Looking for some star-spangled desserts to celebrate the 4th of July? The best summer treats are either red, white, and blue–or all-American summer faves. And let’s be real–who can ever have too many sweet treats? While I adore this 4th of July trifle, I’ve rounded up plenty of other ideas to keep your celebration sweet and exciting!
1.Red White and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes
Why stop at colorful frosting when you can make the cupcakes themselves pop with color? Instead of swirling colors in the cupcake liners, try layering the batter for a fun, multi-colored effect.
Since the cupcakes are small, swirling tends to mix the colors too much. By simply layering the batter, you get vibrant, distinct hues in every bite.
It’s a simple trick that makes your cupcakes stand out!
2.Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
This adorable cake is a breeze to make using store-bought cake, ready-made ice cream, and plenty of whipped cream. For the best results, go with pound cake–it’s moist and holds its shape perfectly when sliced.
The deep color of raspberry sorbet adds a striking touch, but any red or even pink ice cream will create that beautiful flag effect.
It’s an effortless way to impress with a cute and delicious treat!
3.White Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas
These chocolate-dipped frozen banana popsicles are such a hit, you’ll be lucky if they last long enough to serve! They’re super easy to make ahead of time and look amazing arranged on a big platter.
I love dipping them in white chocolate and adding some patriotic sprinkles, but they’re just as delicious with dark chocolate. For a fun twist, try drizzling with colored white chocolate for a striped effect.
Perfect for any gathering and easy to customize to your taste!
4.Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle
Trifles are a true showstopper, and for good reason! Whether you’re whipping up a single grand dessert or individual servings, this classic treat always looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
The best part? It’s a breeze to make, especially when you use store-bought cake and Cool Whip. Don’t let the fancy presentation fool you–this dessert is all about ease and flavor.
Perfect for any occasion, trifles are a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is impressive.
5.Patriotic Popcorn
Ready for the simplest dessert ever? Pop some popcorn, toss it with melted marshmallows, and add your favorite extras. Done in no time and perfect for snacking or parties.
The marshmallows bring flavor and a sticky texture that keeps your extras from falling to the bottom. This recipe uses mini-marshmallows, sprinkles, and red, white, and blue M&Ms for a fun touch.
Feel free to add other treats you love. Serve it all in a big bowl and let everyone dig in!
6.All-American Banana Split
Step back in time with the classic banana split, a treat that’s been delighting folks for over 100 years since its invention in Pennsylvania.
To craft this iconic dessert, you’ll need to gather three essentials: a ripe banana, a scoop each of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream.
It’s not complete without the finishing touches–whipped cream, rich hot fudge sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
This setup, with the ice cream sitting pretty on a bed of whipped cream, drizzled with fudge and topped with nuts, is a true American classic that never goes out of style.
7.4th of July White Chocolate Fudge
Looking for a star-spangled treat to make your 4th of July party unforgettable? These fudge-filled goodie bags are the perfect way to wow your guests. Creamy, sweet, and irresistibly fudgy, this fudge is a crowd-pleaser.
The magic happens with Marshmallow Fluff, adding a fluffy, sweet twist that makes this fudge extra special. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Finish it off with red, white, and blue sprinkles, and you’ve got a treat that’s as patriotic as it is delicious. It’s the ideal way to celebrate Independence Day!
8.Star-Spangled Cookies
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July? These star-spangled cookies are sure to impress!
While a star-shaped cookie cutter adds a patriotic touch, feel free to get creative with any shape you have on hand. The secret to achieving those vibrant, swirly colors?
Work in small batches and don’t overdo it with the dye. Once the hues start blending too much, it’s time to switch to a fresh bowl. The result?
A batch of cookies that are as eye-catching as they are delicious–perfect for your Independence Day celebration!
9.Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies
When the 4th of July rolls around, those red, white, and blue M&Ms start popping up everywhere. Stock up–they’re a fun addition to cookies, popcorn, or cupcakes!
These cookies are a game-changer, made with a cake mix that keeps them super moist and soft. Plus, crushed Oreos add a deep chocolate flavor that takes them to the next level.
Perfect for the occasion, easy to make, and full of flavor!
10.American Flag Sugar-Cookie-Cake Recipe
At first glance, this might look like your typical flag cake, but here’s the twist–it’s actually a sheet of sugar cookie dough! Using sugar cookie dough makes this treat a breeze to cut and serve.
Plus, since you’re covering it in frosting, you can use any type of cookie dough you like–talk about versatility!
And here’s a fun tip: you can also make these into individual cookies for a personalized touch. When it’s time to cut, grab a pizza cutter and slice the dough into rectangles.
Then, cut your fruit to fit–blueberry halves and raspberries work perfectly, and they’re a great swap for strawberries.
