We’ll be the first to admit it: There are times when it’s impossible to save the best for last (like waiting until after dinner to have an ice cream sundae when you could enjoy one on top of your Saturday morning Belgian waffle instead). But Labor Day isn’t one of those times. For most of us, this end-of-summer celebration is the season’s biggest and best cookout — and totally worth the wait!

So, what do you serve for dessert at a barbecue that’s meant to send summer out with a bang? A star-spangled sweet that’s as memorable as the rest of your Labor Day menu!

This Stars-and-Stripes Cake makes the perfect post-cookout treat. Red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting are rolled (instead of layered) to create a crowd-pleasing surprise; when you slice into the cake you’ll see vertical stripes!

(Looking for step-by-step instructions and pictures? We’ve got you covered!)

Related Links:

Cookout Classics for Labor Day

Labor Day Desserts

Our Best Red, White and Blue Recipes