Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Seasonal Events Summer Entertaining 49 Easy 4th of July Desserts That Are Perfect for the Heat Don't let the fireworks outshine the true star of 4th of July: dessert! By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer and recipe developer. She's a regular contributor to The New York Times, Time Out New York, Forbes, and many more publications. She also writes the food newsletter, Specialty. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 17, 2024 Close Photo: GREG DUPREE Independence Day means the freedom to eat dessert first. Or just dessert all day, right? If you're barbecue hopping, hosting, or just picnicking under the stars, these festive homemade 4th of July desserts will keep you satisfied on a hot summer day. While red, white, and blue are always a nice theme to follow, the colors of the U.S. flag are certainly not necessary to create the perfect 4th of July pie or other celebratory treat. So liberate yourself from the annual tricolor fruit kabobs and try one of these patriotic dessert recipes. 01 of 49 Spicy Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops Emily Kinni This festive 4th of July dessert—reserved for the over-21 crowd—calls for pureed watermelon mixed with sugar, lime juice, tequila, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. That white stripe, which keeps this dessert patriotic, occurs naturally when the fruit separates during freezing. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 49 Sheet Pan Apple Crisp Caitlin Bensel While there’s nothing more American than apple pie, we’d argue that this apple-focused dessert is even tastier. The best part of this dish might be the crispy browned edges, courtesy of using a sheet pan instead of the typical glass baking dish. Also, the dessert can be made a day ahead, which is good to know if you’re preparing multiple dishes. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 49 Slow-Cooker Angel Food Cake Victor Protasio It’s never a mistake to put your slow cooker to work, especially because this popular appliance gives angel food cake that super-light consistency that can be tricky to master. Just make sure you use the cream of tartar called for in this recipe, as it helps stabilize the egg whites, which is crucial in a slow-baked cake. Add some blueberries to the mix for a red, white, and blue dessert. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 49 No-Churn Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Fred Hardy This sweet and tart no-churn ice cream is a cheesecake lover’s dream. You’ll start by cooking frozen cherries with sugar to make a simple jam that gets swirled throughout for pockets of deep flavor. Then, make the ice cream base with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. Lastly, go ahead and fold in chunks of dark chocolate before freezing everything, for a culinary decision you will not regret. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 49 Malted Chocolate Brownies Victor Protasio Plenty of summer desserts are filled with fresh fruit, which is delicious, but sometimes you want chocolate. Enter this brownie recipe with chocolate or vanilla malted milk powder mixed with cocoa powder. The batter also includes a generous handful of chopped malted milk balls, which is genius. The result is a confection that is equal parts malty, salty, and sweet. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 49 Raspberry and Honey Marshmallows Caitlin Bensel Sure, you can make s’mores on the 4th of July, or you can impress guests with homemade marshmallows flavored with freeze-dried raspberries and honey. Once the marshmallows are done, use cookie cutters to transform them into patriotic star and flag shapes. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 49 No-Churn Papaya Ice Cream Victor Protasio Ice cream without the effort? Why not? To make this easy dessert, simply whip heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk and fold in some papaya. Add some blueberries and sliced strawberries to the mix to make this treat more patriotic. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 49 Tropical Fruit Salad Victor Protasio Try this tropical treat for a 4th of July fruit dessert everyone is bound to love. Combine papaya, pineapple, mango, and kiwi with a touch of sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The fruit then rests on a bed of creamy coconut yogurt and gets a dusting of flaked coconut. If you want those patriotic colors, toss in some blueberries and strawberries. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 49 Plum Cake Heami Lee Though this cake only calls for seven ingredients, it manages to look like it came from a chic Parisian bakery. In this dessert, which takes just 20 minutes of hands-on work, bright plum slices are sprinkled with sugar and baked into a simple yet flavorful crust. To take this 4th of July recipe to the next level, serve it warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 49 Tiramisu Ice Pops Victor Protasio This adults-only dessert calls for just six ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of prep. You’ll start by mixing mascarpone cheese, sugar, and heavy cream. Add espresso and rum (or vanilla extract) to half, and layer in ice pop molds. Once everything is frozen, drizzle with melted chocolate and enjoy! GET THE RECIPE 11 of 49 Frozen S'mores Cake Greg DuPree S'mores is a classic summer dessert, and this cake is a version of the seasonal treat that’s great for a crowd. Here, layers of marshmallow-infused whipped cream, graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate gelato come together to create a 4th of July ice cream dessert you and your guests won’t forget. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 49 Strawberry Dust Meringues Caitlin Bensel These light-as-a-feather meringues are dusted with freeze-dried strawberries, but freeze-dried blueberries or raspberries would also work well. In fact, opting for a variety of different colors will yield a simple red, white, and blue dessert that’s perfect for a 4th of July cookout. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 49 Nectarine Olive Oil Cake Greg DuPree This dessert is simple yet delicious and requires just 20 minutes of hands-on work. The cake batter includes olive oil and puréed nectarines, and those flavors are echoed in the topping of sea salt-flecked fruit. Drizzle some olive oil on top, and dig in! GET THE RECIPE 14 of 49 Pluot Crumble Heami Lee Pluots are stone fruit hybrids with the crimson color of plums, and the tart-sweetness of apricots. If you can't find pluots for Independence Day, use a mix of fresh apricots and plums instead, or just plums if you want that patriotic element. Whatever stone fruit you use will pair well with the nutty and fragrant streusel topping made with nutritious pistachios and cinnamon. Serve this sweet crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’re all set! GET THE RECIPE 15 of 49 Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes Greg DuPree We’re enamored by the work of art that is this fruity dessert, but we’re even more pleased with the fact it only requires one sheet pan and 20 minutes of prep time. Well, you’ll need a hand mixer, mixing bowl, and about four hours for baking and cooling, but we promise it’s super easy and worth the wait. The end result is basically a refreshing fruit salad atop a sweet meringue. In-season fresh pineapple and kiwi also work well if you prefer those fruits over berries and mango! GET THE RECIPE 16 of 49 Glazed Lemon Pound Cake Jose Picayo This fresh pound cake is lighter than traditional versions because it’s made, in part, with creamy Greek yogurt. And if you like lemon, you’ll be happy to know that this dessert includes both lemon zest and lemon juice. Plus, a simple sugar glaze balances out the zesty citrus notes. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 49 Cardamom Bun Cookies Caitlin Bensel These red and white pinwheel cookies are reminiscent of a cinnamon roll, but they borrow their warm, spiced flavor from trendy Swedish cardamom buns. For other festive flavor profiles, replace the cardamom with pumpkin pie spice, classic cinnamon, or apple pie spice, which is appropriate for the 4th of July. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 49 Berry-Oat Crumble Antonis Achilleos This simple berry-oat crumble with a delicious oat-walnut topping brings out the plump blueberries' natural sweetness. It's simple to assemble and requires only 15 minutes of prep time. Naturally gluten-free, this patriotic dessert is a must-have. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 49 Frozen Strawberry Trifle With Ladyfingers Caitlin Bensel If you’re overwhelmed by your 4th of July prep and need a make-ahead dessert, this trifle is it. It's made with only five ingredients—fresh and frozen strawberries, sugar, cream, ladyfingers, and ice cream—and is refreshingly simple since your freezer will do most of the work. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 49 Apple Coffee Cake Twist With Giant Crumbs Brie Passano The sweet and spicy cinnamon crumb topping is unquestionably the best part of any coffee cake. So naturally, we made it the star of this dessert. Here, the big, buttery crumbs sit atop an elegant crescent roll twist, which is more striking to serve (and simpler to bake) than a traditional coffee cake. While you can serve this cake any time of the year, we think it’s the perfect, easy 4th of July dessert. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 49 Summer Berry Trifle With Elderflower Cream Greg DuPree A red, white, and blue dessert with style, this trifle screams summer celebration! Easy to assemble with infused homemade whipped cream and fresh berries, this no-bake trifle provides a sweet wow factor for the 4th of July. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 49 Peach Cobbler Trifle Greg DuPree Peaches and cream? Yes. please! Here, juicy summer peaches are bathed in sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon before being paired with heavy whipping cream and a store-bought pound cake. Pop this baby in the freezer so it gets a nice, refreshing chill just in time for your 4th of July barbecue. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 49 Summer Ambrosia Jennifer Causey Basically, it's a fancy name for a fruit salad with marshmallows; let's give ambrosia the full comeback it deserves. This dressed-up retro fruit salad is a perfect 4th of July dessert, and as a bonus, it takes only 15 minutes to make from start to finish. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 49 Vanilla Peaches in Rosé Victor Protasio Rosé wine, sugar, vanilla bean, and anise are blended together and then poured over ripe summer peaches to create this easy yet flavorful 4th of July fruit dessert. You can also use other stone fruits, like nectarines or apricots, and serve everything over a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complete the dish. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 49 Lemon Blueberry Cake Greg DuPree It’s beautiful, delicious, and in true Fourth of July fashion, it’s mostly red, white, and blue (well, and yellow). The sweetness of mid-summer blueberries plus tart lemon pair so well in this cake that's like lemonade in a pan. The top can even be decorated like the U.S. flag if you wish. This no-bake cake is perfect if you’re short on time, or planning to bring multiple dishes to the gathering. The bulk of this super easy but stunning dessert comes from a couple pints of lemon sorbet, so this recipe is for the resourceful who also love a good presentation. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 49 Rainbow Sprinkle Snacking Cake Greg DuPree Since this cake doesn’t call for butter or eggs (or a mixer, for that matter), it’s ideal for those with dietary restrictions. And because it utilizes a handful of pantry staples, it’s also a solid option if you want a no-fuss treat. Enjoy the cake as is, or to make it extra special, stir up a cream cheese frosting and top it all off with red, white, and blue sprinkles for a patriotic dessert. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 49 Mixed-Berry Icebox Cake Greg DuPree This icebox cake is made with buttery crackers and offers a supremely sweet and savory combo. The mix of berries gives this dessert a patriotic look. The best part about this impressive treat is that you don't even need to turn on the oven. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 49 Apricot Almond Cake Greg DuPree Canned apricots with a glaze of apricot preserves are studded throughout this bright cake, which would be especially irresistible as part of a summer dessert spread. This dessert, which just so happens to be a plant-based recipe, also boasts an almond flour base that compliments the floral notes in the fruit. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 49 Honey Whole Wheat Strawberry Clafoutis Kelsey Hansen A strawberry baked good with nutritional benefits? Very good for you—in more ways than one. Using whole-wheat flour makes this treat a healthier option than other desserts. This clafoutis is amazing with a drizzle of honey on top, plus something creamy, like yogurt or ice cream. It’s pretty, quick to make, and adds a patriotic pop of red to the dessert table. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 49 Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops Victor Protasio Fresh fruit popsicles are the best kind of popsicle, and these creamy coconut cantaloupe pops hold up. They're perfect for serving guests, especially little ones. Make them a few days in advance to ensure they freeze and set, and whip one out to cool down in the prime heat of the holiday. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 49 Mixed Berry Biscuit Cobbler Kelsey Hansen With only a few ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, you can make this delicious and guest-worthy berry cobbler. You’ll only need six simple ingredients—berries, flour, sugar, salt, butter, and heavy cream. The prep work couldn’t be simpler, and you can finish getting ready for the July Fourth festivities while it’s in the oven. When the timer dings, you’ll have a warm berry cobbler with a perfectly golden, crispy top that’s just begging to be topped with a scoop of ice cream. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 49 Amaretto Sour Popsicles Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Summer celebrations call for boozy popsicles, like these grown-ups-only pops that taste like a frozen version of the popular amaretto sour cocktail. Serve them with fresh orange slices and cherries for optimal refreshment. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 49 No Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream Samantha Seneviratne Strawberry ice cream gets an upgrade by roasting the strawberries first, which concentrates their flavor. This homemade ice cream recipe doesn't require an ice cream maker, so it's perfect to make for a get-together. Assemble a DIY ice cream topping bar for an interactive layer to dessert. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 49 Easy Ice Cream Cake Marcus Nilsson You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream cake! There's just something so delightful about ice cream you can slice into, and this cake is it. Make it with your choice of ice cream flavors, patriotically themed (try strawberry and vanilla) or otherwise. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 49 Watermelon Mojito Granita Antonis Achilleos Adult slushies, anyone? Perfect for a hot summer day to enjoy as part of a 4th of July pool party, this boozy granita recipe is simple to make. Fresh watermelon, lime, and mint flavors infuse with white rum for a truly refreshing treat. All you need to do is blend and freeze. GET THE RECIPE 36 of 49 Banana Pudding Pie Bars With Meringue Brie Passano A slab pie that's also a classic summer dessert with a fancy patisserie twist? Oh yes. The wafer-based crust adds to the goodness of this treat, which is sure to rein in compliments for many seasons to come. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 49 PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches Greg DuPree These ice cream sandwiches combine the flavors of a classic PB&J sandwich into a delectable treat. Use store-bought cookies to save time and add strawberry ice cream for an extra dose of fruit flavor. Try cutting the cookies with star-shaped cookie cutters for a Fourth of July flair! GET THE RECIPE 38 of 49 Melted Ice Cream Whoopie Pies Jennifer Causey These brilliant three-ingredient ice cream sandwiches use melted ice cream in the cookie batter for a decadent soft-batch cookie. Complement the flavors with the middle ice cream or mix and match for endlessly delicious combos. The best part is you can bake and assemble all within an hour. GET THE RECIPE 39 of 49 Cherry Coconut Dump Cake Caitlin Bensel Cherry and coconut combine for a delicious and easy cake recipe. Using frozen cherries adds to the convenience factor, and it only takes 15 minutes to prep before placing the mixture in the oven to bake. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and wow your 4th of July guests. GET THE RECIPE 40 of 49 Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie Yunhee Kim Ice cream is perhaps the best pie filling out there, especially when it's cushioned with fudge. Make this pie with one or more flavors, and have fun with the toppings. Add fresh strawberries, cherries, or other fruit for a flavorful holiday treat. GET THE RECIPE 41 of 49 Chocolate Raspberry Skillet Cake Samantha Seneviratne The classic combination of chocolate and fresh raspberries shines in this quick cake recipe. With only 15 minutes of prep time and ready in under an hour, you can serve this delicious treat for the 4th of July—or any day. While this recipe calls for graham flour, you can also use whole-wheat flour if unable to find it. GET THE RECIPE 42 of 49 Lemon Pots de Crème Hector Manuel Sanchez There's something about individual desserts that are so special. Class up your July 4th gathering with these lemon pots de crème. The sweet blueberry garnish pairs well with the tart lemon. GET THE RECIPE 43 of 49 Caramel Plum Galette Samantha Seneviratne Enjoy the rich color and flavor of fresh plums in this pie-like dessert. Whether you make a homemade pie crust or use a store-bought crust, you'll love how easy this is to assemble. A touch of caramel adds another layer of sweetness and helps complete the dish. GET THE RECIPE 44 of 49 Honeydew and Blackberry Ice Cream Sundaes Victor Protasio Blackberry ice cream is the star of this summer dessert that pairs with honeydew melon. Topped with a sesame-almond brittle, you get a party-worthy ice cream treat that will have guests talking for a while. Bonus: It only takes 35 minutes of your time to put this together. GET THE RECIPE 45 of 49 Hot Honey Peach Upside-Down Cake GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN Caramelized peaches adorn a tasty vanilla cake, combining hot honey and nutmeg flavors. Serve warm for the perfect Independence Day treat, and add vanilla ice cream for another layer of yum. GET THE RECIPE 46 of 49 Blueberry Sweet Corn Shortcake Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Instead of individual strawberry shortcakes, this recipe takes advantage of baking a sheet cake. Made with cornmeal and fresh corn and topped with homemade fresh blueberry syrup, it's a unique flavor combination that guests will enjoy. Of course, a little whipped cream is the perfect addition when serving. GET THE RECIPE 47 of 49 No-Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream Samantha Seneviratne You can elevate practically any dessert by adding a scoop of ice cream on top, and it’s surprisingly easy to make your own. With just a few simple ingredients—and a full nine hours to let it freeze—you’ll have creamy, scoopable strawberry ice cream to enjoy on its own, or alongside any other dessert you bring to the party. GET THE RECIPE 48 of 49 Heavenly Coconut Pound Cake Kelsey Hansen Heavenly indeed. Bringing a bundt cake to a BBQ adds visual interest, since it offers a fun shape, but this one also offers the pleasing taste and texture of coconut. It’s made with a soft pound cake, which has been around since the 1700s—just like America. Plus, the white coconut glaze would complement a red, white, and blue dessert table perfectly. GET THE RECIPE 49 of 49 Golden Grahams Peanut Butter Truffles Grace Elkus Part Buckeye, part s'more, these truffles have a little something for everyone. With their combination of Golden Grahams cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate, they're sure to become a staple for your 4th of July gatherings. GET THE RECIPE 39 Fourth of July Menu Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit