35 Best 4th of July Desserts Perfect for a Star-Spangled Party
This summer holiday wouldn't be complete without these patriotic treats!
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There's nothing quite like a 4th of July party. You get to chow down on BBQ favorites, soak up the sun and enjoy the magic of the fireworks at the end of the night. But of course, no Independence Day party is complete without dessert. That's why we've rounded up our favorite red, white and blue treats that the whole crew is sure to enjoy. These 4th of July desserts are perfect for summer, from patriotic cupcakes and delicious cakes to easy no-bake summer desserts.
From classics like a berry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream to showstopping desserts like layered red, white and blue granitas, there are options here for everyone. Last-minute recipes, potluck favorites and even healthy desserts made with fresh fruit are all on the menu this Independence Day. These ideas also make the most of seasonal produce, like strawberries, blackberries, cherries and other summer-y ingredients.
When it comes to making a 4th of July dessert, don't be afraid to get creative! Your go-to dessert recipes can be made perfectly patriotic with the addition of some blue or red food coloring, star-spangled sprinkles or festive flag toppers.
Need more 4th of July party inspiration? You won't want to miss our roundups of the best 4th of July Instagram captions, 4th of July cocktail recipes and easy 4th of July recipes the whole family will love. Bookmark your favorites now so you're ready for the backyard bash!
Red, White, and Blue Granitas
These festive red, white and blue treats are perfect for any 4th of July celebration. You'll need to freeze the granita mixtures ahead of time, so make sure you give yourself enough time before the party to make these colorful desserts.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Granitas recipe.
Blueberry Crème Fraîche Semifreddo with Pecan Crumble
Think of this frozen dessert like the soft-serve version of your favorite ice cream cake, with added tang from crème fraîche and crunch from the pecan crumble. Yum.
Get the Blueberry Crème Fraîche Semifreddo With Pecan Crumble recipe.
Strawberry-Pistachio Cake Parfaits
These gorgeous red and white dessert layers fresh summer strawberries, creamy vanilla pudding and rustic crumbles of pistachio pound cake. It's perfect for any 4th of July celebration.
Get the Strawberry-Pistachio Cake Parfaits recipe.
RELATED: 40 Strawberry Desserts That Will Absolutely Brighten Your Day
Cupcake Flag with Berries and Coconut
Some strategically placed blueberries and strawberries elevate your standard cupcakes into a festive and easy treat.
Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies
These decadent treats have the most delicious cream cheese filling. If you're looking to make them red, white and blue in honor of the holiday, you can swirl some blue food coloring into the cream cheese mixture or add blue sprinkles on top.
Get the Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies recipe.
RELATED: 20 Best Red Velvet Recipes That Will Become Your New Favorite Desserts
Very Berry Cream Tartlets
These mini tarts are more like red, yellow and blue — but they'll still be a 4th of July crowdpleaser. Trust.
Get the Very Berry Cream Tartlets recipe.
Cherry Fro-Yo Pops
These red and white desserts are what summer's all about. They bring together creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, pitted cherries and crumbled gingersnap cookies.
Get the Cherry Fro-Yo Pops recipe.
No-Churn Mango-Berry Ice Cream
With just three ingredients, you can making the sweetest and most refreshing ice cream you'll have all summer.
Crispy Tortilla Bowls with Strawberries and Cream
These unique desserts are the definition of crowd-pleasing. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to create these adorable sugared tortilla cups with fresh summer strawberries and mascarpone whipped cream.
Get the Crispy Tortilla Bowls with Strawberries and Cream recipe.
Strawberry Pinwheels
These Instagram-worthy cookies are easier to make then you think! Add freeze-dried strawberries and red gel food coloring to your shopping list before your next trip to the grocery store.
Get the Strawberry Pinwheels recipe.
Mixed Berry Cobbler
Seasonal summer berries are topped with a buttery, sugary cobbler in this classic dessert. This recipe also incorporates citrus into the fruit filling for an extra bright, summery flavor that's perfect for a 4th of July gathering — especially once you top it with vanilla ice cream.
Get the Mixed Berry Cobbler recipe.
Linzer Stars
These sugary cookies give a new meaning to star-spangled! They're a great treat to bring to a 4th of July potluck, since they can be prepped ahead of time and travel easily. You can use either store-bought or homemade jam for the filling.
Get the Linzer Stars recipe.
Apple-Cranberry Pie
You've probably heard the phrase "As American as apple pie." We'd like to make a slight update to "As American as apple-cranberry pie" in honor of this recipe, which incorporates tart cranberries and sweet apples for a crowd-pleasing 4th of July treat.
Get the Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Whether you serve it alone, with red and blue sprinkles, or atop a warm pie or cobbler, there's no going wrong with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Get the Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.
Roasted Strawberry Tart
Top flaky puff pastry with creamy yogurt, roasted strawberries and (of course) whipped cream for an eye-catching sweet treat.
Get the Roasted Strawberry Tart recipe.
Rainbow Meringue Sandwiches
Give your dessert table a pop of color with these vibrant rainbow meringues.
Get the Rainbow Meringue Sandwiches recipe.
Lemon Pound Cake
Serve up a slice of this bright lemon pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a summertime match made in heaven!
Get the Lemon Pound Cake recipe.
RELATED: 53 Fresh Fruit Dessert Recipes That Are the Perfect End to Any Meal
White Chocolate Meltaways
These sweet meltaways topped with freeze-dried strawberries are a one-step dessert sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
Get the White Chocolate Meltaways recipe.
Grilled Donuts With Dipping Sauces
Grill store-bought glazed donuts on medium-high until lightly charred, about 1 minute per side. Serve with dipping sauces:
RASPBERRY WHIP
Using an electric mixer, beat 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese with 6 oz raspberries until fully incorporated. Gradually add 1/2 cup cold heavy cream, then increase speed and beat until soft peaks form.
CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT WHIPPED CREAM
Using an electric mixer, beat 2 oz cream cheese and 1/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup cold heavy cream, then increase speed and beat until soft peaks form. Swirl in additional chocolate-hazelnut spread if desired.
Strawberry Rhubarb Layer Cake
Even with sweet cream cheese frosting and light and fluffy vanilla cake, it's the fruity rhubarb compote that steals the show in this dessert. Top with some blueberries for a red, white and blue twist.
Get the Strawberry Rhubarb Layer Cake recipe.
Expertise: Food writing and editing. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas (rock chalk!) About Me: As the Digital Culinary Editor at Delish, Taylor writes and updates recipe intros with an SEO-focus, co-creates and sends the daily newsletter, and offers team-wide support to ensure that recipes are the best they can be. She worked previously as a Freelance Editor on the Hearst Lifestyle group, where she updated recipes and galleries and contributed ideas for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Prevention, and more. Taylor loves to try out different restaurants and bakeries around Brooklyn and is always hunting for her new favorite coffee shop and wine bar. When she's not writing about everything lemon-blueberry or one of our many margaritas, she can most likely be found reading, browsing her favorite bookstores, or enjoying a little treat.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
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