21 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Canada Day

21 Ultimate Canada Day Desserts: Festive Red & White Treats & Iconic Canadian Classics

Planning the perfect Canada Day celebration culminates in a truly spectacular and festive dessert. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or an intimate family picnic, the sweet finale to your July 1st feast is essential. This comprehensive guide has you covered, offering an incredible selection of Canada Day desserts designed to delight every palate. From convenient last-minute no-bake options and impressive showstopper cakes for a crowd, to delightful red-and-white themed treats and beloved Canadian classics, you’ll find inspiration for every celebratory moment. We’ve gathered 21 exquisite Canada Day Desserts from talented food bloggers to ensure your Canada Day celebration is unforgettable.

collage of 4 photos of Canada Day desserts with red text on a white circle in the middle

In this curated collection of delicious recipes, specifically chosen for July 1st, you’ll discover a vast array of vibrant red and white desserts perfect for embracing the national colours. Explore an exciting mix of refreshing summer desserts, including luscious frozen cheesecakes, sweet strawberry desserts, tart raspberry desserts, and effortless no-bake creations. For those who love to bake, we feature charming Canada Day cupcakes and show-stopping cakes. And, of course, no Canadian celebration would be complete without iconic classic Canadian desserts like the legendary Nanaimo bars, perfectly gooey butter tarts, crispy Beaver Tails, and the uniquely delicious Saskatoon berry pie. We’ve also thoughtfully included a couple of lighter (Weight Watchers friendly) and gluten-free options to cater to diverse dietary needs. If you’re searching for the ultimate Canada Day desserts to elevate your Canada Day party, your quest ends here!

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In this delightful recipe roundup, prepare to discover:

  • Effortless No-Bake Desserts for those times when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
  • Festive Red and White Treats that perfectly capture the spirit and colours of Canada Day.
  • Classic Canadian Desserts, including national treasures like Nanaimo Bars and Butter Tarts.
  • Showstopper Cakes designed to wow your guests and become the centerpiece of your celebration.

❤️🤍Red & White Canada Day Desserts

Embrace the vibrant colours of the Canadian flag with these stunning red and white dessert creations. Perfect for July 1st, these treats are not only visually appealing but also bursting with delicious summer flavours.

No Bake Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake

This incredible No Bake Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake, enriched with white chocolate, is the epitome of a Canada Day dessert with its striking red and white hues. Beyond its patriotic appearance, it’s a lighter cheesecake featuring a rich dark chocolate Oreo cookie crust. The filling is a harmonious blend of creamy white chocolate and a vibrant red rhubarb strawberry marble swirl, creating a beautiful contrast. A subtle hint of licorice from fennel adds a unique twist to this impressive dessert. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes without ever needing to turn on your oven, making it perfect for summer celebrations.

Check out this No Bake Cheesecake Recipe!

a piece of strawberry rhubarb cheesecake on a white plate with a red napkin with Canadian flag napkin ring and remainder of cake in the background
Festive Canada Day Cupcakes Recipe

These Festive Canada Day Cupcakes are an absolute must-make for your July 1st celebrations with family and friends. They boast a surprisingly fancy appearance with vibrant swirls of red and white icing and an impressive topper that makes them truly stand out. These cupcakes are ideal for embodying the spirit of celebration and community. You can choose to bake them from scratch using the provided homemade cake recipe or opt for the convenience of a white cake mix, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a colourful addition to your dessert table.

Check out this Canada Day Cupcakes recipe!

Festive Canada day cupcakes on white plates
📋 Miami Vice Frozen Cheesecake Recipe

Elevate your summer dessert game with this Skinny Miami Vice Frozen Cheesecake Recipe, which ingeniously transforms the vibrant flavours of a strawberry daiquiri and piña colada into a spectacular no-bake frozen cheesecake. With its delectable chocolate crust and significantly fewer calories, this cheesecake is also a fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly option. It’s an excellent choice for any summer BBQ, offering a refreshing and visually striking dessert. Its beautiful red and white layers make it an absolutely perfect and patriotic centrepiece for your Canada Day celebration, combining tropical zest with effortless preparation.

