The grill might get all the attention on Memorial Day, but these 23 easy bakes are ready to steal the spotlight. They’re simple to make, packed with nostalgic charm, and perfect for any backyard gathering. From sweet treats to comforting classics, these bakes are what everyone will actually remember. If you're looking to make Memorial Day feel like a real celebration, these recipes are the way to do it.
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie brings a rich, sticky filling and crisp crust to the table with no complicated steps needed. It’s the kind of classic dessert that demands a spot right next to the grill this Memorial Day. Every buttery slice feels as festive as the backyard around it. Cutting into this pie feels like you already won the party.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake
Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake folds fresh citrus and cranberries into a moist, simple batter that’s perfect for springtime eating. It’s light, flavorful, and easy enough to bake ahead for Memorial Day gatherings. The pop of color and brightness brings a fresh take to the dessert table. Serving a slice feels like putting a little sunshine on every plate.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake
Walnut and Chocolate Cookies
Walnut and Chocolate Cookies bake up crisp-edged and full of rich chocolate flavor with just the right crunch. They’re fast, crowd-friendly, and exactly what a busy backyard party needs. Stacking these high keeps dessert casual but still worth remembering. Grabbing one feels like sneaking a little victory from the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Walnut and Chocolate Cookies
Almond Cranberry Cake
Almond Cranberry Cake bakes soft and fragrant with tart cranberries folded into every slice for a pop of flavor. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of bake that fits a casual Memorial Day perfectly. The slightly sweet crumb and bright berries make it easy to serve and hard to forget. Cutting into it feels like finding the good stuff hidden under the foil.
Get the Recipe: Almond Cranberry Cake
Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread
Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread stirs ripe bananas, peanut flavor, and chocolate into one hearty loaf that’s ready for a crowd. It’s simple to bake and easy to slice up for a backyard gathering. The rich, nostalgic flavors hit the mark without needing anything extra. Passing this around feels like bringing out a quiet show-stealer.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread
Spiced Beer Bread
Spiced Beer Bread mixes up in minutes with a little beer and a lot of easygoing flavor, no kneading required. It bakes golden and crisp, making it just right for casual Memorial Day tables. The tender crumb and subtle spice fit perfectly next to anything hot off the grill. Slicing into it feels like grabbing the real prize of the party.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Beer Bread
Orange Cranberry Scones
Orange Cranberry Scones bake soft and flaky with bright pops of cranberry and a hint of orange zest. They’re a breezy treat that fits as well on a picnic blanket as it does next to a full spread. The easy prep makes them a smart move for a busy holiday morning. Breaking one open feels like making every backyard brunch just a little better.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Scones
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Pumpkin Spice Muffins whip up quickly with classic spices that taste good no matter the season. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and easy to grab between games of backyard cornhole. The tender centers and spiced flavor bring familiar comfort to a fresh-air event. Unwrapping one feels like pulling a little piece of fall into your May afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart
Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart layers rich caramel and crunchy walnuts on a rustic crust for a showpiece that’s still low-fuss. It’s just fancy enough to impress without feeling out of place at a cookout. The earthy flavor keeps things grounded but memorable. Slicing into this feels like setting the dessert bar a little higher.
Get the Recipe: Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart
Gluten-Free Apple Cake
Gluten-Free Apple Cake bakes soft and moist with pockets of cinnamon-kissed apple in every bite. It’s the kind of easygoing dessert that belongs on a picnic table without needing a second thought. The simple, old-school flavor keeps it anchored in classic comfort. Serving it up feels like making sure there’s something real next to the store-bought cookies.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Cake
Apple Galette
Apple Galette folds tender apples into a flaky, rustic pastry that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s laid-back enough for a casual Memorial Day but still special enough to feel like you tried. The golden crust and juicy fruit make it one of the first desserts to disappear. Cutting a slice feels like getting away with a little extra magic.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette
Gluten-Free Honey Cake
Gluten-Free Honey Cake bakes into a tender loaf sweetened naturally with rich, golden honey. It’s easy to pull together and perfect for cutting into picnic-ready slices. The simple sweetness and moist crumb keep it timeless and table-friendly. Sharing it feels like passing around a little bit of old-school comfort.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Honey Cake
Gingerbread Loaf Casserole
Gingerbread Loaf Casserole stirs bold spices and molasses into a soft, hearty bake that feels comforting and celebratory all at once. It’s a cozy counterpoint to all the burgers and hot dogs around it. The rich, deep flavor stands out without needing a lot of fuss. Slicing into it feels like pulling a secret weapon from your May menu.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Loaf Casserole
Spiced and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Spiced and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies bake up soft with just the right balance of cozy spice and chewy texture. They’re simple, snackable, and disappear quickly at any outdoor spread. The familiar flavor profile feels good any time the wind changes. Grabbing a handful feels like winning Memorial Day one cookie at a time.
Get the Recipe: Spiced and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Cinnamon Chocolate Rugelach
Cinnamon Chocolate Rugelach rolls buttery pastry around cinnamon and chocolate for a flaky, handheld treat that’s easy to grab and go. They look impressive but bake up without any heavy lifting. The rich, layered flavor makes them a standout even against grilled everything. Biting into one feels like uncovering the real star of the backyard spread.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Chocolate Rugelach
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Chocolate Raspberry Tart pairs rich chocolate with bright raspberries over a crisp crust for a dessert that looks fancier than it feels to make. It’s a bold way to finish any Memorial Day meal without getting bogged down in complicated steps. The pop of color draws attention even before the first slice. Serving it feels like landing the final perfect note at the party.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos
Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos bake up crispy outside and soft inside with tender apples and a granola crunch. They’re a fresh, spring-friendly version of a familiar old-school treat. The baked method keeps things light without losing that celebratory feel. Piling these up feels like filling the dessert table with something everyone wishes they thought of first.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Muffins stir sweet, juicy berries into a tender, simple batter that’s perfect for morning gatherings or afternoon snacking. They bake up golden and soft, ready to grab and go without any ceremony. Their familiar, no-fail charm makes them a must for easy Memorial Day eating. Unwrapping one feels like giving a nod to every good picnic memory you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Muffins
Blood Orange Cake
Blood Orange Cake bakes bright and moist with citrus slices baked right into the top for a stunning finish. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to slice for big backyard gatherings. The colorful look and fresh flavor stand out against the usual grill fare. Slicing into it feels like pulling a little extra sunshine onto the table.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange Cake
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread bakes crisp and chewy with herbal notes that fit right into a spread of grilled favorites. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own or soak up whatever barbecue sauce comes its way. The rustic look and old-school technique feel perfectly suited for a classic Memorial Day. Tearing into it feels like sharing something better than store-bought buns.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread stirs rich cocoa and sweet bananas into a moist, hearty loaf that’s ready for slicing and sharing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes just a little effort but feels like a big win. The simple, nostalgic flavors hit just right under a backyard tent. Passing a slice feels like you packed dessert and memories into one.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Spiced Apple Butter Cake
Spiced Apple Butter Cake layers soft cake and cozy apple flavor into an easy bake that stays moist and rich. It’s the kind of no-fuss dessert that keeps guests coming back for another slice. The warm spices and old-school vibe feel right at home on a Memorial Day table. Serving it up feels like bringing the best kind of comfort straight to the party.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Butter Cake
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies blend crisp butteriness with bright lemon and a hint of herbal rosemary for a snack that’s both fresh and nostalgic. They’re easy to bake ahead and perfect for casual nibbling between rounds of backyard games. The simple, elegant flavor feels like a breath of fresh air next to all the heavy mains. Grabbing a cookie feels like giving May its proper due.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
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