Gathering on Memorial Day to honor those who have served is important to our family. We love to host patriotic cookouts, because the theme is meaningful, easy to put together, and fun for everyone. Here are three of our favorite and most simple red, white, and blue desserts that are sure to make your guests smile this year.

The American Trifle

This dish is great because you can prepare it ahead of time, it’s pretty, and it doesn’t take that long to make! This recipe serves 12.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75 ounce) package pound cake
• 1/2 cup almond flavored liqueur​
• 1 cup strawberry jam
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (16 ounce) package strawberries
• 1 (16 ounce) package blueberries

For a kid-friendly recipe, replace the liqueur with orange or pineapple juice.

Steps:

• Cut pound cake horizontally into three layers; brush both sides of each layer with liqueur.
• Divide and spread jam on top of bottom and middle pound cake layers. Stack layers and cut into 12 slices. Cut each slice in half.
• Line the bottom and side of trifle bowl with pound cake slices. Top with half of the strawberries and blueberries.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread half of the whipped cream over fruit in bowl.
• Set aside strawberries and blueberries for garnish. Top with remaining fruit and whipped cream. Garnish with remaining fruit.
• Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Festive Yogurt Pops

These are a cute way to cool down during your cookout, and only take fifteen minutes to prepare! This recipe makes 10 popsicles.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
• 1/2 lb fresh blueberries
• 2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

You will also need a popsicle mold.

Steps:

• Fill 1 teaspoon of the bottom of each popsicle mold with yogurt.
• Drop 1 teaspoon of chopped strawberries on top. Add another teaspoon of yogurt then 3-4 blueberries, depending on their size.
• Repeat the process until all of the molds are full.
• Freeze 4 hours or overnight.
• Run molds under warm water to loosen the popsicles before removing them.
  

Red White and Blue Cherry-Stuffed Oreos

This is a favorite among adults and kids alike! The recipe makes two dozen, and the leftovers will stay delicious if kept in a sealed container for about two weeks.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14.3 oz) package regular Oreos
• 8 oz brick of cream cheese
• 24 maraschino cherries
• 1 1/2 cups Wilton white candy melts
• 1 Tablespoon solid shortening
• Patriotic sprinkles or jimmies

Instructions:

• Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.
• Place Oreos in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely crushed, and then put the fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the softened cream cheese in the bowl and mix well until completely blended (about 2-3 minutes).
• Roll the Oreo mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the cookie sheet.
• Flatten each ball like a pancake. Using the bottom of a drinking glass to do this is effective.
• Place a maraschino cherry in the middle of each flattened Oreo ball. Completely cover each cherry by bringing up the sides of the Oreo mixture and rolling it into a ball again with your hands. Place back on cookie sheet.
• Chill Oreo truffles for at least 30 minutes.
• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the shortening for 45 seconds. Add the white chocolate melts and stir until completely melted. You may have to microwave for additional 12 second intervals until the chocolate melts. Stir after each interval.
• Using a toothpick, dip a chilled Oreo truffle into the melted white chocolate. Immediately, place it back on the cookie sheet and sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles or jimmies. (Because the truffles are chilled, the chocolate hardens very quickly). Repeat until all truffles are covered and decorated.

Pick one (or more!) of these easy and delicious red, white, and blue desserts, and your guests will be impressed with your festivity and have the perfect ending to their meal.

We love everything family here at Norfleet Homes. Give us a call at (352) 354-5110 or visit our website if you are interested in learning more about joining one of our communities.