Labor Day is just around the corner—the perfect excuse to sit back, relax, and savor the long weekend. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, enjoying a cozy dinner for two, or treating yourself to some solo downtime, nothing caps off a summer day better than late-summer-inspired desserts.
Labor Day is more than just the unofficial end of summer (and white pants season). It’s an invitation to celebrate balance amid busy lives—a moment to honor work, family, and passions while embracing rest. Think lingering alfresco lunches, coffee sipped slowly, and desserts that feel both indulgent and easy.
Here’s our roundup of 15 Labor Day desserts that will make your long weekend extra sweet. From simple crowd-pleasers to show-stopping treats, there’s something here for everyone.
1. 5-Ingredient Fruit Sorbet
No-churn, no-fuss, all flavor. This fruit sorbet bursts with summer’s sweetest fruits and is perfect for a light, refreshing dessert that everyone will love.
2. Honeydew Slushie
Part drink, part dessert—blend honeydew melon with creamy coconut milk, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey for a cool, subtly sweet treat.
3. No-Bake White Chocolate Lemon Cardamom Slices
A few simple ingredients transform into a creamy, dreamy dessert. White chocolate sweetens and binds, lemon adds brightness, and a cookie crust ties it all together.
4. Summer Fruit Fools
Macerated berries meet whipped cream in this simple, make-ahead dessert. Easy to prep and perfect for chilling until serving—a Labor Day dessert win for hosts.
5. Grilled Peaches with Honey
Ripe peaches brushed with olive oil, grilled to perfection, and finished with a drizzle of honey. Sweet, slightly charred, and utterly irresistible.
6. Mango-Basil Ice Cream
Dairy-free, fragrant, and creamy. Mango and basil combine with coconut milk for a fresh and sophisticated summer dessert.
7. One-Bowl Brownie Recipe
Fudgy, chewy, and perfect for center or edge lovers alike. Quick to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
8. Raspberry–Bourbon Mascarpone Tartlets
Mini tarts that look elegant and taste divine. Raspberry, mascarpone, and bourbon make these tartlets a labor-intensive treat worth the effort.
9. Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches
Prep in advance for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, coffee, and rum soak into a moist, flavorful sponge.
10. Brown Butter Bourbon Apple Crisp
Classic apple crisp with a twist—brown butter and a hint of bourbon elevate tart apples to a decadent dessert perfect for late summer.
11. Berries & Cream Layer Cake
Festive and customizable, this cake layers fluffy sponge with cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping centerpiece.
12. Double Chocolate Skillet Cookie
A giant cookie baked in a skillet—chewy, chocolatey, and perfect with scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. Dessert paradise, guaranteed.
13. Strawberries and Cream Pavlova
Crisp-yet-airy meringue piled high with juicy berries—beautiful, delicate, and utterly indulgent.
14. Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcakes
Classic shortcake reinvented—vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Fresh shortcakes, whipped coconut cream, and macerated strawberries make this dessert irresistible.
15. Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Bakery-style cookies with tart raspberries and gooey chocolate chunks. Chewy, golden-edged, and bursting with flavor.
These desserts will turn any Labor Day weekend into a sweet celebration—whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself. Which one will you make first?
