On the Fourth of July, a red, white, and blue dessert is almost as important as the fireworks. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or bringing a dish to a potluck, you need something fun, festive, and sweet to end the meal—and it doesn’t have to be complicated to make. Summer berries are at their peak right now, so put them to good use in one of these delicious treats, including pies, no-bake cheesecakes, cookies, cobblers, and more.
Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Cake
Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Cake
An ice cream cake is always a welcome guest at any summer party, and this one, made with blueberry-vanilla ice cream, raspberry sorbet, and pound cake is perfect for the Fourth.
Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries
Recipe: Whiskey Pie with Tipsy Berries
Our test kitchen upgraded the classic buttermilk pie with bourbon, with delicious results. And they didn’t stop there—the Tipsy Berry topping has an extra splash of bourbon. Make this dessert even more decadent by topping servings with coconut shavings or scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Red Velvet-Berry Cobbler
Recipe: Red Velvet-Berry Cobbler
You can serve this berry cobbler straight out of the baking dish or scoop it into clear glasses for a pretty, layered look. We love pairing this dessert with our Cream Cheese Ice Cream, but you can use your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream to save time.
Frosted Sugar-n’-Spice Cookies
Recipe: Frosted Sugar-n’-Spice Cookies
These tender sugar cookies are made with a touch of orange zest and warm spices for a deliciously different spin. Top with our easy-to-make frosting and red and blue sprinkles for a simple Fourth of July treat the kids will love.
Flag Cake
Recipe: Flag Cake
Have a lot of fresh berries and a little time this 4th of July? This simple sheet cake is impressive without a lot of fuss.
Very Berry Summer Pudding
Recipe: Very Berry Summer Pudding
This pudding is made with layers of ladyfingers and juicy fresh berries and cherries that chill overnight, melding into an impressive looking, cake-like dessert—with no baking required! Slice into wedges and top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream for a red, white, and blue look.
Red, White, and Blueberry-Filled Cupcakes
Recipe: Red, White, and Blueberry-Filled Cupcakes
These cupcakes are easy to customize for any occasion. For the 4th of July, serve them with fresh berries or add a flag or star cupcake topper.
Cornmeal Cookie Berry Shortcakes
Recipe: Cornmeal Cookie Berry Shortcakes
Little hands will love these mini sandwiches filled with cream cheese whipped cream and sweet berries.
Cherry Flag Pie
Recipe: Cherry Flag Pie
If you’re going to make one pie this 4th of July, it has to be this cherry pie.
Red Velvet Ice-Cream Cake
Recipe: Red Velvet Ice-Cream Cake
What goes best with a tasty red velvet cake? Some yummy vanilla ice cream. We combined the two to make an impressive layer cake.
Blueberry Cobbler with Sugared Star Shortcakes
Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler with Sugared Star Shortcakes
You won’t find a cuter dessert that comes together in less than 20 minutes! Use a half-and-half mix of blueberries and strawberries for a red, white, and blue look.
Fourth of July Confetti Roulade
Recipe: Fourth of July Confetti Roulade
We love a good roulade. Cutting into this white cake will give your guests a surprise when they see the colorful sprinkles.
Strawberry-Blueberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Recipe: Strawberry-Blueberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
No time to bake? This is the dessert for you. Instead of serving ice cream sandwiches straight from the box, dress them up with sliced fresh berries and dollops of whipped cream.
Berries with Tequila Cream
Recipe: Berries with Tequila Cream
Upgrade your usual dish of summer berries with this luscious tequila-spiked whipped cream.
Chewy Red, White, and Blue Cookies
Recipe: Chewy Red, White, and Blue Cookies
Bring these to the neighborhood barbecue and watch them disappear. No one can resist our soft oatmeal cookies, especially when they are filled with chocolate candies.
Icebox Cheesecake
Recipe: Icebox Cheesecake
You can make this no-bake cheesecake with a classic butter cookie crust or a salty-sweet pretzel crust. Whichever you choose, don’t skip the berry-cherry topping, which is drizzled with a mixture of orange liqueur and blackberry jam.
