The 4th of July is all about sunshine, good company, and of course, delicious food. This year, ditch the store-bought treats and impress your guests with a spread of homemade delights that are both festive and flavorful. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat to end the evening or a refreshing side dish to complement your barbecue, we’ve got something for everyone. Taste nostalgic childhood favorites, show-stopping centerpieces, and simple skewers. No matter what you choose to make, we’ve got you covered with a variety of recipes that are perfect for your Independence Day celebration. Or, really for any hot, sunny summer day.
Homemade Bomb Pops
What would the 4th of July be without a brightly colored red, white, and blue popsicle? Let our Homemade Bomb Pops take you back to your childhood nostalgia. The best part? They’re made from fresh fruit and yogurt so you can feel comfortable letting your child get some sticky fingers without the overly sugary side effects.
Sour Cherry Crisp
Not every dessert on your holiday table has to be so sweet. A Sour Cherry Crisp takes advantage of cherry season while creating a tangy fruit crumble. But, if a full plate of this sour crisp isn’t quite your thing, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out those flavors.
Tres Leches Fourth of July Recipe
Bite into a moist, decadent cake made with Tres Leches’ famous three milks. We break this classic recipe down into simple steps to make the cake mix, Tres Leches, and whipped topping. While the design choice is up to you, we recommend an American flag shape made with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for an extra bit of flavor.
4th of July Dessert Kabobs
Looking for a quick, last-minute recipe that even the kids can help make? These 4th of July Dessert Kabobs leave plenty of room for customization and creativity. Start off with a pile of strawberries, blueberries, and sliced pound cake. Then, feel free to add in powdered donut holes, watermelon, raspberries, blackberries, or whatever else your red, white, and blue heart desires.
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad
The use of star-shaped cookie cutters can elevate any side dish into a beautiful display. We use this little tool to cut stars out of watermelon and apples then fill the rest of the bowl with blue and red fruits like cherries, strawberries, and blueberries. Complete our Fruit Salad with a drizzle of hot honey, lime juice, and a sprinkle of Tajín for a tangy twist.
Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Gelatin Cake
Who knew gelatin could turn out so stunning? Our Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Gelatin Cake requires virtually no baking, other than setting the crust, making it great for a hot summer day. Plus, you can really bring out your artistic skills to make a dazzling mosaic of red, white, and blue gelatin.
Story by Kylie Thomas / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
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