Check out this Frozen Cheesecake Recipe!

frozen cheesecake on faux wooden surface with red and white checkered napkins in the background
Canada Day Oreo Pops

These Canada Day Oreo Pops offer a wonderfully delicious and fun treat, perfect for commemorating such an important national holiday. Incredibly easy to prepare, they provide an entertaining way to get everyone involved in the celebration. Coated in festive red and white, these delightful Oreo pops are guaranteed to be a hit with both children and adults alike. Their charming appearance and irresistible flavour make them a fantastic addition to any Canada Day party table, providing a simple yet impressive dessert option.

Check out this Oreo Pops recipe!

3 Canada Day Oreo pops on a red and white background
🍰 Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Indulge in this show-stopping Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake, a recipe that promises to be a highlight of any summer celebration, including Canada Day. It features luxurious layers of soft, pillowy, and light red velvet cake, perfectly cushioning an effortless no-churn cream cheese ice cream filling. The entire masterpiece is then generously smothered in a dreamy, creamy white chocolate cream cheese icing, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavours. Its vibrant red and white presentation makes it particularly fitting for patriotic occasions, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert option that tastes truly decadent.

Check out this Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake Recipe!

Slice of red velvet ice cream cake with whole cake in the background and a bowl of no churn ice cream
BEST Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

There’s nothing quite like the BEST Homemade Strawberry Shortcake to bring a taste of summer to your Canada Day festivities. This classic recipe features a tender, golden, and flaky biscuit base, generously piled high with sweet, macerated fresh strawberries and a cloud of sweetened whipped cream. The vibrant red strawberries against the white cream make it a naturally patriotic dessert, perfect for any July 1st gathering. This delightful treat embodies comfort and freshness, offering a truly irresistible way to celebrate the national holiday with a burst of seasonal flavour.

Check out this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe!

2 strawberry shortcakes on white plates, with a bowl of strawberries in background
Canada Day Rice Krispie Treats

Canada Day Rice Krispie Treats are an irresistible and vibrant dessert, loaded with delicious white chocolate and festive red and white candies. These no-bake treats are incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal choice for a quick and fun July 1st dessert that kids will absolutely love to help prepare. Their playful appearance and sweet flavour ensure they’re a hit at any Canada Day gathering, providing a delightful and hassle-free option for your dessert table. Enjoy the crisp, chewy texture and celebratory colours of these beloved treats!

Check out this Rice Krispie Treats Recipe!

canada day rice krispie treats on white surface
Canada Day Raspberry Cheesecake Shots

These delightful Canada Day Raspberry Cheesecake Shots offer a simple, elegant, and fun individual dessert perfect for your July 1st celebrations. Served in charming single-serving glasses, each shot features a creamy cheesecake base, beautifully topped with fresh, vibrant raspberries and juicy strawberries. The combination of bright red berries against the white cheesecake creates a stunning visual, making them ideal for a patriotic display. These cheesecake shots are not only easy to prepare but also provide a refreshing and perfectly portioned treat that guests will adore.

Check out this Cheesecake Shots Recipe!

raspberry cheesecake shots in jars on a white surface
📋 Mini Cherry Cheesecakes (with Oreo crust) recipe

These irresistible Mini Cherry Cheesecakes, featuring a delightful Oreo crust, are individual portions baked conveniently in muffin tins. They are quick and easy to make, boasting a luscious cherry pie filling atop a simple yet decadent Oreo cookie base. Perfect as a versatile party food, these mini cheesecakes serve as an ideal individual dessert and finger food for a wide array of occasions. From baby showers and game day gatherings to potlucks, Canada Day festivities, Mother’s Day brunches, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or any joyous occasion, their charming size and delightful flavour make them universally loved.

