The Fourth of July is always a big summer occasion, and this year is a great time to go all out for the country’s 250th anniversary. Fireworks, music, backyard cookout, the whole shebang. And that includes some fun and festive red, white, and blue treats. Of course, any dessert you make will be fine and delicious (and probably greatly appreciated by your guests!), but adding one of these patriotic desserts to the menu will make it even better. Whip up some sweet and buttery stars and stripes of your own to celebrate this year!
There’s something for everyone on this list, and plenty that are easy to whip up or even make a day or two in advance. Imagine watching the fireworks with a slice of fresh berry pie. A summer celebration doesn’t get much better than that!
Mixed Berry Flag Pie
What’s a Fourth of July celebration without a rustic pie with a flag on top? This recipe is inspired by the red, white, and blueberry pastry at Noble Pies in Warwick, New York, and what we love about this pie is how easy it is! The pie crust decorations on top don’t need to be perfect. That’s what gives it that rustic, homemade feeling that everyone loves. And because this pie is a mixed berry pie, you can use your favorites and have a little of each in every bite.
Get the recipe for Mixed Berry Flag Pie.
Red, White & Blue Sorbet Loaf
Here’s a fun take on the ice cream truck classic, Bomb Pops. This Red, White & Blue Sorbet Loaf serves up a similarly sweet-and-tart experience in the form of cherry, lime, and coconut flavors. The recipe includes instructions for each homemade sorbet, but feel free to buy some at your grocery store and layer them up in a loaf pan. Either way, you’ll end up with a colorful and patriotic treat everyone at your Fourth of July celebration will love.
Get the recipe for Red, White & Blue Sorbet Loaf.
Honey-Roasted Strawberry Chamomile Sugar Flag Cake
If you’re serving a large crowd this Fourth of July, this double-decker sheet cake is the perfect way to round out the celebration. The cake itself is flavored with chamomile tea, giving it a sweet and subtle floral flavor. And these aren’t just any strawberries. These are roasted with honey, which makes them even more delicious and the perfect complement to the chamomile in the cake. It’s finished by piping rows of whipped cream and arranging the blueberries, so you end up with a beautiful and impressive cake that’ll wow all of your friends, family, and guests.
Get the recipe for Honey-Roasted Strawberry Chamomile Sugar Flag Cake.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
If you’re looking for something on the easier side, these cookies couldn’t be simpler. Puff pastry is our star ingredient here, and you can use your favorite jam. All you need is a pair of star cookie cutters and you’ll have the cutest little treats for the big day. If at any point during assembly the dough starts to feel very soft, just pop it onto parchment-paper-lined baking sheets and refrigerate until slightly firm.
Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Star Cookies.
Vanilla Yogurt and Berry Trifle
Trifles are always a good option if you’re looking for something as impressive as it is easy. This one happens to be a little lighter too since it uses yogurt in place of a homemade custard or pudding. There’s something so visually appealing about all the layers, especially when you manage to get a little of each one in a bite. This trifle uses frozen berries, but feel free to use fresh if they’re available! Layered up with yogurt and ladyfingers, this is the perfect patriotic treat for the Fourth of July.
Get the recipe for Vanilla Yogurt and Berry Trifle.
Cupcakes Americana
Simple and cute cupcakes are sometimes exactly what you need for a big celebration. Plus, how cute are these flag toppers? These sweet cupcakes start with a basic vanilla cake and are topped with a creamy buttercream tinted with a couple of drops of blue food coloring. You can easily make the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Then frost and decorate on the big day! You’ll have enough to feed a whole crowd just before the fireworks.
Get the recipe for Cupcakes Americana.
Mini Stars Berry Pies
How sweet are these mini individual pies for the Fourth of July? They’re the perfect serving and even better when topped with a scoop of ice cream. Use your favorite berries from your local farmers’ market or whatever you happen to have in the fridge. If you can find premade mini pie crusts in the freezer section of your grocery store, these pies are even easier!
Get the recipe for Mini Stars Berry Pies.