11.Fourth of July Fruit Pizza
Say hello to the ultimate show-stopping dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious! Imagine a sweet treat shaped like a pizza, pressed into a round baking dish for that perfect pie-like presentation.
This dessert is so eye-catching, people will be too busy snapping photos of their slices to even notice the fireworks! It’s a sweet twist on tradition that’s sure to steal the spotlight.
12.Easy Patriotic Bark
Looking for a fun way to use those M&Ms you’ve been saving? Look no further! This easy dessert is perfect for last-minute prep.
Simply melt your choice of white or dark chocolate, spread it out, and sprinkle those colorful M&Ms on top while the chocolate is still wet. The result?
A vibrant, playful treat that’s as easy as it is delicious. Plus, it’s ready in no time–just let it set, break it into pieces, and enjoy the sweet, chocolatey fun!
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13.Louisiana Crunch Cake
This cake may not be decked out in red, white, and blue, but it’s definitely worth a taste. The cake itself is super buttery, tender, and just plain lovely.
On top, you’ll find a sweet and crunchy coconut layer that adds the perfect texture.
And if you’re feeling festive, you could always drizzle on some colored vanilla glaze and sprinkle on a few decorations to make it 4th of July-ready.
14.Red White and Blue Strawberries
These chocolate-covered strawberries are pure genius! They’re the perfect way to celebrate with a red, white, and blue twist. The secret?
Keep some of the strawberry visible at the top and dip just the tip in blue sugar for that patriotic pop of color. If blue sugar is hard to find, no worries!
You can use blue chocolate melts or even color some white chocolate yourself. These sweet treats are almost too cute to eat–almost.
15.Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Looking for a dessert that screams patriotism? This one’s a real showstopper! Start with a classic white cake mix–it’s the perfect blank canvas.
Once your cake is baked, grab a skewer or fork and poke rows of holes all over the top.
Now comes the fun part: pour red and blue Jell-O mixture into those holes, alternating colors for an evenly spaced, marbled effect.
Top it all off with a quick batch of whipped cream or Cool Whip for a light, fluffy finish. The result?
A dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive, with colors that pop against the white cake. Perfect for celebrating the red, white, and blue!
16.Black and White Cookies
These cookies are a true New York classic, and it’s a wonder they aren’t loved everywhere across the U.S.
Made with vanilla and buttermilk, they’re tender, sweet, and firm enough to hold their shape when decorated. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these have a delightful cakey texture that’s hard to resist.
Plus, they’re super versatile–try them with a raspberry-infused glaze for a patriotic 4th of July twist!
17.Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Popsicles
Celebrating the 4th of July usually means one thing: it’s going to be a scorcher. And what’s better on a hot day than popsicles?
You can use a popsicle mold if you’ve got one, but I’m a fan of using plastic cups–they let you make a bigger batch!
Plus, you can get creative by adding little yogurt stars to the mix, making these popsicles almost too cute to eat. Almost.
18.Firecracker Milkshake
This milkshake is as easy as it gets! All you need to do is color some vanilla ice cream with red and blue food dye.
Pour each color into a tall glass in layers–just be sure not to mix them too much, so the colors stay nice and separate.
Or if you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the dye and use strawberry and blueberry ice cream instead for that same fun effect.
19.Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad
Celebrate with a patriotic fruit salad that’s as fun as it is delicious! Start by gathering your red, white, and blue fruits–strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are perfect for the red and blue.
For the white, get creative! Pineapple, honeydew, or even apple slices work great (they might lean a bit yellow, but that’s okay!). The secret to making it look extra special?
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to turn your fruit slices into festive stars. It’s a clever way to add some visual magic to your salad!
20.Mixed Berry Pie
This stunning fruit pie is bursting with fresh flavors from strawberries and blueberries, all topped with a charming star design.
I love leaving some of the fruit peeking through the crust so you can see those vibrant colors shining through. Don’t have strawberries? No problem!
Feel free to mix and match any berries you have on hand.
Just remember to macerate your fruit before baking to avoid excess moisture, or if using frozen berries, thaw and strain them first to keep the bottom of your pie nice and crisp.
21.4th Of July Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a blast for both kids and adults! They’re simple, sticky, and colorful–perfect for making with little ones.
If you’re working with kids, handle the hot marshmallow mixture yourself until it cools down. Then, let them join in on the fun and get their hands dirty. It’s a tasty project everyone will enjoy!
22.Patriotic “No-Churn” Ice Cream
We don’t all have an ice cream maker at home, so homemade ice cream isn’t always an option. That’s why I love this no-churn recipe.
Just whip up your cream with condensed milk and throw in some fun extras. Let the whole thing freeze, and you’ll have scoopable, quick ice cream.
