20 Festive 4th of July Dessert Recipes Patriotic

Fire up the celebration with these 20 Festive 4th of July Dessert Recipes that are as red, white, and blue as they are delicious! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a sweet patriotic treat, we’ve got easy, show-stopping desserts that’ll have everyone cheering. From fruity pops to star-spangled cakes, these goodies are sure to make your Independence Day extra sweet—let’s dig in!

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

This Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle is a showstopper for any summer gathering—layers of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and fresh berries make it as stunning as it is delicious.

• 1 (15.25 oz) box vanilla cake mix, prepared according to package directions and cooled
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1. Cut the cooled vanilla cake into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream mixture.
4. In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half the cake cubes, followed by half the cream cheese mixture, then half the blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Repeat layers.
5. Top with the remaining whipped cream and a few extra berries for garnish. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

The contrast of tangy berries, sweet cream, and tender cake makes every bite irresistible—plus, it’s a breeze to assemble ahead of time!

Tip: For extra flair, drizzle the top with a little melted white chocolate or sprinkle with edible glitter.

Patriotic Flag Cake

This showstopping dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat—perfect for Fourth of July or any red-white-and-blue celebration!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.
4. Spread whipped topping evenly over cooled cake. Arrange blueberries in a rectangle in the top left corner for “stars,” then line strawberries in horizontal rows for “stripes.”
5. Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the fruit just before serving.

The contrast of fluffy cake, creamy topping, and juicy berries makes every bite a celebration—no fancy piping required!

Tip: For cleaner slices, chill the cake for 30 minutes after decorating.

Fireworks Cupcakes

These vibrant cupcakes burst with color just like fireworks, making them the perfect treat for celebrations or just to brighten someone’s day!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red, blue, and yellow gel food coloring
• 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Beat in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly, then mix in eggs one at a time. Stir in 1/2 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly into three small bowls. Tint one red, one blue, and one yellow with gel food coloring.
5. Layer spoonfuls of each color into liners (no stirring!) and bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Frost with vanilla buttercream and top with sprinkles if desired.

The magic happens when you bite in—the hidden swirl of colors inside makes every bite a surprise!

Tip: For sharper color contrast, avoid overmixing the batter after adding food coloring.

Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars

These Star-Spangled Cheesecake Bars are the perfect festive treat—creamy, tangy, and topped with a burst of berry goodness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup blueberry jam
• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until combined. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
3. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over the crust.
4. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam and blueberry jam over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
5. Cool completely, then chill for 4 hours. Slice into bars and garnish with fresh berries if desired.

The swirls of red and blue jam make these bars as patriotic as they are luscious—ideal for summer BBQs or Fourth of July celebrations.

Tip: For cleaner slices, wipe your knife between cuts and dip it in warm water first.

American Flag Fruit Pizza

This festive dessert is a showstopper for the Fourth of July—sweet, creamy, and packed with patriotic colors!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16.5 oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 banana, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Press the sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet, forming an even crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
2. Make the cream cheese spread: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Arrange the fruit: Create a flag design by placing blueberries in the top left corner for “stars.” Layer sliced strawberries in horizontal red stripes and add banana slices between them for white stripes.
4. Chill for 1 hour before slicing to let the flavors meld.

The contrast of the buttery cookie crust, tangy cream cheese, and juicy fruit makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a fun project for kids to decorate!

Tip: For a sturdier crust, bake the cookie dough for an extra 2 minutes—just don’t let it brown too much.

Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats

These festive Rice Krispie Treats are a fun, no-bake dessert perfect for Fourth of July or any red-white-and-blue celebration!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 10 oz mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup red candy melts
• 1/2 cup blue candy melts
• 1/4 cup white sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt 3 tbsp butter over low heat. Add 10 oz mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Quickly fold in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into the prepared dish using greased hands or a spatula. Let cool completely.
4. Melt 1/2 cup red candy melts and 1/2 cup blue candy melts separately in microwave-safe bowls (30-second intervals, stirring between each). Drizzle over cooled treats, then immediately sprinkle with 1/4 cup white sprinkles.
5. Let set for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

The candy melt drizzle hardens into a satisfying crunch, making these extra festive with minimal effort!

