39 Labor Day Desserts to Close Out Summer

Hosting a Labor Day party requires a lot of preparation. Aside from deciding on the main and side dishes, picking the perfect dessert for the occasion will be the cherry on top of the cake that will fully satisfy your guests. 

But how are you supposed to decide between all the different Labor Day dessert ideas? From pies to cakes and even cannolis — it’s a tough decision to make. We listed 39 Labor Day desserts below to help you out.

1. Apple pie

There’s nothing more Americana than having apple pie at your Labor Day party. It’s a beloved dessert that will be very popular among your guests. You can also order a premade apple pie to save even more time. 

2. Strawberry shortcake

There’s nothing more refreshing than enjoying a delicious treat covered in strawberries. This dish is easy to prepare by purchasing bakers dessert shells and pairing them with fresh or frozen strawberries. Add some whipped cream for a finishing touch to your strawberry shortcake.

3. Ice cream

Having ice cream available at your Labor Day party is essential. Ice cream pairs well with any main dessert dish you plan on having and can also serve as its very own dessert option. Put this easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe to the test — it’s sure to impress!

4. Brownies

Brownies are another classic Labor Day dessert option to prepare for your guests. Chocolate is typically a favorite, and pairing it with a side of ice cream will add a refreshing touch on a hot day.

5. Cupcakes

Vanilla or chocolate cupcakes are the perfect dessert when you’re on the go. Since each cupcake is individually prepared, you won’t have to worry about cutting something up for everyone.

6. Popsicles

If you have any kids attending your Labor Day party, having popsicles will be a hit! It’ll also be the perfect treat to keep kids hydrated and cool on a hot summer day.

7. Simple cakes

Having a cake available is the ultimate way to say goodbye to summer at your Labor Day party. Labor Day cakes can purchased or prepared in various flavor options. Choose from angel food cake to mixed fruits, depending on your guests’ cravings.

8. Eclairs

If you’d like to offer a more elegant dessert, then eclairs are perfect. They’re very rich and oh-so-delicious! 

9. Cheesecake

With so many flavorful options, from creamy cheesecakes to chocolate, you can’t go wrong with having a cheesecake available for your guests. It’s the perfect refreshing treat as a hot and humid Labor Day party begins to wind down.

10. Dessert bars

Dessert bars are the perfect grab-and-go dessert option to have at a Labor Day party. Dessert bars can also come in a variety of flavors like lemon, chocolate, cinnamon and much more.

11. Cream puffs

Cream puffs are a rich and sugary option that hit the ultimate sweet spot. This cream puff recipe is easy to prepare if you’re in a time crunch getting ready for your party.

12. Dessert barks

Dessert barks are like the dessert version of chips, which your guests are sure to enjoy. You can have various flavor options available, like white and milk chocolate sprinkled with nuts for a rich dessert to snack on.

13. Cookies

If you’re looking for an easy dessert to prepare or pick up at the store, Labor Day cookies are among the most beloved options. Depending on what you’re craving, you might opt for classic sugar cookies or a chocolate and peanut butter combo.

14. Dessert breads

Dessert breads are a great baking option you can make yourself or purchase. There are a variety of flavors like banana, pumpkin, apple and much more. This cinnamon swirl bread is the perfect choice for any celebration.

15. Blueberry pie

A fruit pie gives your guests a refreshing dessert option. Create a patriotic-themed dessert by making a blueberry pie featuring fresh berries with whipped cream for a tasty Labor Day dessert.

16. Cannoli

Cannoli is a classic, rich dessert to offer at your Labor Day party. They’re sure to be a tasty favorite that will fill your guests up toward the end of your party.

17. Frozen yogurt

If you have guests looking for a low-calorie treat but craving ice cream, consider offering frozen yogurt. It will be a great refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.

18. Tarts

Guests who love baked goods with fruit will be thrilled to see some delicious tarts in your dessert lineup. Tarts come in various fruit selections, like mixed berries, lemon, blueberries, strawberries and much more. Try making this velvety fruit tart full of flavor.

19. Layered cakes

Making something from scratch gives you an element of creative freedom. Consider picking up a package of lady fingers, fresh fruit or chocolate candies to make box cake taste better.

20. Cake pops

Cake pops are the perfect party dessert for children and adults alike, and it’s easy to figure out exactly how many to make. Plan for one to two pops per guest and have a few to spare in case of any accidents!

