The 4th of July is a special holiday in the U.S. It’s one of the only major summer holidays, so it tends to be a big deal. The fireworks, parades, and big celebrations make it the perfect time for a family get-together. So whether it’s just the immediate family or the whole clan, these 15 4th of July dessert ideas will get people talking about this year’s celebration.
Very Berry Twinkie Cake Dessert Cups
These very berry Twinkie cake cups have all the makings of an actual flag cake: blueberries, strawberries, cake, and cream. The only difference is that using Twinkies means almost all the work is already done for you.
You need: 6 Twinkies or sponge cakes, 200 g strawberries, 100 g blueberries, 300 ml whipped cream.
- Cube the cakes.
- Layer cake, berries and cream in cups.
- Chill 30 min.
4th of July Fruit Kabobs
The Stars and Stripes is a common theme for desserts on the 4th. But give things a fruity twist with these 4th of July fruit kabobs this year and watch the amazement on the family’s faces.
You need: 12 strawberries, 12 blueberries, 12 banana slices or marshmallows, skewers.
- Thread berries and banana in colour order.
- Chill.
- Serve.
Patriotic Chocolate Bark Recipe
One of the best things about a no-bake dessert is not having to turn the oven on in July. What’s even better about this dessert is that different colors of candy melts can be modified for various holidays throughout the year.
You need: 300 g white chocolate, 50 g freeze-dried strawberries, 50 g blueberries, sprinkles.
- Melt chocolate and spread on baking paper.
- Scatter fruit and sprinkles.
- Set 1 hour and break.
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
This no-bake red, white, and blue cheesecake salad is begging to be served on the 4th. It’s sweet, fruity, and easy to make. Even better, you can tell people you’re sticking with just salad for dinner.
You need: 200 g cream cheese, 200 g whipped topping, 100 g marshmallows, 150 g strawberries, 150 g blueberries.
- Beat cream cheese and fold in topping.
- Add marshmallows and berries.
- Chill 1 hour.
Patriotic S’mores Cookie Sandwich
These S’mores cookie sandwiches combine patriotic sprinkles with the classic summer flavors of S’mores. They come together in a hurry and will disappear just as fast.
You need: 12 chocolate chip cookies, 6 marshmallows, 100 g chocolate, red and blue sprinkles.
- Toast marshmallows.
- Sandwich with chocolate between two cookies.
- Add sprinkles.
Patriotic Mini Fruit Pies
These mini fruit pies are about to become your new obsession. With the patriotic stars, they’re the ideal treat for the 4th of July. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these beauties.
You need: 1 pack shortcrust pastry, 300 g mixed berries, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cornflour, 1 egg for wash.
- Cut rounds and line a muffin tin.
- Fill with berries tossed in sugar and cornflour.
- Top with star pastry and bake at 190°C for 22 min.
Patriotic Rice Krispie Treat Stars
With their red, white, and blue layers, these patriotic Rice Krispie treat stars are a great option for the 4th. They do take a bit of prep but aren’t that much more work than normal Rice Krispie Treats. And the layered look is really worth the extra effort.
You need: 60 g butter, 300 g marshmallows, 150 g crispy rice cereal, red and blue food colouring, star cutter.
- Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cereal.
- Press into a tin and cool.
- Cut out stars.
No Bake Summer Berry and Ladyfinger Trifle
The great thing about trifles is that they look extremely fancy but require very little work and no baking. This berry and lady finger trifle will please guests both visually and flavor-wise.
You need: 200 g ladyfingers, 300 g mixed berries, 250 g mascarpone, 200 ml cream, 3 tbsp sugar.
- Whip cream with mascarpone and sugar.
- Layer ladyfingers, cream and berries in a dish.
- Chill 4 hours.
Red, White, and Blue Brownie Stars
It’s always great when a classic, familiar dessert gets a little makeover. Turning good old brownies into patriotic stars couldn’t be easier, and guests will surely love this 4th of July dessert idea.
You need: 1 batch brownies, 100 g strawberries, 100 g blueberries, icing sugar, star cutter.
- Bake brownies at 175°C for 25 min and cool.
- Cut stars.
- Dust and decorate with berries.
Red, White & Blue Patriotic Cookies
Making blue-tinted sugar cookies with patriotic sprinkles seems too obvious. But getting it right can be tougher, so take advantage of the tips in this recipe.
You need: 250 g flour, 150 g sugar, 100 g butter, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, red and blue sprinkles.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg and flour.
- Fold in sprinkles.
- Scoop and bake at 175°C for 11 min.
Rainbow Layered Jello
Layered Jello is a classic dessert, but this version has a patriotic twist. Follow the recipe for really clean, elegant layers.
You need: 4 packs jelly in red, orange, yellow, green and blue, 400 ml condensed milk, 4 tbsp gelatine.
- Make each colour with hot water and add milk.
- Pour layers and set 30 min each.
- Chill the whole dessert 4 hours.
Instant Pot Patriotic Cheesecake
Celebrate the 4th of July in style with a patriotic twist on a classic favorite! This mouthwatering cheesecake, done in vibrant red, white, and blue, is visually stunning and incredibly easy to make in an instant pot.
You need: 200 g biscuits, 60 g butter, 500 g cream cheese, 120 g sugar, 2 eggs, strawberries, blueberries.
- Press crumb base into a pan.
- Beat filling and pour in.
- Pressure cook 35 min, chill and top with berries.
Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Sparklers are a fun part of the 4th but aren’t safe for little ones. Firecracker pretzel rods are an easy and tasty substitute, so even toddlers don’t have to feel left out.
You need: 12 pretzel rods, 300 g white chocolate, red, white and blue sprinkles.
- Melt chocolate.
- Dip rods and add sprinkles.
- Set on baking paper.
Patriotic Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic dessert for a reason. Making them can be tricky, but these patriotic chocolate-covered strawberries will turn out perfect once you get the hang of it.
You need: 12 large strawberries, 150 g dark chocolate, 100 g white chocolate, blue sprinkles.
- Dip strawberries in dark chocolate.
- Drizzle with white chocolate.
- Add sprinkles and set.
Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries
Frozen yogurt bark is a healthy alternative to standard chocolate bark bars. It still uses white chocolate chips for sweetness, but yogurt and fresh berries make it a much healthier alternative. The cold, creamy dessert makes it a great alternative to ice cream when you want to limit the sugar.
You need: 500 g Greek yoghurt, 2 tbsp honey, 100 g mixed berries, 30 g granola.
- Spread sweetened yoghurt on a lined tray.
- Top with berries and granola.
- Freeze 3 hours and break.
15 Tasty Mini Appetizers for Effortless Entertaining
Life is too short to put off that get-together any longer. There are a million reasons not to have people over, but food isn’t going to be one of them. This list of 15 easy bite-size appetizers will surely have at least a few offerings to please anyone.
Get the recipe: 15 Tasty Mini Appetizers for Effortless Entertaining
15 Easy Summer Desserts to Satisfy Your Cravings
Whether you’re having a BBQ or get-together or want something to finish off a family dinner, there’s nothing like a classic summer dessert. Summer desserts are usually light, fluffy, and often fruity. These 15 summer dessert recipes offer various options so everyone can find a favorite.
15 Easy Summer Desserts to Satisfy Your Cravings
15 Tasty Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd
Everyone secretly wants to have the “star” dish of the potluck. Well, help improve those odds by bringing a dessert. Desserts automatically are worth a few more points, and these 15 best potluck desserts will surely wow people.