Using those M&Ms (again) will give you great texture and pops of color throughout. The color will probably streak a little, but that’s ok. It adds to the overall look.
23.4th of July Ice Cream Pie
Ice Cream Pie is the ultimate treat for those sweltering summer days.
Imagine a cool, creamy slice that’s as easy as it gets–just grab a pre-made cracker crust (or go for an Oreo base if you’re feeling fancy) and pile it high with your favorite ice cream.
Don’t have Fireworks Ice Cream on hand? No problem! Just use vanilla and toss in a handful of sprinkles for that same festive vibe.
It’s the perfect way to beat the heat with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
24.American Flag Cake
Let’s keep it real–sometimes we just don’t have the time for fancy desserts.
But here’s the good news: this cake is a showstopper, perfect for your 4th of July BBQ, and it’s a breeze to make.
Start with any box cake mix you love, then top it with vanilla frosting (it’s gotta be vanilla for that clean, white base!).
Finally, get creative by arranging fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to create those iconic stars and stripes.
Pro tip: if you go for raspberries instead of strawberries, you’ll need about double the amount to get those nice, thick lines. Easy, patriotic, and delicious–what more could you ask for? ππΊπΈ
25.Mini-Blueberry Pies
Mini pies are such a delight! They’re adorable and instantly brighten up any dessert spread. Let’s be real–ready-made pie shells are a total game-changer. They’re buttery, flaky, and save you so much time.
Of course, you can always make your own dough from scratch or cut out shapes from store-bought pie dough. Either way, these little pies are sure to look fantastic and impress your guests!
26.Red, White, and Blue Truffles
Truffles are surprisingly easy to make at home–just a rich ganache that sets until you’re ready to scoop and roll.
This twist uses white chocolate instead of dark, then covers the truffles in red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive touch.
Of course, you could also make cake balls, coat them in white chocolate, and sprinkle with jimmies for the same playful effect. Either way, these bite-sized treats are dangerously delicious!
27.American Flag Fruit Tart
This patriotic dessert is as charming as it is delicious! Blueberries and strawberries team up to create a star-spangled design, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
The combination of a buttery pastry crust and a creamy cheesecake-like filling makes this a must-try treat. Plus, these cuties are even more adorable when made into mini versions–perfect for any celebration!
28.Red, White, and Blue Crackle Cookies
Crackle cookies are a game-changer for anyone who loves a little extra flair in their treats. The secret? Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking gives them that cracked, elegant look without any hassle.
Made with a white cake mix, these cookies are a breeze to customize with your favorite food coloring. Plus, the cake mix ensures they turn out tender and soft every time.
It’s a simple trick that makes ordinary cookies look extraordinary!
29.Patriotic Angel Food Cake
Embrace the charm of a perfectly imperfect dessert! This cake is at its best when it’s a little undone, giving it a delightful, homemade appeal.
The filling is a heavenly mix of no-bake cheesecake–made with cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar–and lightened up with a fluffy swirl of Cool Whip.
When it comes time to fill the cake, don’t hold back! Slather on the filling generously and pile on plenty of fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
It’s the perfect way to keep things simple, delicious, and full of flavor.
30.Patriotic S’Mores
S’mores are basically a must-have for Independence Day–let’s just call it a fact!
But if you’re feeling a little over the whole melted chocolate thing by July (no judgment), this fruity twist is here to save the day.
You can totally keep the chocolate if you’re a die-hard traditionalist, but trust us, these babies are just as delicious with fresh fruit and marshmallows.
It’s a sweet, toasty, and totally refreshing way to celebrate summer’s best holiday.
30 Fun 4th of July Desserts
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalLooking for some star-spangled desserts to celebrate the 4th of July? The best summer treats are either red, white, and blue–or all-American summer faves. And let’s be real–who can ever have too many sweet treats? While I adore this 4th of July trifle, I’ve rounded up plenty of other ideas to keep your celebration sweet and exciting!
Ingredients
Red White and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes
Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
White Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas
Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle
Patriotic Popcorn
All-American Banana Split
4th of July White Chocolate Fudge
Star-Spangled Cookies
Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies
American Flag Sugar-Cookie-Cake Recipe
Fourth of July Fruit Pizza
Easy Patriotic Bark
Louisiana Crunch Cake
Red White and Blue Strawberries
Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Black and White Cookies
Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Popsicles
Firecracker Milkshake
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad
Mixed Berry Pie
4th Of July Rice Krispie Treats
Patriotic “No-Churn” Ice Cream
4th of July Ice Cream Pie
American Flag Cake
Mini-Blueberry Pies
Red, White, and Blue Truffles
American Flag Fruit Tart
Red, White, and Blue Crackle Cookies
Patriotic Angel Food Cake
Patriotic S’Mores
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!