40 Best 4th of July Desserts That'll Have You Seeing Stars
Because who can say no to a red, white, and blue treat?
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Ladd Drummond's fireworks show might light up the sky, but these 4th of July desserts are here to steal the spotlight at the table. From flag cakes and berry pie recipes to fun red, white, and blue treats, there's something sweet for every kind of celebration. And because it's summer, you'll also find plenty of easy options—no-bake desserts, make-ahead recipes, and simple 4th of July cookies you can whip up without breaking a sweat. Whether you're hosting a big cookout or just showing up with something delicious in hand, any of these festive desserts will end the day on a high note.
Of course, it wouldn't be the 4th of July without ice cream! It's one of Ree Drummond's favorite 4th of July recipes. "I've been making my own ice cream every summer for years and I always serve it for the 4th of July," she says. Try an easy twist on Neapolitan ice cream with dessert bars or homemade blueberry ice cream—it's one of the most refreshing blueberry desserts. And speaking of summer fruits, this list also includes tons of fruit pies, crisps, and cobblers—all of which are practically mandatory for a sunny day. Let's just say there's no shortage of sweetness on the 4th of July!
Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert
This layered dessert is part Jell-O salad, part strawberry shortcake—and somehow even better than both. Fresh berries are folded into colorful red and blue gelatin, then layered with pound cake and a fluffy whipped cream cheese filling.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
Strawberries and cream is a match made in heaven that's made even *more* heavenly in this sweet dessert. The dreamy cream cheese frosting is the icing on the cake—literally!
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
Berry Chantilly Cake
Chantilly cream is rich but not too heavy, and it's the perfect match for layers of soft cake and fresh berries. This one looks like a showstopper but still tastes homemade.
Get the Berry Chantilly Cake recipe.
4th of July Pie
Ree loves making a cute patriotic dessert to go along with whatever is on the menu, and this 4th of July Pie is absolutely perfect. Add some vanilla ice cream on the side and you're all set!
Get Ree's 4th of July Pie recipe.
Blueberry Upside-Down Cake
Fresh blueberries get all jammy and sweet in this simple summer cake. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear!
Get Ree's Blueberry Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Copycat Drumstick Ice Cream Cone
You know the kind from the ice cream truck? These are just like that, only better because you can make them in your own kitchen with whatever ice cream you like. Chocolate shell, chopped peanuts, the whole deal!
Strawberry Pie
This pie is what happens when strawberries are at their best and you don't want to mess with them too much. It's glossy, sweet, and slices up like a dream. Ree loves it chilled straight from the fridge.
Get the Strawberry Pie recipe.
Ice Cream Icebox Cake
If you've got ice cream and a few cookies on hand, you can make this. It's cold, creamy, and looks way fancier than it is. Bonus points if you throw on some berries for color!
Get the Ice Cream Icebox Cake recipe.
Blueberry Bars
These summery bars are soft, buttery, and packed with juicy blueberries. They're easy to slice and carry, which makes them perfect for beach days, park picnics, or handing out to hungry kids running through the yard.
Get the Blueberry Bars recipe.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
This is the kind of dessert that makes you feel smart for making it ahead. It's cool and fluffy with just enough lemon to keep things fresh, and it disappears fast when it's hot outside.
Get the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake recipe.
Brownie Sundae Ice Cream Pie
This one starts with a boxed brownie mix, but nobody will care once they see the scoops of ice cream, drizzles of fudge, and bright red cherries on top. It's basically a giant sundae in pie form.
Get the Brownie Sundae Ice Cream Pie recipe.
Peach Cobbler
The peaches bubble up into syrupy goodness, and the biscuit topping bakes until golden and crisp on top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’ve got something that tastes like summer should.
Get the Peach Cobbler recipe.
Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich
Soft, chewy blondies make a fun twist on the usual cookie sandwich. Store a batch in the freezer for easy treats all weekend long—just try not to eat them all on day one.
Get the Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
Oreo Icebox Cake
This no-bake dessert layers chocolate cookies and whipped cream until everything softens into one cool, creamy slice. Ree adds raspberries for a patriotic pop, and they balance the sweetness perfectly.
Get the Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Cherry Sherbet
This sherbet gets its pretty pink color from fresh cherries, and a splash of cherry liqueur adds a little grown-up flavor. Cold, creamy, and just the right amount of tart.
Get Ree's Cherry Sherbet recipe.
Key Lime Pie Cereal Treats
Think Rice Krispies, but brighter and zingier. Ree stirs fresh lime juice into the marshmallow mix, and suddenly you've got a citrusy twist on a classic treat.
Get Ree's Key Lime Pie Cereal Treats recipe.
Grilled Peaches
Toss halved peaches on the grill for a few minutes and you'll end up with caramelized fruit that tastes like dessert with almost no effort. Ree recommends serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get Ree's Grilled Peaches recipe.
July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches
These start with sprinkle-covered cookies and end with a scoop of your favorite ice cream tucked in between. They're festive, colorful, and easy to make ahead for the whole crew.
Get Ree's July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe.
No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
You won't need to turn on the oven for this summer treat. These no-bake orange-creamsicle-inspired cheesecake bars are perfect for hot summer weekends when you're craving something refreshing and sweet.
Get Ree's Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Blackberry Pie
The filling is juicy and full of fresh blackberries, but the real secret is the crisp crust that doesn't get soggy. A touch of lemon keeps it from being too sweet, and the whole pie cuts like a dream.
Get the Blackberry Pie recipe.
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