We all know the dessert that one relative brings to every 4th of July picnic. Let’s be real. It’s always the fruit tart. You know the one…with the canned frosting? We all still love Aunt Carol’s classic treat. But if it’s you who’s looking to switch things up this year, here are some recipe ideas for delicious 4th of July desserts that are sure to impress!
The 4th of July is the perfect time for playing games, eating yummy food, and celebrating American independence with the ones you love. Check out these ideas for sweet treats that are Uncle Sam-approved.
The 4th of July Desserts with Fruit
Photo by onceuponachef
- 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.
- Strawberry Shortcakes: This is a simple classic and a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Delectably fruity and creamy Individual biscuits that are the perfect treat for a crowd
Servings: 16
Calories: 280kcal
Cost: $10
Ingredients
- 2 packages buttermilk biscuit dough (I like Pillsbury grands, but feel free to use your own favorite brand!)
- 12 cups fresh strawberries quartered
- ½ cup + 4 tbsp granulated sugar divided
- 2½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cup + 4 tbsp heavy cream divided
Instructions
- Stir the strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar together in a large bowl. Cover and set in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare buttermilk biscuits as instructed on the packaging. Before putting them in the oven, take the 4 tbsp heavy cream and brush the tops of the biscuits, then sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar. Bake according to instructions, and allow the biscuits to cool 10 minutes before assembling.
- Beat the heavy cream, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a mixer on medium-high speed until peaks form. This should be around 3 minutes.
- Slice the biscuits into halves and layer with the strawberries and whipped cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1biscuit | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sugar: 15g
- 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 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 medium saucepan and place over heat and cover. After the cherries lose a good amount of juice, remove 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!
- Patriotic Parfait: Donkey from Shrek truly believed that parfait was the ideal dessert, and we’d have to agree. 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.
- Firework Fruit Kebobs: Alternate blueberries, banana, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries on a skewer for a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.
Best 4th of July Desserts for a Crowd
photo by lilunakristyn
- Star-Spangled Rice Krispy Sparklers: Homemade Rice Krispy Treats are a hundred times better than store-bought. Marshmallows, vanilla, and butter-y goodness? You can even dunk your rice crispy treats in white chocolate and decorate with red and blue chocolate flavoring or festive sprinkles! Alternatively, make three different colored layers with food coloring! Check out the full recipe from Kristyn at Lil’ Luna!
- Patriotic Trifle: With all the different layers, it’s one party dessert that the kids will love to help you make. This is also a great make-ahead dessert that you can refrigerate before serving. First, mix 2/3 cup of white sugar with 1 pound 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, add a layer of half the whipped cream mixture and spread evenly. Repeat this process with strawberries and remaining ingredients
photo by cupcakediariesblog
- 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!
Easy 4th of July Desserts
photo by lifeandsprinkles
- 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. Or, use three different dough colors to make red, white, and blue pinwheel-style cookies! Everyone is sure to come back for just one more!
- Jello 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 is sure to cool everyone down on a hot day. Start with a glass of ice, then add your red simple syrup (strawberry, raspberry, or cherry). Fill the next layer with 1/4 cup of club soda, then add the half and half. Finally, add in the blue syrup (blueberry or blue raspberry). Finish the drink with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry!
- 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 another. Then, 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.
Your Independence Day Favorites
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.
