Looking for easy 4th of July desserts options to take along to your family BBQ or Independence Day celebration? These all-American summertime treats are made with patriotic red, white and blue colors, are quick to make and most importantly, delicious!
Food is such a big part of celebrating the 4th of July. Whether you’re grilling hamburgers, enjoying a plateful of your favorite potluck side dishes (hello pasta salad!) or setting up a hot dog toppings bar for your guests, there are so many delicious recipes that make celebrating Independence Day so special.
But if I had to choose my favorite thing about the occasion (besides fireworks of course), it would be a tall glass of lemonade served with some amazing 4th of July desserts! It’s no secret that I’m a dessert girl through and through, and there’s never a shortage of tasty sweets to try at the fourth of July dessert table.
So if you’re planning to whip up a treat to take to your family BBQ this year, any of these easy 4th of July dessert ideas below are great options. You’ll find everything you need on this list, whether you’re looking for pies, cakes, no-bake desserts, frozen treats or fun kid-friendly favorites. Your guests will go crazy over any of these desserts for 4th of July!
Tips for Making the Best 4th of July Desserts
Make it colorful. There’s something so fun about seeing those vibrant red, white and blue colors. Add some pizazz to your dessert by using patriotic M&M’s, sprinkles, fresh mixed berries or even red and blue food coloring. You can even decorate your dessert in the shape of an American flag.
Prepare in advance. Holidays can get a little hectic, so preparing your dessert in advance can free up a little more of your time on the big day. Many of these recipes can easily be made ahead of time, making your life a little less chaotic the day of!
Keep it refreshing. With hot temps outside, your guests will be craving a refreshing treat to cool off with. Aim to have at least one chilled or frozen dessert to help your guests beat the heat. Having a pitcher of blueberry lemonade on hand is always a great idea too!
Toppings. Don’t forget about of the delicious dessert toppings! Make sure to have some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream handy for serving. A drizzle of hot fudge, caramel sauce or a simple sprinkle of chopped nuts can go a long way on top of your desserts.
FAQs
Can I prepare these desserts in advance of my Fourth of July celebration?
For most 4th of July desserts you can prepare them a day or two in advance of the holiday. Always check each recipe though for specific storage instructions. Cakes, cupcakes and cookies should be stored covered at room temperature, frozen desserts will need to stay frozen and fruit-based desserts will often need to be refrigerated, so plan accordingly.
What if my guests have dietary restrictions?
It’s easy to accomodate guests with dietary restrictions as more and more vegan and gluten-free desserts become readily available at grocery stores. Also check each recipe to determine if you can make it from scratch with a few modifications. For dairy allergies, serving a rainbow fruit platter is always a welcome and easy dessert.
How should I serve my desserts for the 4th of July?
If you want to ensure that your desserts look as good as they taste presentation is key! Add patriotic-themed touches in the way of plates, napkins, red, white and blue serving dishes or even a few toothpick American flags added to the desserts as a patriotic topping.
What if I don’t have time to make a dessert from scratch?
Don’t stress! Store-bought is totally okay and there are many festive options this time of the year at the store to choose from. Add some additional patriotic sprinkles or jazz up cupcakes or cookies with homemade frosting and cute themed decorations.
Patriotic Fourth of July Desserts
The festive red, white and blue colors are what makes celebrating the 4th of July so fun! So why not add to the occasion with one of these patriotic 4th of July desserts? From using festive M&M’s, to food dye to colorful strawberries and blueberries, there are so many ways to showcase those vibrant patriotic colors!
4th of July Cookies. Soft, chewy and festive! Red, white and blue M&Ms add a crunchy bite in this favorite treat.
4th of July Fruit Pizza. A sugar cookie crust, whipped topping and fresh berries in the shape of an American flag!
Strawberry Pie. The perfect summer dessert to celebrate the 4th with fresh berries, this treat will be loved by all!
Strawberry Brownies. With only 3 ingredients a simple cake mix gets elevated into gooey brownies with a fun pink color and fruity taste perfect for summer.
Red Velvet Brownies. The vibrant red color in these brownies makes them perfect for a mid-summer 4th of July party!
Refreshing Frozen Desserts for 4th of July
If there’s one thing you can usually guarantee about 4th of July weekend, it’s that it’s going to be HOT! Beat the summer heat with one of these refreshing frozen desserts. All of these July dessert recipes are delicious and perfect to cool off with!
Frozen S’mores. No need for a warm campfire, this frozen version turns out perfect every time while also being a frozen treat!
Banana Split Dessert. All the classic taste but in an easy no bake layered dessert! This will disappear at any holiday potluck!
