20 4th of July Cakes That Bring Fireworks to the Dessert Table
Because what's more patriotic than a flag cake?
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When it comes to planning your 4th of July menu, a few things are non-negotiable: burgers, hot dogs, your favorite BBQ recipes, and something sweet to finish it all off. That's where these festive 4th of July cakes come in! From bright berry-topped sheet cakes to fun flag cakes decorated with stars and stripes, there's something here for every kind of celebration. They may look impressive, but don't worry—they're all simple enough to pull together in one afternoon, even if you're busy getting everything else on the grill.
Some of these patriotic cakes are no-bake desserts, while others simply show you how to doctor up a box of cake mix. Of course, there are plenty of red, white, and blue desserts on this list. Some made with frosting and food coloring and others are simply strawberry and blueberry desserts. If you're attending a summer potluck, presenting one of our trifle recipes layered with pound cake, mixed berries, and plenty of whipped cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
For those looking to cool down from the summer heat, we've also included a few 4th of July cakes that are perfect for a pool party. Try an over-the-top ice cream cake layered with all of your favorite flavors or Jell-O desserts like a patriotic poke cake. Heck, offer a spread of 4th of July cupcakes and other 4th of July desserts to double the sweetness! No matter which homemade cakes you choose, these ideas are the sweetest way to ring in the holiday.
Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert
It's not a party without something red, white, and blue! This easy layered dessert is light, fruity, and just the thing to cool off with after a cookout.
Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
Tart lemon and sweet blueberries are a perfect match in this sunny sheet cake. It's easy to slice, feeds a crowd, and feels just right for a hot July day.
Get Ree's Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake recipe.
Strawberry Poke Cake
This one's a nostalgic favorite with a little summer flair. The strawberry filling sinks into every bite, and the whipped topping makes it look (and taste!) like a celebration.
Get Ree's Strawberry Poke Cake recipe.
Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake
Think: strawberries and cream, but in cake form—and enough to feed a whole picnic table. It's soft, fluffy, and topped with plenty of fresh fruit.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
Berry Chantilly Cake
This one's a little fancier than something like a sheet cake, but still totally doable! With layers of tender cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries, it's the kind of dessert that gets all the oohs and ahhs.
Get the Berry Chantilly Cake recipe.
4th of July Flag Cake
A simple sheet cake transforms into a festive holiday treat with Ina Garten's classic method of decorating with berries for making a flag cake. It's sure to impress your guests!
Get Ree's 4th of July Flag Cake recipe.
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Sweet, seasonal strawberries and fluffy whipped cream cheese filling makes this no-bake cake completely irresistible. The best part is that you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for easy summer entertaining.
Get the Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe.
Coca-Cola Cake
Does it get more American than Coca-Cola? This soda (or pop, as Ree Drummond would call it) helps make the lightest chocolate cake you'll ever get a chance to try.
Get the Coca-Cola Cake recipe.
Ice Cream Cake
It wouldn't be a summer party without ice cream! This easy treat using store-bought ice cream is the best way to cool down from the summer sun. Don't forget the cherries on top!
Get the Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
Making a red, white, and blue dessert doesn't need to be complicated. This one uses store-bought pound cake, fresh mixed berries, and plenty of whipped cream to feed a crowd.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
Piña Colada Cake
You don't need a trip to the beach to enjoy this lovely, tropical cake. It's a breeze to whip up and delicious for any outdoor cookout. The secret: packaged pudding mix.
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
Birthday Cake
What's the best way to celebrate America's birthday? With birthday cake, of course! Swap the rainbow sprinkles for red, white, and blue sprinkles and you'll have a festive cake for the 4th.
Get the Birthday Cake recipe.
Cookie Cake
You can't go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie cake! The oversized cookie is impressive and so much fun to make.
Get the Cookie Cake recipe.
Lemon Blueberry Cake
Sweet blueberries and tart lemon join forces for this simple summer cake. The hardest part will be not taking a slice before the festivities begin.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe.
Strawberry Cake
Sugar-crusted and bursting with berries—this cake is as summery as they come! Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even ice cream on a hot day.
Get the Strawberry Cake recipe.
Key Lime Cheesecake
This recipe takes Ree Drummond's favorite summer dessert (key lime pie) and turns it into a creamy, zesty, luscious, make-ahead cheesecake.
Get the Key Lime Cheesecake recipe.
Coconut Layer Cake
Start with a flavorful white cake and you can do anything to make it festive for the fourth! Add a topping of mixed berries, decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles, or top with sparklers.
Get Ree's Coconut Layer Cake recipe.
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Sometimes referred to as Texas sheet cake, this chocolate dessert can feed a crowd. It's a great way to celebrate America's birthday (or any birthday for that matter!).
Get Ree's Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
Peach Dump Cake
Your guests will never believe that this sweet and summery dessert started with a box of cake mix. We promise, it's surprisingly easy and delicious.
Get the Peach Dump Cake recipe.
Blueberry Cheesecake
Everyone should have a good cheesecake recipe. And when you top it with a good fruit compote, it's even better!
Get the Blueberry Cheesecake recipe.
Corn Muffins with Honey Butter Are a BBQ Must
Melon Feta Skewers Are So Easy To Make
This Peach Crumble Is The Dessert Of The Season
Whip Up Dill Pickle Dip For Any Party
