50 Fun And Fulfilling 4th Of July Desserts

Every big celebration needs some delicious desserts to make it feel like the real thing. If you are someone who never knows what dessert to bring to the 4th of July cookout, then you’re in the right place.

We’ve got a pretty impressive list of some fun and fulfilling 4th of July desserts that everyone will want to get a bite of. 

To find out more, all you need to do is keep reading. 

Before you start, we feel the need to issue a warning: bringing these desserts to your next cookout will result in the whole neighborhood asking for the recipe. Create these desserts at your own risk. 

Let’s begin.

4th of July Desserts

1. Firecracker Milkshake

This firecracker will light up everyone’s face, and it will be so delicious. These patriotic desserts are incredibly easy to make, and provide the perfect dessert to cool off on a hot July day.

You can spend most of your time enjoying the festivities rather than slaving away in the kitchen, and you can prepare these ahead of time, no problem!

2. Blueberry Cheesecake

A classic blueberry cheesecake is probably one of the most popular 4th of July desserts out there, and for good reason. You can do a lot with these creations, and they are always guaranteed to be a winner.

A blueberry cheesecake can be a delectable no-bake option, or a baked option, depending on the recipe you want to use! As long as it has that delicious blueberry compote, it’ll be amazing. 

3. Fireworks Cookies And Cream Cookies

What’s more 4th of July than fireworks? While we won’t be placing real fireworks in these, the flavors will explode in your mouth and make you do the happy dance. They’re easy to make, beautiful, and sinfully delicious. 

4. Easy 4th Of July Ice Cream Cake

This layered ice cream cake is the ultimate 4th of July celebratory dessert. You can add some fresh strawberries and blueberries, or even recreate the US flag with all this summer goodness. This will be a favorite.

5. Peach Galette

You absolutely need to try this peach galette on your next sunny day. Caramel sauce and ice cream will be the perfect cherry on top. Not only is this peach galette so easy to make, but it will be a showstopper and a family favorite. 

6. 4th Of July White Chocolate Fudge

Fudge lovers, unite! You can make this easy red, white, and blue fudge with a couple of simple ingredients and food coloring! They’re easy, but the perfect dessert or treat.

You could even pair this fudge with another favorite, like a banana split!

7. Peach Dump Cake

Like the name suggests, you practically just dump everything together and get amazing results.

A warm peach dump cake (see also ‘33 Dump Cake Recipes For Lazy Bakers‘) on a summer day is the best thing you could ask for, especially if you pair it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. So decadent. 

8. Red, White, And Blue Crackle Cookies

These easy but elegant crackle cookies are out-of-this-world good, and a pleasure to make. With a few simple ingredients, you will be on your way to a winning recipe.

You can also experiment with flavors, as long as you keep to the red, white, and blue theme for the day!

9. 4th Of July White Chocolate Frozen Bananas

Sweet, sweet bananas are a great way to celebrate Independence Day, no matter where you are. This is a great option if you want something that still feels and tastes luxurious, but keeps it healthy.

The bananas and white chocolate pair perfectly, and that just isn’t something you can argue against. 

10. Strawberry Icebox Cake

What better way to cool off on a summer day than with an icebox cake? This strawberry icebox cake is so easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to be popular among everyone.

The layered strawberries and ice cream will make something that many of us only dream of on a good night.

11. Fresh Fruit Tart

The classic fruit tart is something that you always look forward to on a summer day. When you bring this dessert out, everyone is going to want a slice of heaven. 

12. Patriotic Cupcakes

Cupcakes will always be a favorite for everyone, especially these patriotic ones! You can have free rein over flavors and coloring if you want, but this recipe is perfect as is.

Take one bite into these beauties, and everyone will crowd around asking how you pulled that off. 

13. Red, White, And Blue Patriotic Bark

Bark is one of those desserts that don’t look like much, but they’re so delicious. This red, white, and blue bark is the perfect no-bake dessert when you just want to have an easy day.

No one will think less of you, because it’s too delicious.

14. 4th Of July Poke Cake 

This super moist and easy cake will always be a favorite no matter the time of year. If you’re making this for the 4th of July, be sure to get those colors in there and poke away! You (and everyone else) will be blown away by the end result.

15. Rhubarb Crisp

Want a super sweet dessert to pair with that vanilla ice cream in your freezer? This rhubarb crisp is super easy to make, and you can make enough to feed everyone twice! There’s just something special about rhubarb in the summer, right? 

16. 4th Of July Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats are so easy to make, and this recipe is one that everyone can get involved with. Despite how easy they are to make, they just scream happiness and great childhood memories. They’re relatively mess free, too!

17. Blueberry Cobbler

A cobbler is always a winner for any occasion. It could be the middle of winter or the 4th of July, and your guests will flock to this.

You can alter this recipe to make it your own, but as long as you include some kind of ice cream on there, you’re winning. 