Strawberry Icebox Cake. Layered with graham crackers, a whipped cream cheese filling and then topped with sliced strawberries. Optionally drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving!
Chocolate lasagna. The best 4th of July dessert that also satisfies any chocolate craving!
Strawberry ice cream. No cook and no churn homemade ice cream with the best fresh berry taste!
Strawberry Lasagna. This light and refreshing dessert really hits the spot at any fourth of July celebration with its golden Oreo crust, fresh strawberries and whipping topping.
Oreo Ice Cream Cake. Oreos plus ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream and hot fudge equal one chocolaty cake of decadent indulgence.
Lemon Coconut Cream Dessert Lasagna. Light, lemon taste with toasted coconut and a cream cheese whipped topping make this refreshing summer dessert so delicious!
Ice Cream Cake. With only 5 ingredients, this easy 4th of July dessert will become your new summer go-to dessert!
There’s no better way to showcase all of that fresh summer fruit on the 4th of July than with a classic homemade pie. Whether it’s berries, peaches or zesty lime flavor, your pie is bound to be a success. And don’t forget your chocolate lovers! Adding a chocolate pie to the mix is always a good idea.
Fruit Tart. Fresh fruit with custard on a buttery crust, this dessert is a summertime classic.
Key Lime Pie. With a burst of citrus and tangy taste, this creamy pie is a great way to cool off!
Mixed Berry Crumble Pie. Why settle for just one berry when you can have mixed berries? This pie is the best way to celebrate summer!
Peach Cobbler. When it comes to 4th of July dessert ideas, this cobbler warm out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream is the stuff dreams are made of!
Oreo Peanut Butter Pie. A creamy no-bake dessert with a classic combination that is irresistible!
Brown Bag Apple Pie. An all-American classic that is great anytime of the year!
Cakes for Fourth of July
Cakes are perfect for serving a crowd and are always a favorite at the 4th of July dessert table. Whether you’re looking for an easy dump cake, a cake topped with fruit, a poke cake or even a creamy cheesecake, you’ll find all of my favorites below.
Strawberry Sheet Cake. Sour cream keeps this cake moist while strawberries add a light pink hue!
Better Than Anything Cake. Nothing is better than this cake except maybe enjoying a piece while you celebrate with friends and family at your 4th of July cookout!
Peach Dump Cake. Only 3 ingredients for this crowd pleasing best of 4th of July desserts!
No-Bake Cheesecake. No baking is required for this easy cheesecake topped with bright red cherries!
Lemon Poke Cake. Light, airy and refreshing and perfect for a warm summer day!
Dump Cake. With only 4 ingredients, this easy dessert is perfect for the fourth and more.
White Texas sheet cake. This thin vanilla cake can also serve a crowd! I love adding festive sprinkles on the top or fresh fruit to give it a some holiday flair.
Kid-Friendly 4th of July Desserts
Looking for a few 4th of July dessert ideas that your little ones will love? Try any of the below! They’re fun, colorful, interactive and super delicious. Your kids will go crazy over these treats!
Homemade Popsicles. With layers of fruit and yogurt, these delicious popsicles are perfect for little hands. Use blueberries, cherries, raspberries or strawberries to obtain festive red, white and blue ice pops.
S’more Charcuterie Board. Your kids eyes will light up when they see all the options for creating the perfect s’more!
Mini M&M Cookies. Bite sized cookies that are perfect for including on your dessert table!
Mini S’mores Cups. With only 5 ingredients, these have the classic s’more taste but are perfect for anytime of the day.
M&M Brownies. Brownies with M&Ms are a gooey treat that everyone loves.
Cake Pop Recipe. Don’t forget to decorate the chocolate coating on these cake pops with red, white and blue sprinkles for a treat that will light up not only the kiddos eyes!
M&M Popcorn. One of the best party snacks or pack it along to watch the fireworks!
Vanilla Cupcakes. One of the best 4th of July dessert with only 5 simple ingredients!
S’mores Dip. It’s a breeze to make and the perfect ending to your fourth of July celebration.
When it comes to easy 4th of July desserts these red white and blue rice krispie treats are one of the best fun and festive recipe that are decked out in patriotic colors and a favorite with both kids and adults alike.
Place 2 Tablespoons butter and 5 cups of marshmallows in 3 separate microwavable bowls. Cook the first bowl for 1 minute and then stir. Cook an additional 15 seconds if needed and then stir in the blue food coloring.
Once the mixture is smooth, stir in 3 cups of rice krispies until combined. Then press into the bottom of the dish. You can either butter your hands or use a piece of wax paper to push down the layers. Repeat with the 2nd layer and red food coloring. Repeat for the top layer with no food coloring.
