Sweet Treats for Labor Day Weekend: Delicious Dessert Ideas and Recipes
Labor Day weekend is all about celebrating the end of summer with good food, great company, and plenty of fun in the sun. No cookout or gathering is complete without some delicious desserts to top off the meal. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or a casual get-together, these dessert ideas and recipes are perfect for your Labor Day festivities. From refreshing fruit-based treats to rich, indulgent sweets, we’ve got you covered.
1. Grilled Peach and Blueberry Cobbler
Ingredients:
4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 package refrigerated biscuit dough
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
In a large bowl, toss the peach halves and blueberries with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they are slightly softened and have grill marks.
Transfer the peaches to a cast-iron skillet, cut-side up. Scatter the blueberries over the peaches.
Brush the melted butter over the biscuit dough and arrange the dough on top of the fruit in the skillet.
Place the skillet on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of bourbon to the fruit mixture before grilling.
2. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Tip: For a fun twist, add a layer of strawberry jam between the crust and the cream cheese filling.
3. Lemon Blueberry Trifle
Ingredients:
1 prepared pound cake, cut into cubes
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup lemon curd
2 cups whipped cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the pound cake cubes, blueberries, lemon curd, and whipped cream.
Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish with lemon zest and a few extra blueberries.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tip: You can substitute the pound cake with angel food cake for a lighter version of this trifle.
4. S’mores Brownie Bars
Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare it)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups mini marshmallows
4 chocolate bars, broken into pieces
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter over the graham cracker crust.
Bake the brownies for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate pieces on top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden and the chocolate is melted.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tip: For a gooey texture, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows before serving.
5. Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
1/2 cup sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup water
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, lime juice, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool.
Stir the lime syrup into the watermelon puree.
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 1 hour. After an hour, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, or until the sorbet is firm.
Scoop the sorbet into bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Tip: For a fun presentation, serve the sorbet in hollowed-out watermelon halves.
Conclusion
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to indulge in some sweet treats while enjoying the company of family and friends. These dessert recipes are easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity cobbler, a creamy cheesecake, or a refreshing sorbet, these desserts will make your holiday weekend extra special.
Comments