15 Patriotic Memorial Day Cakes Perfect for Potlucks

Memorial Day gatherings call for desserts that celebrate America with delicious flavors and festive colors. These patriotic cakes bring red, white, and blue sweetness to your holiday table.

From classic flag designs to fresh berry creations, these recipes make your potluck contribution the star of the show.

01. Classic Red White Blue Flag Cake

Light vanilla cake decorated with fresh berries in a stunning flag pattern. This show-stopping dessert combines beautiful presentation with refreshing summer flavors.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 cups fresh blueberries, 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced).

How To Make Classic Red White Blue Flag Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes with an electric mixer.

2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan before frosting, about 2 hours.

4. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over cooled cake. Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner for stars, and create stripes using sliced strawberries across the remaining surface.

02. Spectacular American Flag Layer Cake

Multi-layer vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting and patriotic berry decoration. This impressive centerpiece delivers both stunning visual appeal and incredible taste.

Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1¼ cups buttermilk, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries, 1½ cups fresh blueberries.

How To Make Spectacular American Flag Layer Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and flour. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla. Combine cake flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour.

3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake 35-40 minutes until golden and pulling slightly from sides. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Place one layer on serving plate, spread with half the frosting, add second layer, and frost top and sides.

5. Create flag design by placing blueberries in upper left corner and arranging sliced strawberries in horizontal stripes across remaining surface. Chill 30 minutes before serving for best presentation.

03. Simple Tropical Pineapple Cake

Moist pineapple cake with crushed fruit and sweet glaze topping. This easy-to-make dessert fills your kitchen with wonderful tropical aromas while baking.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Simple Tropical Pineapple Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, eggs, crushed pineapple with all its juice, baking soda, and vanilla extract.

2. Mix ingredients together until just combined – don’t overmix as this can make the cake tough. The batter will be quite wet from the pineapple juice, which creates the cake’s signature moisture.

3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

4. While cake cools, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and spreadable.

5. Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over top. The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweet pineapple flavors underneath.

04. Rustic Cornmeal Berry Cake

Unique cornmeal cake layered with fresh strawberries and creamy filling. This distinctive dessert offers wonderful texture contrast and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced), 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened), 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

How To Make Rustic Cornmeal Berry Cake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.

2. In a separate bowl, beat together oil, egg, and milk until well blended. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened – lumps are okay and overmixing will make the cake dense.

3. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and pulling slightly from edges. Cool completely in pan, then cut into serving squares.

4. Layer cake squares with softened ice cream and sliced strawberries in individual serving dishes. For best results, freeze assembled desserts for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Just before serving, whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Top each portion with whipped cream for an extra special presentation that guests will remember.

05. Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight

Traditional shortcake biscuits layered with sweetened strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. This timeless dessert captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, ¾ cup heavy cream, 2 pounds fresh strawberries (sliced), ⅓ cup sugar for berries, 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Classic Strawberry Shortcake Delight

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut cold butter into small pieces and work into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Pour in ¾ cup cream and stir just until dough comes together – don’t overwork it. Turn onto floured surface and gently pat into ¾-inch thickness. Cut into 8 rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass.

3. Place shortcakes on prepared baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. Cool on wire rack while preparing other components.

4. Toss sliced strawberries with ⅓ cup sugar and let sit 30 minutes to create natural syrup. Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

5. Split warm shortcakes in half, fill with strawberries and whipped cream, then top with more berries and cream. Serve immediately while biscuits are still warm for the best experience.

06. Adorable Mini Lemon Tarts

Individual lemon curd tarts with buttery pastry shells perfect for parties. These hand-sized treats offer bright citrus flavor in an elegant, portable presentation.

Ingredients: 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, 1 large egg yolk, 2-3 tablespoons ice water, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon zest.

How To Make Adorable Mini Lemon Tarts

1. Make pastry by combining flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter pieces and pulse until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add egg yolk and ice water, pulsing just until dough forms.

2. Wrap dough in plastic and chill 1 hour. Roll out on floured surface and cut circles to fit 12 mini tart pans. Press dough into pans and trim edges neatly.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line tart shells with parchment and fill with pie weights. Bake 12 minutes, remove weights and parchment, then bake 8-10 minutes more until golden.

4. For lemon curd, whisk lemon juice, sugar, and eggs in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat a spoon, about 8 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and lemon zest until smooth. Strain through fine mesh sieve, then divide among cooled tart shells. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

07. Creamy Coconut Poke Cake

Vanilla cake soaked in sweet coconut milk and topped with fluffy coconut topping. This tropical-inspired dessert delivers incredible moisture and rich coconut flavor throughout.

Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix, 3 large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1¼ cups water, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut, 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (thawed), 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, ½ cup toasted coconut flakes for garnish.

How To Make Creamy Coconut Poke Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare cake according to package directions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake as directed until golden brown and pulling from edges.

2. While cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure holes go almost to the bottom of the cake.

3. In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into all the holes you created.

4. Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and cake to absorb all the coconut mixture completely.