Top immediately with sprinkles and M&M’s if desired. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve. Butter your knife (I find a plastic knife works best) and then cut into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
Melting on stove: You can melt the butter and marshmallows on the stove if preferred, but I’d still recommend dividing it into 3 batches.Decorations: Instead of cutting into squares, you can use a star shaped cookie cutter for a more festive touch. You could also skip dying the layers and simply decorate with festive M&M’s and sprinkles on top. Inspired by I Heart Recipes
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
The Full List of Fun 4th of July Desserts
4th of July Cookies
Homemade 4th of July cookies stand out amongst the dessert crowd! Decorated in red, white, and blue M&Ms, these soft and chewy cookies are a delicious addition to your festive dessert table!
This 4th of July fruit pizza is sure to be a hit this summer! Display your red, white, and blue pride with this fun, festive, and tasty dessert made with a sugar cookie crust, whipped topping, and fresh berries!
These red white and blue rice krispie treats are such a fun and festive recipe that makes the perfect showstopper for your Memorial Day or 4th of July BBQs! Both kids and adults will love this yummy dessert!
A super moist jello poke cake topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Takes only 5 ingredients to make and can be used with any flavor or gelatin!
Delicious mini fruit tarts made with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh fruit. The perfect bite-sized sweet treat for spring and summer!
A buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious cherry pie filling, crumble topping and a sweet powdered sugar glaze. These cherry pie bars are an easier take on the classic recipe and taste just as delicious!
Mini cheesecakes with graham cracker crust are simple, elegant, and deliciously creamy! Top them with anything from fresh berries to chocolate sauce or your favorite jam and serve them as part of a mini dessert tray for holiday parties, showers, and potlucks!
This easy strawberry pie recipe is made with fresh strawberries, a sweet Jello glaze and flaky pie crust! Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and it's the perfect summer dessert.
These strawberry brownies are moist, decadent and easy to make with a strawberry cake mix! Top with a homemade glaze made from strawberry jam for even more strawberry flavor.
Moist and chewy red velvet brownies topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This delicious dessert is easy to make, packed with flavor and has a beautiful vibrant red color.
No bake banana split dessert is layered with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple and topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This cake gets devoured by everyone!
A quick and easy no-bake strawberry icebox cake that's layered with graham crackers, whipped cream cheese filling and sliced strawberries. Simple, sweet and perfectly refreshing!
Homemade strawberry ice cream is an easy to make egg-free recipe that's made with a sweet no-cook vanilla cream base. It's the perfect summer dessert with a rich and creamy taste that is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor!
This strawberry lasagna is a deliciously layered dessert where cheesecake meets strawberry jello in one perfect bite. With layers of an Oreo crust, fresh strawberries, and whipped topping, this refreshing and light dessert is always a hit!
This Oreo ice cream cake is absolutely delicious and so easy to make! The layers of hot fudge, cool whip and crushed Oreo's make the perfect combination of chocolaty goodness.
A delicious lemon lasagna dessert filled with layers of crushed golden Oreo's, cream cheese whipped topping, lemon pudding, cool whip and toasted coconut. Crunchy, creamy and light all at the same time!
A refreshing and delicious summer ice cream cake that's perfect for birthdays, graduations and more. Made with only 5 ingredients and so simple to whip up!
Frozen s'mores are a refreshing frozen treat made with a combination of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff layered between graham crackers!
This homemade strawberry cream pie is made with a flaky crust, cheesecake filling and is bursting with fresh strawberries. One of our favorite Summer desserts!
Impress your guests this summer with a homemade cherry pie recipe! A golden flaky pie crust brimming with a thick glossy filling made from fresh cherries bursting with juicy sweetness is even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Loaded with gooey marshmallows, chocolate and a graham cracker cookie crust. The perfect summer pie that tastes even better than the traditional campfire s'mores!
Learn to make the best peach pie with the option of a double crust or single with a crumble topping. A homemade (or store-bought) buttery flaky golden crust filled with a fresh peach filling is the perfect summer dessert!
Each bite of this fresh fruit tart is a mix of crumbly sweet crust, smooth and decadent custard and juicy fresh berries! This is the perfect refreshing treat for warmer weather!
This easy key lime pie is a simple no-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust and 4-ingredient creamy filling! It's has a refreshing sweet taste that's perfect for summer.
It's part crisp, part crumple, and all pie! This amazing berry crumble pie is a sweet, tart, and crispy crowd-pleaser filled with juicy berries and a buttery crispy streusel topping!