18. Grilled Watermelon

You really can’t get any easier than serving grilled watermelon as a 4th of July dessert. This option is so easy, but always surprisingly delicious.

If you want a dessert that you don’t need to feel guilty about the kids enjoying a little too much, you will need to try this one. Just don’t burn yourself when you’re trying to get those perfect grill marks!

19. Louisiana Crunch Cake

This Louisiana crunch cake is refreshing, and the perfect taste of the South that everyone will want. Add some fresh fruit if you like, but this cake is already perfect as it is.

You can experiment with the glaze if you wish, but who doesn’t like almonds?

20. Chocolate Pie

Who doesn’t love the classic chocolate pie? This dessert is so rich and delicious. The butterfly pie crust adds what the chocolate needs, and you can alter the recipe to use any other ingredients you like!

You could make the pie crust more interesting, or add some fruit or peppermint to the chocolate. Or, you can keep things classically perfect, and just enjoy this straight chocolate pie.

21. Doughnut Hole Kebabs

Looking for a super easy dessert that you can prepare on the grill? These doughnut hole kebabs are exactly that. You can dip them in any sauce you like to really make them the most delicious dessert in town!

22. 4th Of July Ice Cream Pie

No-bake desserts are always a winner for events (see also ‘28 Amazing Simple No-Bake Pie Recipes‘). They require less effort, and no time in front of a hot oven. This patriotic ice cream cake will be the perfect thing to cool everyone down on a hot July evening. Just try it.

23. Patriotic Truffles

Truffles are so soft and creamy, and simply luxurious. The only way you could make them better would be to make them perfectly patriotic.

These white chocolate truffles just need to be coated in red, white, and blue sprinkles to be something special. 

24. Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel and apple are already exquisite together, and then they’re paired with a buttery pie crust, you can’t beat it!

Try to get this one fresh out the oven and everyone can have some melting ice cream on top of it. Put a cherry on top if you want!

25. Cookies ‘n Crème Cupcakes

Since cookies should always be dipped in milk, you’ll want a cold glass of milk with these beauties. These cupcakes are so easy to make, and you can get everyone involved to help out.

How many bites will you need to finish one? We’re betting two.

26. Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are so refreshing on a hot summer day, and they are a must for any 4th of July celebration. They’re so delicious, and so easy to make.

Add some zest for both flavor and garnishing, and the guests will flock to these bars. 

27. All-American Banana Split

When you cook a banana, it gets too sweet to ignore. When you add cherries, ice cream, and chocolate sauce, it becomes irresistible.

This dessert is for the ultimate sweet tooth, and despite the mess, it will be a favorite for everyone. You can even add some liqueur for a nice little kick for the adults, and extra sauce for the kids.

28. Patriotic Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake has a special place in many of our hearts, especially when it’s patriotic! This colorful creation will put a smile on anyone’s face. It’ll be soft and sweet, and so flavorful. 

29. Cherry Pie

My, my, my, a cherry pie! No 4th of July celebration is complete without one of these sitting at the table. You might notice that this dessert disappears especially quickly.

30. Peach Pecan Crisp

Just look at it, and you will know that ice cream just needs to be scooped on top of this. This is the perfect summer dessert for anyone who likes peaches or pecans. So good.

31. Key Lime Cakes In A Jar

If you don’t want everyone fighting over the last slice of key lime pie, make them in a jar! Instead of making it a pie, why not try making it a key lime cake? It’s just as delicious and so easy to make.

32. Peanut Butter And Pretzel Icebox Cake

We already know pretzels and peanut butter are the perfect pair, but add them to an icebox cake, and you’ll make something truly remarkable.

33. Cheddar Apple Pie

Don’t judge it before you try it. The cheddar complements the apple in a way that nothing else ever will. It’s definitely worth trying out at your next big cookout, even if it isn’t for the 4th of July.

It’ll make you wonder what else you’ve been missing out on… 

34. Cherry Cookie Bars

Cherry cookie bars are alarmingly easy to make, and you only need a couple of simple ingredients. This recipe is a great way to combine that freshness of summer fruits with the delight of a cookie. Try it.

35. Rainbow Waffle Sandwiches

These fun and delightful waffle sandwiches are made with ice cream sandwiched between crispy and tasty waffles! Who doesn’t like waffles? Everyone likes waffles. When you add sprinkles, you’re sprinkling a little magic on top.

36. Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are a classic summer dessert that should never be replaced. If you want to stick with an option that requires minimal effort for maximum happiness, make this one.

Guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, so prepare for the mess. 

37. Salty Peanut Butter Pudding

By now, everyone should know how great peanut butter is, and that it pairs well with a little salt. If you don’t believe us, then you should try making this delicious salty peanut butter pudding.

Everyone at the party will want a slice of this no-bake dessert.

38. Rocky Road Pie

Like rocky road and pie and can’t choose between them? You don’t have to! This rocky road pie is exactly what everyone needs after running around with sparklers.

Add a scoop of ice cream on top of this dessert to create a true masterpiece.

39. Strawberry Nutella Cake

Any Nutella fans out there? This rich Nutella cake with strawberries is a top-notch summer dessert that all ages will love. Nutella is a great substitute for ganache, and when you pair it with strawberries? Perfection.

40. Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pops

On a hot summer day, sometimes all we want is an ice cream pop. If you’re going to do that, at least make it interesting! Strawberry and vanilla are already a match made in heaven. 

41. Coconut Angel Cake

This coconut angel cake is so simple and beautiful, but always a showstopper. If you want a cake that is guaranteed to be fluffy and flavorful, this angel cake is a must-try.

Coconut might not be for everyone, but everyone will want a slice of this. Peaches will go well with this!

42. Swirled Meringues With Blueberry Sauce

Nothing says summer like meringues and fruit! This dessert incorporates the perfect crunch and goodness of meringues with the sweet blueberry sauce.

You don’t have to stop there, though. Add more fruit and a drizzle of honey, if you like!

43. Chantilly Cake

Looking for a luxurious dessert? This Chantilly cake is the one for you. You will enjoy the moist vanilla sponge with fresh berries and Chantilly cream. This cake will pair beautifully with some sweet ice tea. 

44. Chamomile-Mascarpone Tart With Fresh Strawberries 

Chamomile and mascarpone competent each other beautifully in this picture-perfect summer tart. When you add fresh sliced strawberries on top, it really brings everything together.

It’s mild and elegant, and perfect for a late evening dessert.

45. Raspberry And Pistachio Semifreddo

This colorful dessert is the epitome of summer celebrations, and something that everyone will want a slice of. This semifreddo is almost too pretty to slice up, but you won’t be able to stop after just one. 

46. Patriotic Jello Cups

Everyone loves jello, so why not turn it into some patriotic jello cups for everyone? You can make a couple of different versions and add a little booze to the adult ones if you like… throw some berries in there, too! 

47. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

This delectable ice cream cake is the one everyone will want on a hot July evening. It’s fresh, delicious, and so easy to make. This chocolate chip cookie ice cream cake will be something that everyone will want a second slice of.

48. Blackberry Lime Cream Puffs

These blackberry lime cream puffs are perfect for a refreshing dessert in the summer. They’re perfectly bite-sized, and taste so delicious and fresh. To get top marks, be sure to make the pastry yourself!

49. Red Velvet Patriotic Cupcakes

These red, white, and blue cupcakes are perfect for any kind of 4th of July celebration – cookout or otherwise! Being cupcakes, they will already be a winner with the kids, and you can decorate them however you like!

50. Red, White, And Blue Cake Roll 

This patriotic cake roll is the perfect thing to start (or end) an Independence Day celebration with. You can follow this recipe or do some experimenting with the filling. Freshen it up with sliced strawberries and cream if you like!   

Final Thoughts

If you were looking for inspiration, then hopefully you found it with this list! Independence Day will never be complete without a couple of liberating and delicious desserts.

So, next time you’re celebrating, we dare you to pick some options from this list and make them! You won’t regret it, we promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Desserts Are Popular For The 4th Of July?

Popular desserts for Independence Day include cakes, cupcakes, sundaes, and cookies. However, there are no rules for celebrating this holiday, so any dessert goes!

Since this holiday takes place in summer, cold desserts like icebox cakes and trifles are popular options.

Are Cheesecakes Food For 4th Of July Desserts?

Yes! Both no-bake and baked cheesecakes are great options for 4th of July desserts because they can be very versatile and easy to make (see also ‘33 Spectacular 4th Of July Appetizers You Need To Try‘). They are both also typically cold, which is great for the summer heat.

Should 4th Of July Desserts Include Fresh Fruit?

They don’t have to include fresh fruit, or any fruit at all. However, having fruit on your desserts is a great way to freshen them up and really make them feel like a taste of summer. 

Which Fruits Can You Use For Red, White, And Blue?

Strawberries and blueberries are great for Independence Day celebrations. Finding a white fruit can be a little more difficult, so it is probably easier to stick to things like white cakes or cream.

This will add some great textures and add more moisture to a dessert.    

Is It Okay To Use Tinned Fruit Instead Of Fresh Fruit?

Absolutely! In some cases, tinned fruit might be a better option than fresh fruit. However, if a recipe calls for fresh fruit, it’s best to try and stick to that, so the consistency isn’t changed too much.

What Is The Difference Between A Regular Cake And An Angel Food Cake?

A regular, or “yellow” cake will contain butter and egg yolks. Angel food cake, on the other hand, uses other kinds of fat and only uses the egg whites, which are beaten to a stiff peak.

This difference makes angel food cake “white”, and very pleasing to the eye. 

Can I Put Sparklers In A 4th Of July Dessert?

Yes! Sparklers are a great way to add something special to any 4th of July desserts. Just be careful and don’t over do it!