The barbecue is winding down, the kids are wrapping up their 4th of July activities, and everyone’s awaiting the show-stopping fireworks. The only thing missing? A sweet treat to put the cherry on top of your red, white and blue celebration (but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered). Serve up any of our 4th of July desserts for a jaw-dropping (and delicious) patriotic recipe that will truly be the star of the show!
Easily turn your backyard barbecue into a star-spangled occasion with these delicious, Instagram-worthy 4th of July treats, including cakes, 4th of July cupcakes, popsicles, pies and other homemade treats. With colorful meringues, classic summer fruit pies and new takes on ice cream, there’s a recipe to keep all your guests (picky eaters included) coming back for more. Since the hot summer temps will be in full swing, there are even a few no-bake summer dessert options on our list, including chocolatey cheesecakes and refreshing frozen options. Looking to really get festive? We've also included a few fully red, white and blue picks to really get into the 4th of July spirit.
The best thing about these recipes? They’re fast, easy and perfect to whip up for crowds big and small, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the summer holiday with your fam. Celebrate America’s birthday this year with these patriotic sweets, and don’t forget the 4th of July drinks!
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1
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.
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2
Cupcake Flag With Berries and Coconut
Some strategically placed blueberries and strawberries elevate your standard cupcakes into a festive and easy treat.
Get the Cupcake Flag with Berries and Coconut recipe.
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3
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.
RELATED: 40 Delicious Strawberry Desserts for Summer
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4
Rainbow Meringue Sandwiches
Give your dessert table a pop of color with these vibrant rainbow meringues.
Get the Rainbow Meringue Sandwiches recipe.
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5
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
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6
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.
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7
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.
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8
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.
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9
Ice Cream Float
To mix up this classic dessert for the 4th, try cherry soda syrup and vanilla ice cream with fresh blueberries. It'll be a red, white and blue delight!
Get the Ice Cream Float recipe.
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10
Peach Galette
For such a picturesque pie, this fruity, summer galette recipe is shockingly easy — only four steps!
Get the Peach Galette recipe.
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11
Coconut Cream Pie
Everyone at the BBQ will flip for this creamy coconut custard pie topped with mounds of homemade whipped cream.
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
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12
Kitchen Sink Ice Cream Cones
Brush ice cream cones in a homemade dessert shell, then roll in all your favorite munchies — we love coconut, potato chips and pistachios!
Get the Kitchen Sink Ice Cream Cones recipe.
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13
Jam Parfaits With Grilled Peaches
Don't turn off your grill just yet — you're going to want some warm, charred peaches to have with your Greek yogurt parfaits.
Get the Jam Parfaits with Grilled Peaches recipe.
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14
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.
Get the No-Churn Mango-Berry Ice Cream recipe.
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15
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
This no-bake cheesecake made with cream cheese, homemade nutella, confectioners’ sugar and whipped cream is great for a hot day.
Get the Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake recipe.
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16
Apple Pie With Cheddar Cheese Crust
The only thing better than apple pie? Apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust.
Get the Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust recipe.
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17
Banana Pudding Pops
Bring the flavor of banana pudding into an ice-cold treat with fresh bananas blended into vanilla ice cream.
Get the Banana Pudding Pops recipe.
RELATED: 23 Easy Banana Recipes for Sweet Baked Goods and Fruity Treats
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18
Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Ree Drummond's recipe leaves the sides of this cake unfrosted, so your guests know exactly what creamy and fluffy goodness they're in for.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake recipe.
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19
Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake
The gluten-free crust, made with a sugar and coconut mixture, gives this fruity dessert an added layer of sweet flavor.
Get the Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake recipe.
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20
Lemon Mascarpone Parfaits
Take a quick trip to the bakery aisle before assembling these refreshing no-bake parfaits.
Get the Lemon Mascarpone Parfaits recipe.