21. Fruit salad

You can never go wrong with fruit salad if you’re looking for Labor Day dessert ideas. This colorful treat is perfect for snacking on throughout the party. Add American flag toothpicks for a festive yet practical treat.

22. Crispy rice treats

This classic dessert is simple to make and delicious to enjoy! Mix in food coloring to bake a set of red, white and blue crispy rice treats.

23. Candy bars

Give your guests the gift of choice with a fully stocked candy bar and small cups or bowls they can fill up with their favorite sweets. Pick candy in red, white and blue colors for a patriotic touch.

24. Ice cream cake

Cool off with an ice cream cake if you’re looking for Labor Day dessert ideas. The layers of ice cream and cake make a delicious pair everyone will enjoy.

25. Peach pie

Soak in the last celebration of summer with a pie full of fresh peaches. Don’t forget to serve this juicy, sweet peach pie with a scoop of ice cream.

26. Bread pudding

Bread pudding is a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and equally tasty. Jazz up your dessert with whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries in season.

27. Strawberry sorbet

Few things are as refreshing as strawberry sorbet on a hot summer day. Don’t forget to let your sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the creamiest consistency. 

28. Patriotic fruit trifle

Trifles are tasty Labor Day dessert ideas that require only a few ingredients. This patriotic trifle will be the star of your party, with folks coming back for seconds and thirds!

29. Banana pudding

This creamy, dreamy banana pudding is a decadent treat for all occasions. The crunch of the wafers layered with pudding and ripened bananas is a slice of heaven.

30. Blueberry muffins

These blueberry muffins are the ultimate treat for Labor Day with their blue hues. Make a large batch for your upcoming breakfast potluck or celebration.

31. Cherry cobbler

You can’t host a Labor Day party without a batch of cherry cobbler. The juicy cherries and buttery biscuits are a perfect match.

32. Key lime pie

Transform your Labor Day celebration into a Key West tropical paradise. This tangy key lime pie tastes like summer with every bite.

33. Upside-down cake

You don’t have to wait until the end of summer to indulge in this upside-down cake. Your friends will beg you to make this buttery, caramelized cake for all occasions.

34. S’mores

Take your Labor Day dessert ideas to the next level with these s’mores. Indulge in a nostalgic treat that only requires a few ingredients and steps.

35. Chocolate mousse cups

Satisfy your summer sweet tooth with chocolate mousse cups. These individual desserts for Labor Day are rich and creamy — taste the sweetness with every bite!

36. Berries and cream parfaits

Layer your way to Labor Day dessert bliss with this refreshing berry and cream parfait. A delightful combination of sweet berries and creamy yogurt or whipped cream is the perfect ending to summer.

37. Fruit pizza

Make a splash at your Labor Day party with this vibrant fruit pizza. A crispy cookie crust topped with a thin layer of cream cheese and an assortment of fresh fruits creates a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

38. Lemon crinkle cookies

Add a hint of zest to your celebration with these lemon crinkle cookies. With their signature crackled tops and bright lemon flavor, these Labor Day cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat to celebrate the end of summer.

39. Ice cream sandwiches

Cool down with ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors for a customizable and delicious Labor Day dessert.

How to decorate your desserts for Labor Day

There are many ways to give your desserts a Labor Day theme. Here is how to decorate your desserts for Labor Day:

• Add miniature American flags to the dishes or insert them into the dessert.
• Find red, white and blue sprinkles to use as a garnish for the desserts to add a festive flair.
• Provide place settings that are red, white and blue to create a celebratory ambiance for the holiday.

Additional Labor Day food guides

If you found this guide on Labor Day desserts helpful but you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the following guides:

• Labor Day menu ideas for your holiday party
• Crowd-pleasing Labor Day cake ideas for your party
• Labor Day food traditions to try

Indulge in something sweet this Labor Day 

You can make or buy a variety of Labor Day desserts at your local grocery store. You can find everything from fruit salad to blueberry muffins and everything in between.

Place an order for a premade dessert for Labor Day or the ingredients to make one of the recipes above with the help of Instacart. Choose same-day pickup or delivery to accommodate your busy schedule. For added convenience, you can have your shopper leave your order at the door, and they’ll notify you after it arrives.