4th of July Dessert Ideas

If you’ve chosen your 4th of July party menu it’s time to round it out with dessert! Choose from any of these easy recipes that will have your guests ready to skip to the final course!

Some have patriotic flair while others use fresh berries for a red, white and blue color scheme. I’ve also include some interactive dessert stations and hand-held treats that are convenient to pick up and eat on the go.

Red, White and Blue Desserts

Red, white and blue trifle – Feed a crowd with this show-stopping dessert that’s got layers of cake, decadent white chocolate ganache cream, and fresh summer berries. It’s our go-to recipe for a 4th of July party.

4th of July flag cake – If you want to impress your guests with your presentation skills, make this red, white and blue flag cake. When you cut into it, it looks like the American flag!

Mixed berry galette – A rustic presentation of baked fruit and pie dough make this a good choice for your sweet tooth. Serve it with some fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a completely satisfying dessert.

Blackberry custard pie – If you’re more of a pie person (like I am) than a cake person, this easy to make custard pie is a winner. Fresh blackberries are folded in and baked up in a pastry shell for this silky smooth dessert.

Fresh Berry Desserts

Angel cake strawberry shortcakes – This recipe is strawberry shortcake but better! Creamy Cool Whip is combined with the cake pieces and drizzles with macerated strawberries. It’s the perfect combination of fresh and sweet.

Lemon tartlets with fresh berries – These bite-size desserts are light and refreshing, and simple to make. Whipping cream, lemon curd and fresh berries fill crunchy phyllo shells for this easy recipe.

Cheesecake stuffed strawberries – Make the most of seasonal strawberries and serve them with this yummy cheesecake filling.

Mini pavlovas with fresh blueberries – For a more formal style dessert or sit down dinner party, mini pavlovas are something you can make ahead. Blueberries on top make it apropos for the holiday.

Easy Treats

Rice Krispie treats with red sprinkles – Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies Treats? It’s a childhood classic that the grownups love, too. Stir in red sprinkles or cranberry seeds, and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut them out for a festive holiday treat.

Muddie Buddies party mix – This classic treat is holiday ready when you customize it with red and blue M&M’s or Sixlets added in.

4th of July mini pies – You hardly need a recipe for these patriotic pies. Use convenience ingredients to make these fruit filled pies in individual servings or full size versions.

Pie pops (hand pies) – Another fun way to serve pie is by making pie pops. It’s as simple as making little hand pies and inserting a lollypop stick before baking. You can insert them in jars, vases, craft foam or mini bales of hay for a cute upright display.

Do-It-Yourself Dessert Stations

Ice cream sandwich bar – Set up an ice cream station where guests can make their own ice cream sandwiches or ice cream floats. And it’s all geared towards the patriotic theme.

4th of July themed ice cream float bar – If you like a classic root beer float, you’ll love this red, white and blue version. This help-yourself bar is creative and delicious for July 4th.

Make your own berry shortcakes bar – Expand the idea of strawberry shortcakes and set up a station with blueberries and raspberries so guests can make alternative flavors.

No Recipe Required

Decorated cookies – Let a professional do the work for you. Order specialty cookies from a cookie decorator. Search online to find someone locally, or via Etsy.

Cookie ice cream sandwiches – Make these ahead using soft cookies from the bakery and vanilla ice cream.

Ice cream cones – Serve up some good old fashioned ice cream cones! To make it more celebratory, dip the cones in melted chocolate and sprinkles.

Watermelon cake – Bake a white, yellow, or red velvet cake mix in 8 or 9-inch rounds. Tint white icing with red and green food coloring and frost the cake rounds to look like sliced watermelon. Add chocolate chips to look like seeds!

S’mores – If you’re grilling or having a hot dog roast, cook traditional s’mores for dessert. They’re a tried and true crowd pleaser.

More Desserts for July 4th

Although these recipes aren’t red, white and blue, they still make great 4th of July desserts because they’re delicious and easy to eat at a party.

• Double fudge brownies
• Glazed lemon bars
• Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars
• Double chip peanut butter cookies
• Chocolate marshmallow nut bars