Labor Day marks the summer season’s last hurrah. Whether you’re grilling out with hot dogs and burgers or opting for a more low-key hang, the party isn’t truly official until dessert is served. These recipes don’t disappoint—from festive trifles to classic sheet cakes, brownies, and blondies, there’s a sweet option for everyone.
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Lemon Lush
MacKenzie Schieck
“I made this exactly as written for a potluck and it was perfect. I received lots of compliments and requests for the recipe. I don’t recommend changing the crust. It adds a crunch texture without being sweet. It’s the perfect complement to the cream cheese and lemon mixture.” –Cheryl Longeway Hogan
Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bites
Chef John
“These are great. This is the first time I made a cheesecake and everyone loved it,” says Susan Nunn. “I didn’t have mini cupcake tins, so I used regular-sized muffin tins, and this recipe made 6. I baked for 20 mins and they were done. I had extra batter, so I’m going to make a small cake so it doesn’t go to waste.”
Texas Sheet Cake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I have made this several time for large gatherings and it is always a hit! Tonight I made it in mini muffin pans, and one batch made 72 perfect bite sized treats!” –fuzzy
All-American Trifle
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“I have made it twice for get togethers. Everyone loved it. Co-workers enjoyed it as well. I have given this recipe to many people. The blueberries are like a burst of fruit. Its scrumptious !!” –Bettie Wedding
American Flag Cake
“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,” says minaayindra. “If there is any downside, it is the amount of time to prepare, since you must not only make the 4 cake layers, but also cut and mold and frost in-between various shapes and decorate the top… but it was ALL worth it.”
S’mores Brownies
“Followed some of the other suggestions, broke the graham crackers into smaller pieces, and only put the toppings on for the last 7-8 minutes of baking,” says Mary Gitzen. “They were a hit and did not last long. Will make again.”
Heaven on Earth Cake
Hannah Hufham / Food Styling: Amanda Stanfield / Prop Styling: Keoshia McGhee
“I made this exactly per the recipe. This is so outrageously delicious it should be illegal.” –Tom K.
Blonde Brownies
France C
“Awesome. Dangerously good,” says megg. “When you want a great chocolate chip cookie but don’t want to make cookies. I toasted my walnuts while oven was preheating because they were frozen. Next time I’ll try mixing in the chocolate chips.”
Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake
“I’ve never made a cake this simple before . . . and this delicious. It really is a dump cake! My family loved it.” –Robin Nobles
Apple-Raspberry Crisp
“OMG! I made this three times now and every time, not a drop left on the plate. I followed the recipe exactly. It was deliciouso!” –nansweetnan
Death by Chocolate Trifle
Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali
“Delicious! Made for my Bible study group and it was a big hit!” says Patricia Stenzel Askew. “Just made it for our camping trip this weekend, requested by my hubby!’
Seven Layer Bars
“These have been my favorite bars since my Aunt Gladys brought a pan to our house when I was about 10. I’m 76 now, thank you Auntie. I have been making these for over 50 years and still love them!” –Anita C
Cherry Yum Yum
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“This really brings back memories from the past, those desserts that our grandparents used to make that would fascinate the entire family. I followed the directions and the dessert came together quite quickly and the flavors brought back so many memories. A family favorite for sure.” –LovesCooking
Nanaimo Bars
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“My Grammy, from Canada, used to make these. Yummy! If you can’t find custard powder, instant vanilla pudding works too.” –Julie