Check out this Mini Cheesecake Recipe

a mini cherry cheesecake on a damask print muffin wrapper, with a red speckled muffin tin ofmini cherry cheesecakes in the background
Canada Day Cookies with Cream Cheese Sprinkle Dip

These adorable Maple Leaf shaped cookies, served with a luscious cream cheese sprinkle dip and vibrant red sprinkles, are the perfect festive addition to your Canada Day celebrations. They are incredibly easy to make, especially with the help of a maple leaf cookie cutter, and are oh-so-delicious! These copycat Dunkaroo-style Canada Day cookies with their irresistible cream cheese dip are always a massive hit, bringing a touch of whimsical patriotism and delightful flavour to any July 1st gathering. Get ready for smiles and satisfied sweet cravings with this fun treat.

Check out this Canada Day Cookies recipe!

maple shaped cookies with cream cheese dip in a white bowl, with red sprinkles all around
Cranachan (A Lovely Scottish Dessert)

Discover Cranachan, a truly lovely Scottish dessert that brings a touch of rustic elegance to any occasion. This traditional treat layers toasted oats, fresh raspberries, rich cream, and a subtle hint of whisky, creating a symphony of textures and flavours. While originating from Scotland, its vibrant red and white presentation and refreshing taste make it a surprisingly perfect and sophisticated choice for your Canada Day celebrations. It’s an easy-to-assemble dessert that impresses with its wholesome ingredients and delightful balance, offering a unique twist on festive sweets.

Check out this Cranachan recipe!

cranachan in a glass, with another glass of cranachan behind it
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

The classic Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a perennial potluck favourite, and for good reason! This delightful treat features a perfectly crunchy, salty pretzel crust that provides an exquisite contrast to the sweet cream cheese layer and the irresistible, shimmering strawberry Jell-O topping. Its vibrant red and white layers make it an excellent choice for a Canada Day gathering, offering a refreshing and visually appealing dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and universally loved, it’s a fantastic way to add a touch of sweet and salty goodness to your celebration.

Check out this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe!

a slice of strawberry pretzel dessert on a white plate
Raspberry Eton Mess

The Raspberry Eton Mess offers a delightful twist on the beloved classic, transforming it into the perfect summer dessert. This refreshing treat is characterized by its irresistible combination of crunchy meringue, luscious whipped cream, and fresh, juicy raspberries, creating a beautiful red and white spectacle. It strikes an ideal balance, being wonderfully sweet without being overly cloying. Its ease of preparation and elegant, deconstructed appearance make it a fantastic, fuss-free option for your Canada Day festivities, providing a light and airy conclusion to your celebratory meal.

Check out this Eton Mess recipe!

Raspberry Eton mess in a glass bowl
Easy No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

Take the classic combination of fresh strawberries and cream to an extraordinary new level with this effortless no-bake, one-pan Strawberry Icebox Cake. This simple yet stunning dessert is a breeze to assemble, featuring delightful layers of fluffy whipped cream, crisp graham crackers, and abundant slices of fresh, juicy strawberries. The vivid red strawberries and creamy white layers create a naturally patriotic aesthetic, making it a stellar choice for Canada Day. Perfect for warm weather, it requires no oven, minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavour, promising a refreshing treat for all your guests.

Check out this Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe!

strawberry icebox cake in a white rectangular dish (with a piece missing)
Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles

These Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles are a dream come true – sweet, beautifully fruity, and incredibly easy to craft! They represent the perfect red and white treat, making them an ideal choice for your Canada Day celebrations. The best part is that these delectable truffles are naturally gluten-free and boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every single bite. Their elegant appearance and rich flavour make them a sophisticated yet simple dessert option that will impress your guests and add a touch of patriotic sweetness to your July 1st gathering.

