15 Festive Memorial Day Cakes for Your Potluck

Win best-dessert at your upcoming gathering with these stunning (and patriotic) cakes).

slice of blueberry cake on a white plate
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

If you're in charge of the Memorial Day desserts at the potluck this weekend, you're going to want to keep reading because we've complied our favorite ideas for the holiday. These Memorial Day cake ideas are surely patriotic, but they're also delicious and highly impressive. From pound cakes to flag-decorated shortcakes, this collection of Memorial Day cakes has a treat for every type of occasion.

01 of 15

American Flag Cake

American Flag Cake
Allrecipes Magazine

"Absolute best show-stopping cake I have ever served! My guests were so impressed that they didn't want to cut into it, but they did and the taste was superb! Moist, colorful and just extraordinary for a patriotic holiday." — Minaayindra

02 of 15

Strawberry Crunch Cake

looking at a large slice of strawberry crunch cake on a plate with remaining on a cake stand behind
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This cake was fun to make, and the directions were easy to follow. The crumbly top came out tasting exactly like what is on the ice cream bars, so that was very cool and probably the most fun part." — Sweeters

03 of 15

Melt in Your Mouth Blueberry Cake

Side view blueberry cake

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe developer Irenedee says that this is tender is "one of my mom's specialties from years ago. It is a great cake to take along to a picnic."

04 of 15

Cornmeal Strawberry Cake

Side view chocolate ice cream cake on a blue plate

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Thank you for the best ice cream cake (that actually has cake in it) recipe! My family loved it! I was nervous making it in the hottest month in Arizona, and having to transport it across town but I followed someone's tip to make the cake the day before and freeze it. The result was a perfectly frozen ice cream cake and the 20 minute car ride in 118° heat made it perfect consistency to eat when I arrived!"
— Allrecipes Member

05 of 15

Summer Fruit Trifle

a gorgeous trifle layered with cake, fresh blueberries and fresh strawberries. stack of plates nearby for serving
Meredith Food Studios

"I made this for a Memorial Day barbecue potluck, and it was a hit! I am not very good with desserts, so the easier and simpler the better. Minimal ingredients, easy, refreshing, tasty, the perfect summer dessert!" — Michele Stern Galindo

06 of 15

Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake

Red White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake
Salbac

"This cake is so easy to make, very light and so delicious! It was a huge hit for our gathering! I will be making this again for sure!" — Gina McMurtray

07 of 15

Coconut Poke Cake

a slice of coconut poke cake, plated, and topped with toasted coconut.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This coconut poke cake is simple to make with white cake soaked in sweet, creamy coconut milk and smothered in whipped topping and crispy flaked coconut—a real treat for those who love coconut!" —Leslie

08 of 15

Strawberries and Cream Cake

close up view of a Strawberries and Cream Cake garnished with sliced strawberries and blueberries
Teresa

"This is the best cake I've ever made, I'm now known as the "cake lady" by the seniors in the area. This cake is very light and fluffy, and delicious. My daughter loves it. I had a previous printed version of this cake and use one cup of softened butter for the frosting." — Suzanna Haughey

09 of 15

Sour Cream Pound Cake

Side view bundt cake

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This pound cake is phenomenal. My brother-in-law loves pound cake and he says this is the best. I occasionally add lemon zest but that’s it!" — Allrecipes Member

10 of 15

All-American Flag Cake

All American Flag Cake
Sue Burch Zerbe

"I have been making this for years, everyone loves it so light and refreshing!" — Sheila

11 of 15

S'mores Cupcakes

s'mores cupcakes with graham cracker crust, chocolate cupcake, and marshmallow frosting on board

Kim

Recipe developer Kim says "These s'mores cupcakes take quite a bit of time (and dishes) to make—I won’t lie. However, the end result is a gorgeously delicious confection with a crisp graham cracker crust, rich chocolate cake middle, and a billowy toasted marshmallow frosting."

12 of 15

Mini Lemon Tarts

Mini lemon tarts with shortbread crust and garnished with fresh berries

Kim S

These mini lemon tarts are perfectly hand-sized that recipe developer Brenda Venable says is the "the perfect size for parties!"

13 of 15

A Memorial Day Carrot Cake Recipe

A Memorial Day Carrot Cake Recipe

"This carrot cake is very moist. I followed the recipe, added 1/2 teaspoon ginger and omitted the walnuts. I also decorated the cake with sliced almonds. Our guests were asking for seconds! Thank you for sharing such a great gluten-free recipe!" — Fabienne Riesen

14 of 15

Surprise Banana Cake

Slice of banana cake cut out from larger cake on cutting board

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I had some ripe bananas laying around and I didn’t feel like doing my usual banana loaf. I went searching for a cake recipe and came across this one. I figured I’d give it a shot. I have to say it came out fantastic and this is an absolutely delicious cake and so easy to make too. Thank you for the recipe." — Sizzle3148

15 of 15

Easy Pineapple Cake

A slice of frosted pineapple cake, with a pan of frosted cake in the background

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"The entire family raved about this cake. I enjoyed making it and the house had a mildly sweet pineapple smell. Kudos to the author for a great recipe." — Peggy

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