Independence Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about the menu for your patriotic get-together. You’ve got your all-American recipes, festive decorations and other Fourth of July must-haves, so make sure you don’t forget dessert! These 30 red, white and blue treats are just the thing to help you add a little flair to the table and cap off a great July 4th celebration.
Red, White, and Blue Donuts
What’s the only thing better than homemade donuts? Nothing. Except when they’re red, white, and blue all over. (via Brit + Co)
Epic 9-Layer Red, White, and Blue Cake
Meet the most extraordinary cake EVER. It’s worth the time and energy to build nine cake layers to create the most patriotic cake ever made. (via Brit + Co)
Red, White, and Blue Ombre Funfetti Cake
Our own recipe, this festive cake may look intimidating to make, but we have super easy to follow steps that will make it a cinch! (via Brit + Co)
Firecracker Cupcakes
Using Poprocks for sprinkles will really help these firecrackers light up the party! (via Brit + Co)
Ombre Independence Day Cake
Ombre is still definitely right on trend this summer, which is why you should wow your guests with this impressive cake. The secret? Store-bought frosting and cake mixes! That way you only have to focus on actually putting the cake together. (via Brit + Co)
Star Spangled Fruit Kabobs
You can never have too many flags! These healthy kabobs can be done in just minutes, and you can substitute bananas for the marshmallows if you want to keep them all-fruit. (via Simple Girl)
Patriotic Pavlova
If you want to set off some serious fireworks at your Fourth of July BBQ, be sure to whip up a creamy, berry-filled treat like this one! (via Brit + Co)
Boozy Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Popsicles
With a little bit of fruit, a little bit of cheesecake and a little bit of booze, these sweet treats bring together rich flavors for a dessert the adults at your party will all love. (via Host the Toast)
Tie Dyed Fudge
This recipe is great for large parties, and the marbled effect makes this fudge squares look as good as they taste. (via Taste and Tell)
Mini Mousse Cakes
Certain holidays call for meticulously layering blueberry, strawberry and vanilla mousse. Whether your celebration is small or large, these mini mousse cakes will be appreciated and gawked over all day. (via Eye Doc Bakes)
4th of July Popsicles
The blueberries hiding within the vanilla ice cream and fruit puree add a fun burst of flavor to these popsicles. If you don’t have time to make the ice cream by hand, you can always use a carton of your fave. (via Itsy Bitsy Foodies)
Independence Cookie Pops
Let’s face it, food on a stick is always more fun to eat. Sugar, double dark chocolate, macadamia nuts — the cookie possibilities are endless. (via A Step in the Journey)
4th of July Poke Cake
If you’ve already got a couple of boxes of white cake mix, you’re well on your way to making this simple poke cake. Once you’ve poked your holes in the cake, black cherry gelatin is poured in and left to form those signature red stripes. (via Brit + Co)
Frozen Yogurt Parfaits
This yummy dessert features frozen yogurt, fresh berries, gluten-free clusters and coconut whipped topping, so feel free to dig in without worrying about how you’ll fit into your bathing suit the next day. (via She Knows)
Patriotic Strawberries
These are a great last-minute treat if you don’t have the time for more elaborate desserts. Plus, they’re a fun culinary project to do with kids. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Nutella Cookie Dough Dipped Pretzels
Can’t decide between sweet or salty, chocolate or cookies? With these delicious bites, you won’t have to. (via Crazy for Crust)
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cookie
Prepared sugar cookie dough forms the crust of this cookie cake creation, and you can use whatever combination of fruits strikes your fancy. (via Get Off Your Tush and Cook)
Sprinkle Ombre Cake
Indulge your inner child with this rainbow cake. If the colorful ombre layers don’t get you, the sprinkle coating will! (via Brit + Co)
Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
What’s a party without jello shots? No kind of party we want to be invited to! These colored treats will be a hit, we promise. (via Brit + Co)
Pinwheel Icebox Cookies
These cookies require a little planning since the dough needs to be colored, rolled out and refrigerated, but the pretty swirls in the resulting cookies are well worth the effort. (via Just a Taste)
Red Velvet Pancakes With Coconut Syrup and Blueberries
There’s no law that says you can’t have breakfast for dessert. Which is good, because that means you can have as many stacks of these deep red pancakes as you want! (via Eclectic Recipes)
Red, White, and Blueberry Caprese Salad
It’s hard to beat the simple combo of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil — unless you add a handful of blueberries, too! (via Brit + Co)
Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
Jello shots are a MUST for the Fourth. Instead of choosing between red, white or blue, why not layer all three? Top with a squirt of whipped cream and edible blue glitter to make them really special. (via Brit + Co)
Patriotic Mini Brownie Dessert Pizza
Everyone will love that they get their own personal brownie pizza bite, and you’ll love how easy they are to make. To prepare the pizza base, you’ll bake your brownie batter in a sheet pan and use a biscuit cutter to cut out each individual round. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Sparkling Hibiscus Berry Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail will be the buzz of your cookout. Hibiscus tea, fresh berries, and lemon sparkling water combine with vodka to make the most incredible summer drink that’s perfect for Independence Day. (via My Modern Cookery)
Fourth of July Chia Pudding
This delish DIY pudding will satisfy your craving for something sweet *and* it’s totally vegan so it won’t fill you with empty calories. What’s more, it’s super-simple to prepare for your holiday picnic. (via Brit + Co)
Fourth of July FrankenPie
This crazy creation consists of a blueberry pie, an apple pie, and a cherry pie baked into a monstrous three-layer cake covered with flags, sparklers and a healthy dusting of Pop Rocks. ‘Nuff said. (via Brit + Co)
Smashed Berry Shortcake
If you’re scrambling for a last minute treat to bring to the BBQ, scramble no more! This festive, patriotic treat is perfectly summery and super easy to make. (via Brit + Co)
Triple Chocolate 4th of July Cake
On the outside, this cake projects a beautiful ombre paint job with white chocolate drizzle and picture-perfect macarons. On the inside is a triple chocolate masterpiece that is so unexpectedly delicious, you won’t mind cutting into the gorgeous exterior. (via B. Sweet)