Check out this Truffles Recipe!

white raspberry truffles on a parchment lined wire rack
Strawberry Parfait (Strawberry Fool)

This delightful Strawberry Parfait, also known as Strawberry Fool, is a wonderfully light and refreshing dessert. It features elegant layers of luscious whipped cream intertwined with a vibrant, fresh strawberry puree, creating a beautiful red and white presentation that is both appetizing and patriotic. This simple yet sophisticated dessert makes a stunning presentation for any occasion, and is particularly perfect for your Canada Day celebrations. Its airy texture and burst of fresh fruit flavour offer a sublime ending to any meal, proving that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most impactful.

Check out this Strawberry Fool Recipe!

2 strawberry fool parfaits in tall parfait glasses with whole strawberries in the background
📋 Easy Black Forest Cake Recipe

This Easy Black Forest Cake recipe offers a simplified approach to a classic dessert, making it accessible for any celebration. While not explicitly red and white, its rich dark chocolate cake, creamy white whipped cream frosting, and vibrant cherry kirsch filling provide a stunning contrast that can easily fit a festive table. This cake is simply decorated, focusing on the delectable combination of deep chocolate, airy whipped cream, and sweet, tangy cherries. It’s a truly luscious treat that delivers sophisticated flavours with a surprisingly straightforward preparation, perfect for impressing guests on Canada Day or any special occasion.

Check out this Black Forest Cake Recipe!

whole black forest cake on black cake stand

🍁Classic Canadian Desserts

Delve into the heart of Canadian culinary tradition with these iconic desserts. Each recipe tells a story of Canada’s rich heritage and offers a taste of true national comfort.

World’s Best Nanaimo Bars

Undeniably one of Canada’s most beloved treats, these classic Nanaimo bars are renowned as the “World’s Best” for good reason. They feature a rich, fudgy chocolate coconut cookie base that provides a delightful texture and depth of flavour. This is beautifully complemented by a creamy, luscious custard buttercream filling, offering a smooth and sweet middle layer. The entire bar is then crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache, creating a truly irresistible three-tiered confection. These authentic Nanaimo bars are the quintessential Canada Day dessert, embodying a cherished part of Canadian culinary identity and guaranteeing a delicious end to your celebration.

Check out this Nanaimo Bar Recipe!

5 Nanaimo bars piled up on a white plate, with one on each side
📋 Best Butter Tart Recipe

This Canadian Butter Tart recipe promises to be the best you’ll ever encounter, offering an easy yet utterly delicious path to creating a classic Canadian treat with a perfectly gooey filling. The filling itself is remarkably simple to prepare, requiring under 20 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with convenient store-bought tart shells or a reliable homemade no-fail pastry. For those who prefer their butter tarts without raisins, there’s also a fantastic pecan butter tart option available, catering to all preferences. These iconic tarts are a cornerstone of Canadian baking and an absolute must-have for any authentic Canada Day celebration, delivering rich, sweet satisfaction in every bite.

Check out this Butter Tart Recipe!

4 butter tarts stacked on a white plate, with a butter tart split in half in front of the stack
The Best Saskatoon Berry Pie (with Easy Stovetop Filling )

Indulge in the truly Canadian flavour of The Best Saskatoon Berry Pie, featuring an incredibly easy stovetop filling. The secret to its superior taste and texture lies in cooking the Saskatoon berry filling and sauce ahead of time on the stovetop. This crucial step allows the berries to soften beautifully and their natural flavours to meld, resulting in a richer, thicker, and ultimately tastier filling. The subtle hint of almond in this recipe adds a delicious depth of flavour that distinguishes it from any other Saskatoon berry pie you’ve tried. Beyond pie, this versatile filling also makes a superb sauce for topping cheesecake, yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or even for filling pierogies, celebrating a truly unique Canadian fruit.

Check out this Saskatoon Pie Recipe!