5. Before serving, spread thawed whipped topping evenly over chilled cake and sprinkle with flaked coconut and toasted coconut for extra texture and visual appeal.

08. Amazing Surprise Banana Cake

Moist banana cake made with perfectly ripe bananas and warm spices. This easy recipe transforms overripe bananas into an absolutely delicious dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients: 3 very ripe bananas (mashed), 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional).

How To Make Amazing Surprise Banana Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth – a few small lumps are perfectly fine and add nice texture.

2. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to mashed bananas, mixing well until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and well blended at this point.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into banana mixture just until combined – don’t overmix or cake will be tough.

4. Fold in chopped walnuts if using, then pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Cool completely in pan before cutting and serving. This cake actually tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together beautifully.

09. Heavenly Strawberries and Cream Cake

Light and fluffy vanilla cake layered with fresh strawberries and rich buttercream frosting. This elegant dessert has earned legendary status among cake lovers everywhere.

Ingredients: 2¾ cups cake flour, 1¾ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1¼ cups whole milk, 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced).

How To Make Heavenly Strawberries and Cream Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and flour. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes with electric mixer.

2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In separate bowl, whisk cake flour and baking powder together. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.

3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake 25-30 minutes until golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks.

4. For buttercream frosting, beat 1 cup butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Beat on high speed 3 minutes until very light.

5. Place one layer on serving plate, spread with frosting, arrange sliced strawberries over frosting, add second layer, and frost top and sides. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries just before serving.

10. Tender Blueberry Coffee Cake

Incredibly tender cake studded with fresh blueberries and topped with cinnamon streusel. This picnic-perfect dessert has been a family favorite for generations.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 large egg, ¾ cup milk, 1½ cups fresh blueberries, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, 3 tablespoons cold butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

How To Make Tender Blueberry Coffee Cake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, whisking until evenly distributed.

2. In separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and milk until well combined. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened – batter will be slightly lumpy.

3. Gently fold in fresh blueberries, being careful not to burst them. Toss berries in a little flour first to prevent them from sinking to bottom during baking.

4. For streusel topping, combine brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces remaining.

5. Spread batter in prepared pan and sprinkle streusel evenly over top. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

11. Delicious Strawberry Crunch Cake

Moist vanilla cake topped with strawberries and crunchy topping reminiscent of ice cream bars. This fun dessert brings back childhood memories with every delicious bite.

Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix, 3 large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1¼ cups water, 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced), ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 sleeve vanilla wafers, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (thawed), red food coloring (optional).

How To Make Delicious Strawberry Crunch Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Mix cake according to package directions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour into prepared pan and bake as directed until golden.

2. While cake bakes, toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and let sit to create natural syrup. Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

3. Mix crushed wafer crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired to create that signature pink color reminiscent of ice cream bars.

4. Once cake is completely cool, spread thawed whipped topping evenly over entire surface. Arrange sweetened strawberries over whipped topping, distributing evenly.

5. Sprinkle the buttered crumb mixture generously over strawberries and whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to set properly.

12. Refreshing Summer Fruit Trifle

Layered dessert with cake, fresh fruits, and creamy pudding in a beautiful glass bowl. This impressive potluck dessert requires minimal baking skills but delivers maximum wow factor.

Ingredients: 1 store-bought pound cake, 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding, 4 cups cold milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced), 2 cups fresh blueberries, 1 cup fresh raspberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.

How To Make Refreshing Summer Fruit Trifle

1. Cut pound cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside. Prepare pudding according to package directions using cold milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form – don’t overwhip or it will become grainy. Gently fold half the whipped cream into prepared pudding for extra richness.

3. Toss all fresh berries with granulated sugar and let sit 15 minutes to release natural juices. This creates a lovely syrup that adds extra flavor to each layer.

4. In a large glass trifle bowl or clear serving dish, layer half the cake cubes, then half the pudding mixture, followed by half the sweetened berries. Repeat layers once more.

5. Top with remaining whipped cream and garnish with a few perfect berries. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set beautifully.

13. Perfect Sour Cream Pound Cake

Rich and dense pound cake with incredible buttery flavor and tender crumb. This phenomenal dessert stands alone beautifully or serves as the perfect base for fresh fruit.

Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 3 cups granulated sugar, 6 large eggs, 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional).

How To Make Perfect Sour Cream Pound Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan. Cream butter and sugar in large bowl until very light and fluffy, about 8 minutes with electric mixer.

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving the cake’s signature dense yet tender texture.

3. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

4. Beat in vanilla extract and lemon zest if using. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula. Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then carefully turn out onto wire rack to cool completely. This cake actually improves with age, so wrap well and let sit overnight before serving for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

These patriotic cakes bring festive spirit and delicious flavors to your Memorial Day celebration. Each recipe offers something special for your potluck table.

Whether you choose classic flag designs or tropical fruit flavors, these desserts create lasting memories for family and friends gathering together.