebration. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to explore these additional easy desserts: 12 indulgent no-fuss chocolate cakes, 33 refreshing ice cream maker treats, 30 creative graham cracker crust desserts, and 30 rich condensed milk delights.
Happy Labor Day, and let’s get started planning your cookout and dessert spread! As always, I believe that dessert is the perfect place to begin on this special holiday.
