Celebrate Labor Day in style with these 22 Must-Try Labor Day Desserts! This list features classic American treats, from fruit-filled pies and refreshing popsicles to decadent cakes and creamy puddings.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or a family gathering, these desserts are perfect for any Labor Day event. Explore these delightful, easy-to-make recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests and add a sweet touch to your end-of-summer celebrations.
1. Classic American Apple Pie
A Staple Dessert
There’s nothing more American than a slice of classic apple pie. Bursting with tart apples and sweet cinnamon, this dessert is the perfect end to your Labor Day celebrations. Its flaky crust and juicy filling offer an irresistible combination.
The Perfect Party Treat
This pie is ideal for gatherings. You can make it ahead, freeing up your time on the big day. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with the recipe. Add a handful of raisins or a sprinkle of nutmeg to tailor it to your taste buds. Remember, the best apple pie is the one that tastes just right for you.
2. Sweet Cherry Cobbler
A Fruit-Filled Delight
Indulge in the sweet and tart flavors of a classic cherry cobbler this Labor Day. This delightful dessert features juicy cherries topped with a crisp, buttery crust. It’s a wonderfully satisfying treat after a day of celebration.
Crowd Pleaser
A cherry cobbler is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The blend of sweet cherries and a light, biscuit-like topping is a hit with both adults and kids alike. And it’s a great way to make the most of the summer’s cherry harvest.
Customize It
Experiment by mixing in other summer fruits like blueberries or peaches, or add a bit of almond extract to give your cobbler a unique twist. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
3. Patriotic Berry Trifle
A Colorful Dessert
Celebrate Labor Day with a patriotic berry trifle. This visually stunning dessert layers fresh strawberries, blueberries, and creamy custard between fluffy pieces of pound cake. It’s not only delicious but also creates a beautiful display.
Ideal for Large Gatherings
Trifles are perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve, saving you stress on the day of the event. This dessert is as practical as it is tasty.
Personalize Your Trifle
Feel free to mix and match your favorite summer berries. Try using raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor. You can also use homemade or store-bought pound cake, depending on your preference and time constraints.
4. Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
A Smoky Sweet Treat
Grilled peaches offer a delightful twist on dessert. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the peaches, enhancing their sweetness. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this treat is both simple and decadent.
A Perfect End to a Barbecue
After grilling your Labor Day meal, keep the coals hot for these sweet treats. They’re a fitting finale to a meal cooked outdoors and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Add Your Flair
Sprinkle some cinnamon or drizzle some honey on the peaches before grilling for added flavor. Alternatively, try a dollop of whipped cream or a crumble of graham crackers on top to make this dessert truly your own.
5. Labor Day Lemon Bars
A Tangy Delight
Inject some zest into your Labor Day celebrations with these delicious lemon bars. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling strikes the perfect balance of flavors.
Easy to Serve
These bars are easy to serve and eat, making them a great choice for a potluck-style celebration. Plus, their bright, sunny color makes them a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Make it Your Own
Try adding a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary to the shortbread base for a savory twist, or top them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
6. S’mores Brownies
A Campfire Classic with a Twist
Bring the taste of a camping trip to your backyard with these delectable S’mores brownies. The gooey marshmallows, crumbly graham crackers, and rich chocolate brownies are a treat for your taste buds.
Ideal for a Cookout
These brownies are the perfect ending to a cookout or barbeque, evoking memories of campfires and starlit nights. Plus, they’re handheld and easy to serve, making them a hit at any party.
Customize Your Brownies
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of peanut butter for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
7. Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake
A Patriotic Treat
This red, white, and blue cheesecake is a festive and delicious way to show your patriotic spirit. It combines a rich, creamy cheesecake with layers of fresh strawberries and blueberries for a delightful contrast.
Read also: 20 Labor Day Recipes
Perfect for Parties
The vibrant colors and decadent taste make this dessert a standout at any party. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the celebrations.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Swap out the berries for other fruits or experiment with different crusts to make this cheesecake truly your own.
8. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
A Cool Refreshment
Cool off this Labor Day with patriotic ice cream sandwiches. These treats feature vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two colorful sugar cookies, making for a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Kid-Friendly Treat
These ice cream sandwiches are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re fun, easy to eat, and offer a sweet respite from the late-summer heat.
Customizable Dessert
Feel free to personalize this recipe. Use your favorite flavors of ice cream, or try using chocolate chip cookies instead of sugar cookies for a different taste experience.
9. Strawberry Shortcake
A Classic Dessert
Celebrate Labor Day with a timeless dessert: strawberry shortcake. This dish features sweet, juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream on top of a tender biscuit, creating a symphony of flavors.
Great for Gatherings
Strawberry shortcake is light, refreshing, and perfect for ending a heavy meal. Plus, guests can assemble their own, adding as many strawberries and as much cream as they like.
Make It Your Own
You can easily modify this dessert to fit your preferences. Try using a sponge cake or pound cake instead of biscuits, or swap the strawberries for other summer fruits.
10. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Skewers
A Fresh and Decadent Treat
Enjoy the freshness of fruit and the decadence of chocolate with these skewers. They’re a fun and colorful dessert that’s as delicious as it is attractive.
Ideal for Outdoor Celebrations
These fruit skewers are perfect for outdoor celebrations. They’re easy to make, serve, and eat, making them a fuss-free dessert option.
Customize Your Skewers
Feel free to use your favorite fruits and types of chocolate. You could even add marshmallows or pieces of cake to your skewers for an extra-special treat.
11. Labor Day Layered Jello Cups
A Festive, Fun Dessert
Light, refreshing, and delightfully wobbly, these layered Jello cups are a fun and festive addition to any Labor Day get-together. They feature layers of red, white, and blue gelatin, making them a patriotic treat.
Great for Kids and Adults
These Jello cups are a hit with kids, but adults love them too. They’re a nostalgic treat that can easily be spiked with a little vodka for a grown-up version.
Make It Your Own
You can easily customize these Jello cups. Add fruit to the layers, top with whipped cream, or even try different flavors of Jello to make this dessert your own.
12. Grilled Pineapple Sundaes
A Tropical Dessert
Finish your Labor Day festivities with a tropical treat. These grilled pineapple sundaes feature caramelized pineapple, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of dulce de leche. They’re a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Perfect for Grilling Parties
After grilling your main course, keep the grill hot for this unique dessert. It’s an unexpected and tasty way to cap off your Labor Day barbecue.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this dessert. Try it with coconut ice cream for an extra tropical twist, or add some toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added crunch.
13. Blueberry Pie
A Seasonal Delight
Celebrate the end of summer with a delicious blueberry pie. Packed with fresh, sweet blueberries and enveloped in a flaky crust, this pie is a wonderful seasonal treat.
Perfect for Sharing
A blueberry pie is a perfect dessert to share with family and friends. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust this recipe to your liking. Try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the filling or experiment with different types of crust for a unique twist.
14. Homemade Ice Cream
A Cool Treat
Cool down this Labor Day with some homemade ice cream. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or want to experiment with flavors like peach or mint chocolate chip, homemade ice cream is a delightful treat that’s worth the effort.
Great for Hot Days
Ice cream is the perfect dessert for a hot Labor Day. It’s a refreshing and satisfying way to end a day of celebration.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of homemade ice cream is that you can customize it however you want. Add mix-ins like chocolate chunks, crushed cookies, or fresh fruit to create your perfect ice cream.
15. Peach Cobbler
A Classic Summer Dessert
This timeless dessert perfectly captures the flavor of summer. Sweet, juicy peaches are baked with a crisp, buttery topping, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Perfect for a Potluck
Peach cobbler is a great dessert to bring to a potluck or gathering. It’s easy to make in large quantities and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to personalize this cobbler with your favorite summer fruits. You can also experiment with the topping, adding oats or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
16. Patriotic Cake Pops
Fun and Festive Dessert
These red, white, and blue cake pops are a fun and festive dessert for any Labor Day celebration. Kids and adults alike will love these bite-sized treats.