Saskatoon berry pie slice on a white plate, with whole pie in background
Cinnamon Sugar Beaver Tails

These Cinnamon Sugar Beaver Tails are a true, undeniable Canadian classic and a must-try for anyone celebrating Canada Day! This unique fried-dough pastry is skillfully stretched and flattened to resemble the distinctive tail of a beaver, offering a fun and recognizable shape. Once perfectly cooked, it’s generously coated in a delightful mixture of cinnamon and sugar, providing a warm and comforting sweetness. While delicious on its own, it can be customized with various toppings such as sweet jam, rich maple syrup, fluffy whipped cream, or other creative additions. It’s the quintessential Canadian treat, perfect for adding an authentic touch to your July 1st festivities.

Check out this Beaver Tail Recipe!

2 cinnamon sugar beaver tails on a white plate

And if you LOVE Butter Tarts, be sure to try my Butter Tart Ice Cream! This no-churn recipe captures all the gooey, sweet, and buttery goodness of the classic Canadian tart in a refreshing frozen treat, perfect for a hot Canada Day.

butter tart ice cream in a loaf pan being scooped out with ice cream scoop a red napkin with silver maple leaf napkin ring and butter tarts in the background

🍁What to Serve to Compliment your Canada Day Menu

While delicious desserts are crucial, a well-rounded Canada Day feast includes equally impressive main courses. Hopefully, the weather is beautiful, allowing you to enjoy an outdoor cookout, BBQ, or picnic for Canada Day! If you’re looking for savoury recipes to perfectly complement your festive desserts, consider these crowd-pleasing options:

This Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun (shown below) is an absolute dream for feeding a crowd. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the beef to slow cook to tender perfection, resulting in flavourful, juicy meat that’s ideal for piling onto soft buns. This hearty dish requires minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the celebration.

beef on a bun on a grey plate with coleslaw and beans

If you’re looking for something a little lighter but still packed with flavour, try these Banh Mi Turkey Dogs for a unique twist on a summer favourite. Or, for a sophisticated salad that’s perfect for a warm day, my Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing offers a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Planning a classic Canada Day picnic? For a meal that’s easy to transport and universally loved, this Shortcut Skillet Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, and incredibly delicious. Pair it with comforting sides like my Healthy Classic Potato Salad for a lighter take on a traditional favourite, or my Artichoke and Roasted Red Pepper Coleslaw for a vibrant and flavourful crunch. These accompaniments will ensure your picnic spread is nothing short of perfect.

❔ Recipe FAQ’s

What are the easiest no-bake Canada Day desserts?

For quick and effortless Canada Day treats, our top recommendations are the No-Bake Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake and the Strawberry Parfait (Strawberry Fool). Both require no oven time, are simple to assemble, and can be made ahead, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your celebration. They deliver impressive results with minimal stress!

Can I make these desserts ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many of these Canada Day cakes and cheesecakes actually benefit from being made the day before, as flavours have time to deepen and textures to set. We highly recommend preparing them 24 hours in advance. For desserts that feature fresh whipped cream, such as the Strawberry Shortcake or Eton Mess, it’s generally best to add the whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light and airy texture.

What are some gluten-free Canada Day dessert options?

Several recipes in this roundup can be easily adapted to be gluten-free. For instance, the Butter Tarts can be made with a gluten-free pie crust. While traditional Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain gluten, many other brands offer gluten-free rice crisp cereals, making the Canada Day Rice Krispie Treats adaptable. The Strawberry Fool and Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles are naturally gluten-free, offering delicious options for guests with dietary restrictions.

There you have it – 21 incredible desserts guaranteed to make your Canada Day celebration extra sweet and memorable! Whether your plans involve a small family gathering or a large festive party this year, this diverse collection offers something for everyone. From time-honoured traditional Canadian desserts that speak to the country’s heritage, to convenient no-bake red and white treats that capture the national spirit, these Canada Day desserts are sure to be a resounding hit with all your guests.

We’d absolutely love to know which delicious creation you’re planning to make for your July 1st festivities! Leave a comment below and tell us your favorite, or share any Canada Day dessert traditions you cherish. Happy Canada Day, eh!

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