Tip: For cleaner cuts, use a plastic knife lightly coated with cooking spray.

Red Velvet and Blue Velvet Layer Cake

This showstopping layer cake combines the classic richness of red velvet with a playful twist of blue velvet, making it perfect for birthdays or any celebration that calls for a little extra color.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tbsp blue food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cocoa powder in a large bowl.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups oil, 1 cup buttermilk, eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tsp vinegar. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between two bowls. Stir 1 tbsp red food coloring into one bowl and 1 tbsp blue into the other.
5. Pour each batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. For frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
7. Stack cakes with frosting between layers, then frost the outside. Slice to reveal the vibrant layers!

The contrast of the two bold colors makes every slice Instagram-worthy, while the tangy cream cheese frosting balances the cake’s subtle cocoa flavor.

Tip: For cleaner slices, chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before serving.

4th of July Jello Parfaits

These layered Jello parfaits are a fun, no-bake treat that’ll steal the show at your Independence Day barbecue—kids and adults alike will love the patriotic colors!

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. package strawberry Jello
• 3 oz. package blueberry Jello
• 2 cups boiling water, divided
• 2 cups cold water, divided
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), plus extra for garnish
• Fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the red layer: Dissolve strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water, then stir in 1 cup cold water. Pour evenly into 4 clear glasses, filling each halfway. Chill for 2 hours or until set.
2. Add the white layer: Gently spoon 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt over each set Jello layer, then top with a dollop (about 2 tbsp) of whipped topping. Smooth lightly with a spoon. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Finish with blue: Dissolve blueberry Jello in remaining 1 cup boiling water, then stir in remaining 1 cup cold water. Let cool 10 minutes at room temp (to avoid melting the yogurt), then carefully pour over the white layer. Chill 2 more hours or until firm.
4. Serve: Top with extra whipped topping, fresh blueberries, and strawberry slices for a festive touch.

The magic here? The creamy yogurt layer mimics the look of white stripes—no fancy piping required!

Tip: For cleaner layers, chill glasses at a slight angle (use a muffin tin to prop them).

Patriotic Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These festive strawberries are a showstopper for Fourth of July or any red-white-and-blue occasion—simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients:

• 12 large strawberries, washed and dried thoroughly
• 1 cup (6 oz) white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (3 oz) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil, divided
• 1/4 cup blue sanding sugar or sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolates: In separate microwave-safe bowls, combine white chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp coconut oil and dark chocolate chips with remaining 1/2 tsp coconut oil. Microwave each in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth (about 1–1.5 minutes total).
2. Dip the strawberries: Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip halfway into white chocolate, letting excess drip off. Immediately roll the bottom third of the white-dipped portion in blue sugar, then place on parchment paper.
3. Drizzle for stripes: Once all strawberries are dipped, use a fork to drizzle dark chocolate in thin lines over the white portion to create “stripes.” Chill for 15 minutes to set.

The contrast of crisp sugar, creamy white chocolate, and rich dark drizzle makes every bite a mini celebration—perfect for patriotic parties or gifting!

Tip: For smoother stripes, transfer melted dark chocolate to a piping bag or ziplock with a tiny corner snipped off.

Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies

These buttery, crisp-edged sugar cookies are a patriotic showstopper—perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or anytime you want a sweet, festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red and blue sanding sugar (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Whisk together 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in red or blue sanding sugar. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

The sanding sugar adds a sparkling crunch to every bite, while the tender center stays melt-in-your-mouth soft—ideal for stacking on a dessert platter.

Tip: For extra sparkle, brush unbaked cookies with a light egg wash (1 egg white + 1 tsp water) before adding sugar.

