15 Best 4th of July Desserts Recipes

The 4th of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, marking the country’s independence and fostering a sense of patriotism and unity. It’s a day filled with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings, and no celebration is complete without delicious food, especially desserts. 4th of July Desserts Recipes not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also serve as a fun and creative way to embrace American traditions. From vibrant red, white, and blue treats to classic desserts that represent the nation’s rich history, these recipes bring people together and add an extra layer of joy to the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a community picnic, these desserts can be the highlight of your celebration, offering both taste and a visual celebration of the country’s spirit.

4th of July Desserts Recipes

1. Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes

These colorful and festive cupcakes are perfect for celebrating the 4th of July! The combination of red, white, and blue makes them an eye-catching treat for your guests.

Ingredients:

• For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • Red food coloring

  • Blue food coloring

• For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 220

• Total Fat: 11g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 31g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 21g

• Protein: 2g

• Vitamin A: 6% of daily value

• Calcium: 2% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

These cupcakes are not only a delicious treat but also a festive addition to your 4th of July celebrations, with vibrant colors and a creamy frosting that everyone will love.

2. Classic American Apple Pie

A quintessential American dessert, the classic apple pie is a crowd-pleaser, especially for 4th of July celebrations. The combination of sweet and tart apples, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, makes this dessert a timeless favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

  • 6-8 tbsp ice water

• For the Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6-8 apples)

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

• For the Top:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320

• Total Fat: 17g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 220mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 25g

• Protein: 2g

• Vitamin A: 8% of daily value

• Calcium: 2% of daily value

• Iron: 6% of daily value

This classic American apple pie is a heartwarming dessert that brings a taste of tradition to your 4th of July gathering. Its comforting flavors and flaky crust will have everyone coming back for seconds!

3. 4th of July Berry Trifle

This vibrant and refreshing 4th of July Berry Trifle is a beautiful and easy-to-make dessert, combining layers of sweet whipped cream, fresh berries, and cake for a patriotic twist.

Ingredients:

• For the Trifle:

  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced

  • 1 pint blueberries

  • 1 pound of cake (sponge cake, angel food cake, or pound cake)

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese (optional for added richness)

• For Garnish:

  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

  • Additional berries for decoration

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250

• Total Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 55mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2g

  • Sugars: 20g

• Protein: 3g

• Vitamin A: 10% of daily value

• Calcium: 4% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

This 4th of July Berry Trifle is not only visually stunning with its red, white, and blue layers, but it’s also a deliciously light and refreshing treat perfect for summer celebrations.

4. Firecracker Rice Krispies Treats

These fun and festive Rice Krispies treats are a hit at any 4th of July celebration. With their vibrant red, white, and blue colors, they’re not only delicious but also visually striking, adding a playful twist to a classic treat.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 4 cups mini marshmallows

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• Red food coloring

• Blue food coloring

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 150

• Total Fat: 4g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 5mg

• Sodium: 70mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 27g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 16g

• Protein: 1g

• Vitamin A: 2% of daily value

• Calcium: 0% of daily value

• Iron: 4% of daily value

These Firecracker Rice Krispies treats are easy to make and perfect for kids and adults alike.

5. Independence Day Cheesecake Bars

These rich and creamy cheesecake bars with a festive red, white, and blue twist are a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced

  • 1 cup blueberries

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 310

• Total Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 13g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 180mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 27g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 19g

• Protein: 4g

• Vitamin A: 15% of daily value

• Calcium: 8% of daily value

• Iron: 4% of daily value

These Independence Day Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat that adds a touch of elegance to your 4th of July celebration.

6. Red, White, and Blue Jello Parfait

This colorful and refreshing Jello parfait is a simple yet fun dessert that’s perfect for the 4th of July. With its vibrant layers of red, white, and blue Jello, it’s both a visually appealing and delicious treat for your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (3 oz) red raspberry Jello

• 1 box (3 oz) blueberry Jello

• 1 box (3 oz) unflavored gelatin

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180

• Total Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 40mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 16g

• Protein: 3g

• Vitamin A: 6% of daily value

• Calcium: 2% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

This Red, White, and Blue Jello Parfait is a fun and festive way to celebrate the 4th of July with its vibrant layers and light, creamy texture.

7. 4th of July Popsicles

These homemade 4th of July Popsicles are a cool and refreshing treat to beat the summer heat while celebrating Independence Day. With their colorful layers of fruit and natural ingredients, they’re both healthy and festive!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, blended

• 1 cup fresh blueberries, blended

• 1 cup coconut milk (or yogurt for a creamier texture)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 50

• Total Fat: 2g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 5mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 9g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 7g

• Protein: 1g

• Vitamin A: 2% of daily value

• Calcium: 2% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

These 4th of July Popsicles are an easy, fun, and healthy dessert to add to your holiday spread.

8. Flag-Inspired Sugar Cookies

These delightful Flag-Inspired Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also add a fun, patriotic touch to your 4th of July celebration. With their star-spangled design and soft, buttery texture, they’re a perfect treat for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• For the Sugar Cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)

  • ¼ tsp salt

• For the Royal Icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp meringue powder

  • 2-4 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)

  • Red and blue food coloring

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180

• Total Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 75mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 26g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 14g

• Protein: 2g

• Vitamin A: 4% of daily value

• Calcium: 0% of daily value

• Iron: 4% of daily value

These Flag-Inspired Sugar Cookies are a delicious and visually stunning way to celebrate the 4th of July.

9. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

These Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are a fun and portable twist on the classic strawberry shortcake. They’re perfect for serving at a 4th of July picnic or barbecue, combining fresh fruit, cake, and whipped cream in a neat, easy-to-eat kabob format.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 1 package of sponge cake (or angel food cake), cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 120

• Total Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 15mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 16g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 11g

• Protein: 1g

• Vitamin A: 2% of daily value

• Calcium: 2% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs are not only delicious but also a great way to serve a sweet and fresh dessert at your 4th of July celebration.

10. 4th of July Pudding Cups

These 4th of July Pudding Cups are an easy, customizable dessert that brings the festive colors of the holiday to life. Layers of creamy pudding and vibrant red, white, and blue toppings create a fun and delicious treat for any celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk

• Red food coloring

• Blue food coloring

• Whipped cream (for topping)

• Fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish

• ¼ cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for added texture)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180

• Total Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 20g

• Protein: 3g

• Vitamin A: 6% of daily value

• Calcium: 10% of daily value

• Iron: 2% of daily value

These 4th of July Pudding Cups are a quick and delicious way to celebrate the holiday with a cool, creamy dessert.

FAQ

1. Can I make these 4th of July desserts in advance?

Yes, many of the 4th of July desserts can be made in advance. Desserts like cheesecake bars, pudding cups, and Rice Krispies treats can be prepared the day before the celebration and stored in the fridge or at room temperature until it’s time to serve.

2. Are these desserts suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Many of the 4th of July desserts, such as Rice Krispies treats, cupcakes, and pudding cups, are kid-friendly. They’re easy to eat, colorful, and fun, making them a great choice for children to enjoy during the celebration.

3. Can I make these desserts gluten-free?

Yes, you can make most of these desserts gluten-free by substituting ingredients like flour and cake mixes with gluten-free versions. For example, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust in pies or opt for gluten-free cake mixes for the cupcakes.

4. How do I store leftovers from these 4th of July desserts?

Leftover desserts should be stored according to their specific needs. For example, cupcakes and sugar cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, while cheesecake bars and pudding cups should be kept in the fridge. Most of these desserts will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly.