This post explores 25 Easy 4th of July Desserts That Will Wow Your Guests
There’s something about the 4th of July that just feels right celebrating with family, friends, fireworks, and of course, amazing food.
Growing up, I can remember the anticipation not only for the fireworks show but for the incredible spread of 4th of July desserts that would follow.
The desserts were a sweet conclusion to the day’s festivities, and they brought everyone together in the most delicious way.
The best part? These desserts weren’t just delicious, they were fun and colorful, capturing the essence of the holiday with every bite.
Even if it was a perfectly layered red, white, and blue trifle, or homemade ice cream sandwiches shaped like stars, there was always something to excite the taste buds and please the eyes.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the simplest desserts can often have the most impact, when you combine creativity, festive colors, and fresh ingredients, magic happens.
In this post, I’m sharing 25 4th of July desserts that will not only wow your guests but are also easy to make.
From simple fruit based treats to decadent pies and cakes, these ideas will help you create a dessert spread that feels both special and stress free.
If you’re hosting a large party or just bringing a dish to a friend’s house, these treats are sure to become the star of the show and leave everyone asking for your secret recipes.
25 Easy 4th of July Desserts That Will Wow Your Guests
1. Red, White, and Blueberry Parfait
Parfaits are one of those desserts that are not only delicious but are also a treat to the eyes. Layering fresh strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream in clear glasses creates a patriotic presentation that’s perfect for the 4th of July. You can even take it up a notch by adding granola or cake crumbles between the layers for a delightful crunch.
Start by layering fresh strawberries, blueberries, and homemade or store-bought whipped cream in clear cups or mason jars.
Alternate layers to create the classic red, white, and blue look.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some granola or crushed shortbread cookies between the layers for added texture.
Top each parfait with a few extra blueberries and a mint leaf for garnish.
Not only does it taste delicious, but the visual appeal will make it an instant hit at any gathering.
2. Patriotic Pavlova Nest
The Patriotic Pavlova Nest is a light, airy dessert that offers a touch of elegance to your Independence Day spread.
With its crisp meringue base, fluffy whipped cream filling, and vibrant berries, this sweet treat embodies the red, white, and blue spirit perfectly. It’s not only visually stunning but also a refreshing and delicious way to celebrate the 4th of July.
Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold in cornstarch and vanilla.
Spoon the mixture into nest shapes on a lined baking sheet, bake at low heat for about 90 minutes, and let cool.
Fill each nest with whipped cream and top with raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a patriotic flair.
3. Patriotic Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser, and these patriotic treats are no exception. A soft vanilla or red velvet cupcake base, topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting, and garnished with red, white, and blue sprinkles, these cupcakes are perfect for the 4th of July.
The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake.
Bake your cupcakes, choose a classic vanilla flavor or something more festive like red velvet.
While they cool, make your cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until fluffy.
Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a star tip, creating a swirl effect.
Finally, add red, white, and blue sprinkles or small American flags to each cupcake for that perfect 4th of July look.
4. No-Bake Flag Cheesecake
This no bake cheesecake is a simple yet impressive 4th of July dessert.
With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruits arranged to resemble the American flag, it’s a festive and refreshing dessert to serve after a summer barbecue. Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven perfect for those hot summer days.
Start by making a graham cracker crust and pressing it into the bottom of a springform pan. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the filling into the crust and spread it evenly. Let it chill in the fridge for several hours to firm up.
Once it’s set, arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries on top in the shape of the American flag, strawberries for the stripes and blueberries for the stars.
This dessert is as patriotic as it gets and will have your guests in awe.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
These strawberry shortcake skewers are a portable version of the classic dessert and are perfect for a casual 4th of July get-together. Fresh strawberries, pieces of pound cake, and whipped cream are stacked on skewers to create a fun, finger-food version of strawberry shortcake.
These are perfect for serving at a picnic or outdoor event.
Cut fresh strawberries and pound cake into bite sized pieces.
Alternate skewering them with pieces of cake and strawberries on wooden skewers.
After assembling, top each skewer with a dollop of whipped cream.
If you like, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for extra flavor.
These skewers are a great way to enjoy a classic dessert without the need for plates or utensils.
6. Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are the perfect summer treat, and they can easily be made festive for the 4th of July with a few simple touches.
This dessert involves classic chocolate chip cookies filled with vanilla ice cream, then decorated with red and blue sprinkles, creating the perfect 4th of July dessert.
Bake your favorite chocolate chip cookies and allow them to cool.
Once cooled, place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in between two cookies.
Roll the edges of the ice cream in red and blue sprinkles or mini candies to add a burst of color.
These ice cream sandwiches are not only delicious, but they’re also perfect for kids and adults to enjoy during the summer heat.
Serve them on a platter to create a festive touch at your 4th of July party.
7. Firework Cupcakes with Sparkling Sprinkles
Cupcakes are a classic, and adding a firework theme is a fun way to make them extra special for the holiday.
These cupcakes are decorated with a mix of sparkly sprinkles and fireworks shaped sugar decorations, making them the perfect eye catching dessert for your 4th of July celebration.
Start by baking your favorite cupcake flavor, chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet.
Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them with a thick layer of buttercream frosting in white or blue.
Then, top the cupcakes with silver or red sparkling sugar and firework-shaped sprinkles for a dazzling effect.
For added fun, use edible glitter to give them a magical, sparkling appearance.
These cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the party.
8. Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
These cute and creative 4th of July desserts take the classic cupcake to the next level. By using ice cream cones instead of cupcake liners, you get a delightful combination of crunchy and sweet in every bite.
Start by baking a batch of your favorite cupcakes.
Once cooled, carefully scoop out the center of each cone and fill it with cupcake batter.
Bake the filled cones and then allow them to cool completely.
Once cool, frost with your favorite buttercream in red, white, and blue layers.
You can even add a cherry on top or mini American flag picks to make the cones extra festive.
The best part? These cone cupcakes are easy to serve and fun to eat.
9. Fourth of July Rice Krispies Treats
These Rice Krispies treats are a childhood favorite, but when made in red, white, and blue, they turn into a patriotic masterpiece. They are fun to make, no-bake, and perfect for any 4th of July celebration.
Melt butter and marshmallows together in a large pan, and mix in your Rice Krispies cereal.
Once the cereal is coated in the melted marshmallow mixture, divide it into three bowls.
Add red food coloring to one bowl, blue food coloring to another, and leave the third bowl plain for the white layer.
Press the colored Rice Krispies mixtures into a baking pan, layering them to create the red, white, and blue effect.
When they are set, cut into squares, and top them with fun sprinkles or mini flags for extra flair.
10. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Bars
These no-bake berry cheesecake bars are a refreshing and decadent dessert that’s perfect for summer. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy filling topped with fresh berries, they make a wonderful addition to your 4th of July desserts spread.
Start by preparing the crust with crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
Press this mixture into a baking pan and set it in the fridge to chill. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and a little lemon juice until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust and smooth it out.
Top the bars with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a patriotic pattern.
Allow the bars to chill in the fridge for a few hours before slicing them into squares.
These bars are both light and creamy, making them the perfect dessert for your summer celebration.
11. Berry Sparkler Shooters
Berry Sparkler Shooters are a refreshing and visually stunning addition to your 4th of July desserts. These parfait-style treats combine the sweetness of berries, the creaminess of whipped topping, and the elegance of clear layers to create a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for guests of all ages, these shooters are easy to prepare and serve, making them a versatile choice for your Independence Day celebrations
Prepare red berry-flavored gelatin and pour a small amount into clear shooter glasses. Chill until set.
Add a layer of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt over the gelatin and smooth it out.
Pour prepared blue gelatin over the white layer and chill again until firm.
Top with fresh raspberries and blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream, and optional edible glitter or star shaped sprinkles for a festive touch.
12. Apple Pie Nachos
Apple Pie Nachos are a clever and mouth-watering twist on the classic American dessert, combining the crunch of nachos with the sweet, comforting flavors of apple pie.
Perfect for any 4th of July desserts table, these nachos are both indulgent and shareable, ideal for a relaxed celebration with family and friends
Start by slicing apple tortillas into small chips and baking them until they are crispy.
In a separate pan, sauté apple slices with cinnamon and sugar until soft and caramelized.
Once everything is prepared, layer the crispy apple chips with the warm cinnamon apples.
Drizzle the dessert with caramel sauce, a generous amount of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
You can even top with red, white, and blue sprinkles or fresh berries for that extra patriotic touch.
This dessert will definitely be a fun and creative treat at your 4th of July desserts table.
13. Flag Fruit Pizza
Flag fruit pizza is a fresh, delicious, and visually stunning dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the 4th of July desserts.
This treat features a buttery sugar cookie crust, cream cheese frosting, and an abundance of colorful fruits arranged to resemble the American flag. It’s a fun and easy way to serve up a healthy and patriotic dessert without compromising on taste.
Start by baking a large sugar cookie as the base for the pizza.
You can use store bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch.
Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle on a baking sheet, and bake according to the instructions until golden brown and crisp.
Once the cookie is completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream on top.
For the frosting, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
You can also add a bit of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
14. Red Velvet Brownie Bites
Red velvet brownie bites are a luscious and bite-sized treat that brings a touch of elegance to any celebration. Their vibrant red hue, combined with a rich chocolate flavor, makes them perfect for a festive 4th of July dessert spread.
Use a red velvet cake mix or your favorite homemade recipe. Add a touch of cocoa for a rich flavor.
Pour the batter into a mini muffin tin and bake until firm but moist.
Once cooled, top each brownie bite with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with patriotic-colored sprinkles.
These indulgent treats are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a standout addition to your 4th of July desserts!
15. Patriotic Marshmallow Wands
Patriotic marshmallow wands are a fun and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for a festive 4th of July dessert table. These colorful marshmallows on sticks are dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Thread large marshmallows onto wooden skewers or candy sticks.
Melt white chocolate and dip the marshmallows halfway.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle them with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Place the wands on wax paper and let them harden.
Quick to assemble and fun for guests of all ages, these marshmallow wands will be a sweet hit among your 4th of July desserts
16. Patriotic Cake Pops
Cake pops are a fun and bite sized way to enjoy a classic cake, and when decorated in the colors of the American flag, they become a perfect fit for your 4th of July desserts spread. These handheld treats are easy to make and even easier to eat.
Start by baking a simple cake of your choice a vanilla or chocolate cake works best.
Once the cake is baked and cooled, crumble it into small pieces and mix it with frosting until you reach a dough-like consistency.
Roll the cake mixture into small balls and insert cake pop sticks into each one.
Dip each ball in melted white chocolate or candy coating, then add red and blue sprinkles, or dip them in red or blue colored chocolate for that festive touch.
You can also drizzle the cake pops with red, white, and blue stripes to enhance the patriotic look.
Let the cake pops set in the fridge for at least an hour to harden. These cake pops are perfect for serving in a jar or basket for guests to grab and go.
17. Patriotic Pretzel Sticks
Patriotic pretzel sticks are a salty-sweet delight that adds a festive crunch to your 4th of July desserts. These pretzel rods are dipped in chocolate and decorated with vibrant red, white, and blue toppings, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl
Dip pretzel rods halfway into the melted chocolate.
Add red, white, and blue sprinkles, mini stars, or drizzle with colored chocolate before the coating sets.
Place the coated pretzels on wax paper to dry.
Perfect for snacking or as a party favor, these patriotic pretzel sticks are an easy addition to your lineup of 4th of July desserts
18. Star-Spangled Churros
Star-Spangled Churros bring a festive twist to a classic treat, making them a standout in your lineup of 4th of July desserts. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with red, white, and blue sugar, these churros are a celebration of flavor and patriotism.
Make or purchase ready-to-fry churro dough. Pipe strips into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Mix red, white, and blue sanding sugars in separate bowls.
Roll warm churros in the sugars to create a star-spangled effect.
Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
These churros are a crispy, colorful delight that will elevate your 4th of July desserts table.
19. Independence Day Cookie Cake
An Independence Day Cookie Cake is a fun, large scale dessert perfect for any 4th of July gathering. With a chewy, buttery cookie base and colorful decorations, this treat is not only delicious but also festive, making it a crowd-pleaser at your celebration.
Make or purchase cookie dough chocolate chip or sugar works well
Spread the dough on a pizza pan or large baking sheet, and bake according to the package or recipe instructions.