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

These festive popsicles are a breeze to make and taste like a summer celebration in every bite—perfect for Fourth of July or any sunny afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Make the red layer: In a blender, combine strawberries and 2 tbsp sugar. Blend until smooth, then divide evenly among popsicle molds, filling each one-third full. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
2. Make the white layer: Whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Pour over the set strawberry layer, filling another third of the molds. Freeze for 1 hour.
3. Add the blue layer: Blend blueberries until smooth, then spoon over the yogurt layer, filling to the top. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

The layers stay distinct for a gorgeous striped effect, and the tangy yogurt balances the sweet fruit perfectly. Tip: Run molds under warm water for 5 seconds to release popsicles easily.

Patriotic Layered Pudding Cups

These no-bake pudding cups are a festive, crowd-pleasing treat—perfect for Fourth of July or any summer gathering!

Ingredients:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to set.
2. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding until fully combined.
3. Divide half of the crushed graham crackers among 4 serving cups (about 1 tbsp per cup). Layer with half the pudding mixture, followed by blueberries.
4. Repeat layers with remaining graham crackers, pudding, and strawberries. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

The contrast of creamy pudding, juicy berries, and crunchy graham crackers makes every bite a mini celebration. For extra flair, swap the fruit for raspberries and blackberries!

Tip: Use clear cups to show off the red, white, and blue layers—guests will love the visual appeal!

American Flag Brownies

These festive brownies are a showstopper for Fourth of July, with a fudgy base, creamy stripes, and berry “stars”—no fancy piping required!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix + ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, water)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup sliced strawberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13″ pan as directed. Let cool completely.
2. Microwave white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
3. Arrange 1/2 cup blueberries in a square cluster in the top-left corner to mimic stars. Create stripes by lining up 1 cup sliced strawberries in horizontal rows below.
4. Chill for 30 minutes to set the topping before slicing.

The magic here? The juicy berries bleed slightly into the white chocolate, creating a watercolor effect that’s as pretty as it is patriotic.

Tip: For cleaner slices, wipe your knife between cuts and serve chilled.

Firecracker Popcorn Balls

These sweet-and-spicy popcorn balls pack a playful punch, with a sticky caramel glaze and a kick of cayenne that’ll keep you reaching for more.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (plain, no butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Red food coloring (2–3 drops, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep popcorn: Spread popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet, picking out any unpopped kernels.
2. Make syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup sugar, ½ cup corn syrup, and ¼ cup water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let mixture boil until it reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer (about 5 minutes).
3. Add heat: Remove from heat and immediately stir in ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp salt, and food coloring (if using). The syrup will bubble slightly—that’s normal!
4. Coat popcorn: Pour syrup over popcorn and gently fold with a silicone spatula until evenly coated. Let cool 1 minute.
5. Shape balls: With lightly greased hands, press handfuls of mixture into 8–10 tight balls. Place on parchment to set (about 15 minutes).

The cayenne’s slow burn contrasts the caramel’s sweetness perfectly, making these a hit for game nights or edible gifts. Tip: For extra crunch, add ½ cup crushed peanuts with the popcorn in step 1.

Patriotic M&M Cookies

These festive cookies are bursting with red, white, and blue M&Ms—perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or any patriotic occasion!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups red, white, and blue M&Ms (plus extra for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in 1 1/2 cups M&Ms. Scoop dough into 2-tbsp balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for a pop of color.
5. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

The secret to these cookies? Underbaking them slightly keeps the centers irresistibly chewy while the M&Ms stay vibrant.

Tip: For extra festive flair, swap in star-shaped sprinkles or use mini M&Ms for more even distribution!

Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops

These festive cake pops are a bite-sized celebration, perfect for patriotic holidays or any summer gathering—no fancy decorating skills required!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix, baked and cooled
• 1/2 cup vanilla frosting
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 12 oz white candy melts
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup red sanding sugar
• 1/4 cup blue sanding sugar
• 24 lollipop sticks

Instructions:

1. Prep the cake: Crumble the baked vanilla cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup vanilla frosting and 1/4 tsp salt until the mixture holds together when pressed.
2. Shape: Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, then chill on a parchment-lined tray for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 oz white candy melts with 1 tbsp coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4. Dip & decorate: Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, insert halfway into a cake ball, then fully dip the pop. Immediately sprinkle with red and blue sanding sugars before the coating sets. Stand upright in a styrofoam block to harden.

The secret? A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, while coconut oil gives the candy coating a glossy finish that won’t crack.

Tip: For neat stripes, hold the pop over a bowl and sprinkle sugars with a small spoon—less mess, more precision!

4th of July S’mores Dip

This gooey, crowd-pleasing dip brings campfire s’mores to your table—no fire pit required!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• Graham crackers, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In an 8-inch oven-safe skillet, combine 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth, about 3–5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and evenly scatter 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows over the top.
3. Bake for 5–7 minutes until marshmallows puff and turn golden (watch closely to avoid burning).
4. Let cool 2 minutes, then serve warm with graham crackers for dipping.

The magic? The condensed milk keeps the chocolate ultra-creamy while the marshmallows toast to perfection—like a s’more in every scoop!

Tip: For a patriotic twist, sprinkle red and blue sprinkles over the marshmallows before baking.

Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches

These festive ice cream sandwiches are a breeze to make and guaranteed to steal the show at your Fourth of July barbecue—no fancy skills required!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 1/2 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll cookie dough into 12 equal balls, then flatten each into a 3-inch round. Press edges into sprinkles to coat. Bake for 10–12 minutes until just set (they’ll firm up as they cool). Let cool completely.
3. Scoop 1/3 cup ice cream onto the flat side of 6 cookies. Top with remaining cookies, pressing gently. Roll edges in remaining sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
4. Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving to firm up.

The magic here? The chewy cookies stay soft straight from the freezer, so no teeth-aching crunch—just creamy, patriotic perfection.

Tip: For a shortcut, use store-bought ice cream sandwiches, roll in sprinkles, and refreeze!

Star-Spangled Donuts

These festive donuts are a fun, handheld treat perfect for summer gatherings—think Fourth of July picnics or backyard barbecues!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• Red and blue food coloring (gel preferred)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix).
3. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons into the oil, frying 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. For the glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Divide into three bowls; tint one red, one blue, and leave one white. Dip cooled donuts in glaze and add sprinkles if desired.

The secret to these donuts? The batter fries up light and cakey, while the vibrant glaze adds a sweet crunch—no yeast or rolling required!

Tip: For cleaner colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid, and let the first glaze layer dry before adding a second.

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers

These festive skewers are a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat—perfect for patriotic holidays or summer BBQs!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or 1-inch cubes)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 8–10 wooden skewers (6-inch)

Instructions:

1. Prep the fruit: Rinse and pat dry all fruit. Cut strawberries into halves and pineapple into 1-inch cubes if not pre-cut.
2. Assemble skewers: Thread ingredients onto skewers in alternating patterns (e.g., strawberry, marshmallow, blueberry, pineapple) until each skewer is full, leaving 1 inch at the base for handling.
3. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving to keep fruit fresh.

The contrast of juicy fruit and fluffy marshmallows makes these skewers a hit with kids and adults alike—plus, they’re naturally sweet without added sugar!

Tip: For a drizzle-worthy upgrade, melt ¼ cup white chocolate chips and zigzag over skewers before serving.

Conclusion

With these 20 festive 4th of July dessert recipes, you’re all set to celebrate in sweet, patriotic style! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or keeping it simple, there’s something here for everyone. Try a few, leave a comment with your favorites, and don’t forget to share the love—pin this roundup for later. Happy Independence Day, and happy baking!