Great for Parties
Cake pops are perfect for parties. They’re easy to serve and eat, and their small size means you can try multiple flavors without filling up too quickly.
Customizable Dessert
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Try different cake and icing flavors, or get creative with your decorations to make these cake pops truly unique.
17. Watermelon Pizza
A Fun and Fruity Dessert
This watermelon pizza is a fun and healthy dessert that’s perfect for a hot Labor Day. Slices of fresh watermelon are topped with yogurt and a variety of fruits, creating a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
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Kid-Friendly Treat
This watermelon pizza is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit. They’ll love helping to decorate the “pizza”, and the sweet, juicy watermelon is a hit with kids of all ages.
Customizable Dessert
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Try different types of fruit or yogurt, or add some granola or nuts for extra crunch.
18. Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
A Twist on Two Classics
These apple pie ice cream sandwiches combine the classic flavors of apple pie and vanilla ice cream in a handheld dessert. They’re a cool and refreshing way to enjoy these traditional flavors.
Perfect for a BBQ
Ice cream sandwiches are a great dessert for a BBQ or outdoor gathering. They’re easy to eat and offer a sweet respite from the summer heat.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize these sandwiches. Try different flavors of ice cream, or swap the apples for other fruits for a unique twist on this dessert.
19. Cherry Almond Crisp
A Sweet and Crunchy Treat
This cherry almond crisp is a sweet and crunchy dessert that’s perfect for a Labor Day celebration. The tartness of the cherries is balanced by the sweetness of the topping, creating a dessert that’s both balanced and flavorful.
Ideal for End-of-Summer Celebrations
Cherries are at their peak in the summer, making this dessert a great way to celebrate the end of the season. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Make It Your Own
You can easily customize this dessert. Try using different fruits or swapping the almonds for other nuts to make this crisp your own.
20. Banana Pudding
A Creamy, Comforting Dessert
Banana pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s a perfect end to any Labor Day meal. Layers of ripe bananas, fluffy pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers make this a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
This pudding is great for a crowd, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus when you’re hosting a party.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize this dessert to your liking. You could try adding a layer of whipped cream on top, sprinkling some toasted coconut over the pudding, or even substituting the vanilla wafers with another type of cookie.
21. Patriotic Popsicles
A Cool Treat
These patriotic popsicles are a cool and refreshing treat that’s perfect for a hot Labor Day. With layers of red, white, and blue, they’re a fun and festive way to cool down.
Great for Kids
These popsicles are a great choice for kids. They’ll love the bright colors and sweet taste, and you’ll love that they’re getting a healthy dose of fruit.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize these popsicles. You can change up the flavors by using different types of fruit, or even add a splash of juice or coconut water for a hydrating twist.
22. Red Velvet Cupcakes
A Decadent Dessert
Red velvet cupcakes are a decadent and delicious dessert that’s perfect for Labor Day. Their rich flavor and bright color make them a standout treat.
Perfect for Parties
Cupcakes are a great choice for parties. They’re easy to serve and eat, and their individual portions make them a convenient choice for a gathering.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize these cupcakes. You could try adding different types of frosting, filling them with a sweet surprise, or decorating them with festive sprinkles.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – 22 irresistible Labor Day Desserts that are sure to add a sweet finish to your holiday festivities. Whether you opt for the quintessential blueberry pie, the festive red, white, and blue jello shots, or choose to surprise your guests with a creamy banana pudding, these Labor Day dessert ideas are a sure-fire way to make your gathering memorable.
So, start prepping now and make your Labor Day celebration an unforgettable, dessert-filled extravaganza! Remember, no matter what you choose, the key ingredient in each of these desserts is the love and joy of sharing good food with good company.