Once cooled, top with white icing, and decorate with red and blue M&Ms, sprinkles, or fresh berries to create a flag or star design.
Slice it into wedges or squares for easy sharing at your 4th of July dessert table.
This simple yet patriotic dessert is perfect for those who want a fun and easy-to-make treat for Independence Day.
20. Berry Cream Cheese Crescent Braid
This delicious dessert features a flaky crescent dough braid filled with cream cheese and a medley of fresh berries.
It’s sweet, creamy, and visually stunning, making it the perfect dessert for a 4th of July celebration. Top with a glaze for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Fill crescent roll dough with cream cheese and fresh berries, then bake it into a braid shape.
Once baked, drizzle with a sweet glaze and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a sweet, flaky, and visually stunning dessert.
21. Firecracker Donuts
These mini donuts, decorated in vibrant red, white, and blue icing, are not only delicious but also packed with fun for your 4th of July desserts table. Light, fluffy, and dipped in a sugary glaze, these donuts make a patriotic addition to any summer gathering.
Start by making or buying mini donuts baked or fried.
Once they’re cooled, prepare red, white, and blue icing using powdered sugar and food coloring. Dip each donut into the corresponding color, allowing the excess glaze to drip off.
You can even drizzle one color over the other to create a fun marbled effect. For an extra pop, top with red, white, and blue sprinkles or edible glitter.
These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
22. Frozen Yogurt Bark
This simple and refreshing dessert is made by spreading Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet, then topping it with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
After freezing, it’s broken into pieces, creating a crunchy, creamy, and healthy treat that’s perfect for a 4th of July dessert.
This easy to make treat involves spreading yogurt (blue, red, or vanilla) onto a baking sheet, topping it with fresh fruit, and freezing it into a crunchy, cold dessert.
Break it into pieces and serve it as a refreshing snack during your Independence Day celebrations.
23. Smoothie Bowls
A vibrant and nutritious 4th of July dessert, smoothie bowls are made by blending frozen fruits like berries, bananas, and mangoes, then topping them with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit. They’re both visually stunning and delicious, offering a healthy yet indulgent way to celebrate the holiday.
Blend red fruit, banana-based white layers, and blue fruit to create a delicious, nutritious, and patriotic treat.
Top with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit for an Instagram-worthy 4th of July dessert.
24. Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Slightly charred grilled peaches drizzled with honey and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This simple dessert brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit and adds a touch of smoky flavor, making it a unique and delicious treat for a summer celebration.
Cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pit.
Brush the cut sides with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Heat the grill to medium-high and place the peaches cut-side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches soften.
Serve the grilled peaches warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Optionally, drizzle with honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
This 4th of July dessert is simple to prepare, full of summer flavor, and perfect for impressing guests.
25. Cupcake Bouquet
A creative and visually striking dessert, this 4th of July dessert combines the beauty of a floral bouquet with the deliciousness of cupcakes.
Perfect for a celebration, these cupcake bouquets are sure to impress your guests with their color and charm.
Bake cupcakes in your favorite flavor, and let them cool completely. For the frosting, use a buttercream recipe and color it in shades of red, white, and blue.
Use a piping bag fitted with a flower-shaped nozzle to create beautiful rosettes on top of each cupcake.
Once frosted, arrange the cupcakes in a decorative container (such as a vase or a flower pot) to create a bouquet effect.
You can even add a few decorative green leaves or sprigs to make it look more like a traditional flower bouquet.
These cupcake bouquets are a perfect centerpiece for your 4th of July desserts table or can be gifted to a friend as a sweet surprise.
These 4th of July desserts are the perfect way to make your Independence Day celebration both festive and delicious.
If you’re looking to wow your guests with creative ideas or simply enjoy some classic flavors with a patriotic twist, there’s something on this list for every sweet tooth.
So, get ready to light up the dessert table as brightly as the fireworks in the sky. Your guests are in for a sweet and unforgettable treat this 4th of July.
21 DELICIOUS CROCKPOT BEEF STEW RECIPES THAT ARE EASY TO MAKE
19 Easy BBQ Side Dishes That Are Crowd and Family Pleasing
21 Delicious Easter Treats for Kids Adults Will Love Too
