Star Spangled Sweets: Best 4th of July Desserts

We all know the specific dessert that one relative brings to every Fourth of July picnic. Let's be real. It's always that fruit tart. You know the one...with the canned frosting? Since we already know aunt Carol will probably have that covered (along with the Jell-O salad), we're ready to branch out into new territory.  Whether they're red, white, or blue desserts, or a good old, classic, American dessert recipe, we've got them all! We have some ideas for delicious Fourth of July desserts recipes that are Uncle Sam-approved!

• Flag Cake: Nothing beats yellow cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh berries! Check out this recipe for Flag Cake by Jenn Segal at Once Upon A Chef. This list really wouldn't be complete without it. You could also make white sheet cake with vanilla frosting, and use fresh strawberries for the stripes, and blueberries for the stars section. If you want a more crowd-friendly option, you can opt for cupcakes instead! If you REALLY want to go full "flag cake," check out this beautiful ice cream flag cake! It uses layers of raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream for stripes, with a blue cake as the "stars" section. If the layering seems too complicated, make a red velvet-crusted pie with layers of blueberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream instead.
• Strawberry Shortcakes: This is a simple classic and a crowd-pleaser for sure! As a variation, try a strawberry-rhubarb shortcake, too!

• Cherry Pie: The phrase may be "As American as apple pie," but we think cherry pie fits the All-American description just as well! For this, you'll need 4 cups of fresh or frozen tart cherries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 4 T cornstarch, and 2 pre-made pie crusts (I like the ones from Trader Joe's). Place cherries in a medium saucepan and place over heat and cover. After the cherries lose a good amount of juice, remove them from heat. Add the sugar and cornstarch into the hot cherries and mix well. Return to the stove and cook on low until thickened, stirring often. Remove from the heat and let cool. Pour into the pie crust in a 9 inch round pan—dot with butter. Moisten the edge of the lower crust. Place top crust on and flute the edges. Make a slit in the middle of the crust for steam to escape and sprinkle with sugar—Bake for about 50 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream!
• Blueberry pie: This you don't typically see as often, but blueberry, cherry-berry, strawberry, or cherry pies are equally as deserving of the "All-American" title, too. Serve any of these pies warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you'll be the picnic's most popular guest. 
• Patriotic Parfait: Donkey from Shrek truly believed that parfait was the ideal dessert, and we'd have to agree because we love this berry-filled treat. Mix together an 8 oz carton of yogurt with 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and 4 oz of Cool Whip. In each glass, start the bottom layer with strawberries, then the whipped mixture, then blueberries or blackberries. Continue to layer until each glass is filled to the top. 

• Star-Spangled Rice Krispy Sparklers: Homemade Rice Krispies Treats are a hundred times better than store-bought. Melt 8 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add 8 cups of marshmallows. Add 8 cups of crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture and fold it until completely mixed. Spread in a 9x13 inch pan. Once they've cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. Dunk your Rice Krispies treats in white chocolate and decorate with red and blue chocolate flavoring or festive sprinkles! Check out the full recipe from Kristyn at Lil' Luna!
• Patriotic Trifle: Trifle is the perfect party dessert! With all the different layers of yummy, fruit-filled goodness, it's one that the kids will love to help you make. This is also a great make-ahead dessert that you can refrigerate for a bit before serving. First, mix 2/3 cup of white sugar with 1 lb of cream cheese until light and smooth. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and beat on medium-high until fluffy. In a big trifle dish (or a big bowl works, too!), put the first later of angel food cake cut into one-inch cubes. Add an even layer of blueberries. Next, dollop half the whipped cream mixture and spread evenly. Repeat this process with strawberries and remaining ingredients. 
• Firework Fruit Kebobs: Alternate blueberries, banana, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries on a skewer for a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.

• Sugar Cookies: Sugar cookies are easy-to-make, and with a little extra decoration, it steps up the game a little! Grab a star-shaped cookie cutter to make a festive star, and with glossy icing, everyone is sure to come back for just one more! 
• Jell-O Pie: Prepare red Jell-o (strawberry, cherry, cranberry, or tropical fusion) according to box instructions. Pour into graham cracker crust; refrigerate 5 to 10 min or until set but not firm. Add a layer of Cool Whip, then repeat with blue Jell-o (berry blue or jolly rancher blue raspberry flavor). Put in the fridge until set, then serve with whipped cream and fresh fruit!
• Italian-American Cream Soda: This simple recipe puts everyone in a patriotic mood. Start with a glass of ice, then add your red syrup. Fill the next layer with 1/4 cup of club soda, then add the half and half. Finally, add in the blue syrup. Finish the drink with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry! If you're looking for something with a little more kick, try a red, white, and blue daiquiri with frozen strawberries for the red base, a blue Curacao liqueur for the middle layer, and coconut sorbet with rum for the white topping.

• Patriotic Oreo pops: Take lollipop sticks (you can find these at your local craft store) and insert them into the center cream of an Oreo. Dip the Oreo in white chocolate and allow it to cool for a minute while the excess chocolate drips off. Before it hardens, and sprinkle with your favorite patriotic sprinkles. Allow them to cool standing upright. We love this delicious recipe from Alli at Cupcake Diaries blog! Be sure to check out her site for this and other fantastic 4th of July desserts that are sure to wow your friends and family!
• Red, White, and Blue Marble Cake: Red, White, and Blue Marble Cake: Prepare a white cake mix like normal, then separate into three separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one, blue food coloring in the other. Gently fold the red and blue batters into the white, carefully not to over-mix. Bake it in your favorite cake pan or a pretty bundt mold. Check out this "firecracker cake" recipe!
• Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars: The fun, marble topping on this will impress everyone, along with the graham cracker crust and velvety cheesecake flavor.

There are so many ways to decorate your desserts! No matter what dessert you make, even if it's simple cupcakes, you can always add some fun decorations to make your dish feel a little more patriotic! Add M&Ms, frosting, sprinkles, or fresh fruit to make red, white, and blue pop on your dessert!

Be sure to share your favorite Fourth of July Desserts in the comments! And be sure to share your favorite Fourth of July memories with the ones you love on Family App.