The warm homemade peach filling paired with the buttery sugary topping in this easy peach cobbler recipe is seriously to die for. It's the best summer dessert served warm with vanilla ice cream on top or make it year round with fresh, frozen or canned peaches!
Oreo peanut butter pie is a decadent combination of sweet creamy peanut butter filling with a chocolate crust. This easy no-bake dessert is loaded with peanut butter flavor in every bite!
An easy blueberry crisp with a thick sweet filling topped with a toasty cinnamon sugar oat crumble is the best way to welcome cooler weather. It's a quick dessert or afternoon snack that everyone finds comfort in!
This strawberry rhubarb crisp is filled with fresh strawberries and rhubarb and topped with a delicious, flaky crumble. The best strawberry dessert that's tastes amazing with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Easy brown bag apple pie with a delicious crumb topping and flaky pie crust. The brown bag helps seal in all of the delicious flavors and leaves you with the best apple pie you've ever tried.
Strawberry sheet cake is made with vanilla cake batter, a few pantry staples, sour cream, and fresh strawberry purée for a light cake with a beautiful pink hue. Top it with a strawberry version of my cream cheese frosting or strawberry buttercream for the ultimate strawberry-flavored dessert!
This classic strawberry shortcake is made with a light angel food cake base and topped with whipped cream and sweetened strawberries. It's a fruity dessert perfect for summer!
This better than anything cake has a rich chocolate base and is infused with caramel and sweetened condensed milk. To top it all off, you'll add some whipped topping and toffee bits.
This peach dump cake recipe is the easiest dessert to make with just 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes prep. Made in one dish with cake mix, peaches and butter it is a simple, delicious treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream!
This no-bake cheesecake recipe is perfect for beginners! Only 5 ingredients and absolutely no baking. It's everything a cheesecake should be…silky, smooth, light, creamy and decadent!
This lemon poke cake is easy to make with lemon cake mix and lemon jello then topped with whipped cream. It's a moist dessert with a refreshing and flavorful taste for spring or summer!
This easy dump cake can be made 4 different ways and calls for just 4 simple ingredients. Such a classic dessert and the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket!
This Texas sheet cake is a family favorite and perfect for chocolate lovers. The homemade fudge frosting is what takes this delicious cake recipe over the top!
Looking for a few 4th of July dessert ideas that your little ones will love? Try any of the below! They’re fun, colorful, interactive and super delicious. Your kids will go crazy over these treats!
S’mores Charcuterie Board
Create the ultimate s'mores dessert this summer with this epic s'mores charcuterie board. It's loaded with everything you need and then some and it couldn't be easier to put together!
EASY homemade popsicles made with just 3 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. The creamy layers of fresh fruit and yogurt make this frozen dessert the perfect healthy and refreshing treat to cool off with this summer.
Made with a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey melted marshmallows and a rich chocolate kiss, these mini s'mores cups are a fun variation on your favorite summer dessert!
I've taken my favorite M&M cookie recipe and turned it into the cutest bite-sized mini version! These mini M&M cookies are just as soft and chewy and loaded with colorful M&M candies, but they're that much more adorable!
These M&M brownies are thick, chewy and loaded with fudgy chocolate flavor. Add in classic M&Ms or use a holiday version to change the flavor and match the season!
M&M popcorn is the best kind of sweet treat! It's easy, fast, crispy, crunchy, and so addicting! It makes the best party snack, last-minute dessert, or a movie night treat!
These easy vanilla cupcakes are simple to make with a boxed cake mix and instant vanilla pudding which makes them moist and fluffy with a creamy, tender texture!
Thank you for the wonderful recipes. I did the 4th of July Cookies. and fruit pizza and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved how festive and delicious they were!
I love making holiday themed desserts! Thanks for these ideas!
So many great recipes here! Can’t wait to give those frozen s’mores a try – they look fantastic!
Those cherries are adorable — pinned and shared!
Those banana splits are to die for. Can’t wait to try them! I am including them on my post tomorrow about Independence Day treats. I will link back to your original post. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie
Thanks for the feature Jamie! I love patriotic they are, yet they are so simple to make!
How do you keep the banana’s from turning brown until its time to serve them.
I would probably recommend placing them in a freezer (keeps them cool) and using slightly unripe bananas, they dont turn brown as quickly (but I’d still probably wanna make them only just before they will be served, like,within a couple hours)
I agree, I would recommend making them a couple hours before to get the best results! :)
Hi Ramona! I made these a few hours before and they stayed pretty good. I also made sure the bananas weren’t too ripe!