There’s something extra nostalgic about the 4th of July. The sunshine, fireworks, backyard games, and of course… the treats! I’ve always loved making fun desserts for the 4th of July, especially when they feel just a little bit extra.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite 4th of July dessert recipes for you.

So, if you’re hosting a big party or just hanging out with your family on a blanket waiting for fireworks, these recipes are perfect for celebrating all things summer and all things sweet. Let’s get into it!

S’mores Bars

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These s'mores bars have been a crowd favorite since the first time I made them on our Monday night live a few years ago. The s'mores bars have a cookie base topped with melty marshmallows, Hersheys chocolate and graham crackers. They are the perfect dessert all summer long. Trust me, save this one for later.

Course Dessert

Keyword s’mores

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Servings 30 slices

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cup AP flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (divided)
• 3 large Hersheys bars (broken up)
• 2 sleeves graham crackers (broken up for topping and crust)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375 F
• Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• Cream butter and both sugars together.
• Add vanilla, and each egg one at a time.
• Slowly add the flour mixture.
• Fold in chocolate chips, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows.
• Line a 13×18 cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with oil.
• On the lined sheet, line the bottom with graham crackers until the entire sheet is covered
• Scoop the cookie dough on top of the graham crackers and spread evenly. This step doesn't have to be perfect because the cookie dough spreads as it bakes!
• Bake for 5 minutes.
• Take out of the oven, and press the Hersheys bar pieces, mini marshmallows and the rest of the graham crackers sporadically on top.
• Bake an additional 8 minutes.
• Let the bars cool, cut them and enjoy!

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4th of July Ice Cream Cake Cups

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These cake cups are perfect for a hot 4th of July party (of any summer party really!) . They are made with moist vanilla cake, vanilla bean ice cream and fresh fruit. No summer dessert recipe compares to that combination of ingredients. Save it for your 4th of July dessert table!

Equipment

• Plastic Cups & Lids
• Cookie Scoop

Ingredients

• 1 box White cake cubes baked boxed mix or your favorite recipe
• Sliced strawberries
• Blueberries
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
• Buttercream Icing 1 recipe

Instructions

• Start by layering white cake cubes into the base of the cup.
• Add a layer of sliced strawberries and blueberries.
• Top berries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Repeat steps with more white cake and berries.  Be sure to press layers down to allow more dessert to fit into the cups!
• Top with a scoop of buttercream icing and more berries.  Secure shut with a dome lid and store in the freezer until ready to serve.  Pull cake cups out of freezer 10 minutes prior to serving.

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Strawberry Shortcake

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If you’re looking for a simple dessert to wow your summer guests, this simple Strawberry Shortcake recipe is the one for you.  Grab a few easy-to-source ingredients and get ready to indulge in the best Strawberry Shortcake ever.  

Servings 10

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour plus more for flouring counter
• 2 Tbs. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 3 pints fresh strawberries
• 1 cup heavy cream whipped

Instructions

• Preheat an oven to 450°F. Spray the bottoms of two 8? round cake pans with non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Add cold butter and cut in with 2 knives or a pastry blender.  Mixture will be coarse, sand-like consistency.
• In another large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the milk and mix until fully combined. Gradually stir the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture.
• On a lightly floured counter, knead the dough for about 1 minute. Pat half of the dough into each cake pan.
• Brush the surfaces with the melted butter. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Turn the shortcake layers out onto wire racks and let cool.
• While the layers are cooling, wash strawberries and remove the hulls. I love this strawberry huller!  Save a few berries for garnish. Cut the large berries in half, transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Let stand for about 30 minutes.
• Place one shortcake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cake and scoop half of the berries with their juice on top.
• Place the second shortcake layer on top, and check top layer at eye level to confirm shortcake is level.   Spread remaining whipped cream over the shortcake.  Top with berries and juice over the whipped cream. Garnish with the reserved whole berries and chamomile flowers.

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Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops

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This recipe is simple to make and easy enough to include the kids.  You can use any cake recipe though for 4th of July, I like to use red velvet. 

Keyword cake pops

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 box red velvet cake mix (follow the box recipe)
• 1 tub of vanilla icing (I used Wilton)
• 1 bag white candy melts
• 1 bag navy blue candy melts
• red sixlets
• 1 box mini sugar cones

Instructions

• Bake your cake according to the box recipe.
• Once the cake is cooled, add it to a stand mixture.
• Mix, and slowly add scoops of vanilla frosting until you can form a ball
• Scoop and roll each scoop into a ball. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Melt the white candy melts in 30 second increments.
• Dip the rim of the sugar cone into the white melts and set on top of the cake balls. (Like upside down ice cream cones)
• Once the rim hardens to the cake ball, dip the cake into white melts and evenly coat with the white candy melts.
• In a separate bowl, melt the blue candy melts and add to a pastry bag.
• With the cones standing up, drizzle the blue candy melts and add the red sixlet.

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Mini Cake Bites from a Trader Joe’s Sheet Cake

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Keyword blueberry cake, blueberry cake bites

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 12 slices

Ingredients

• 1 Trader Joe’s Mini Sheet Cake (I used Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean)
• Fresh blueberries
• Trader Joe’s Mini Sheet Cake (I used Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean)

Instructions

• Unbox the cake and place it on a cutting board.
• Use an angled spatula to gently smooth out the frosting.
• Cut the cake into 12 even squares.
• Top each square with 1–2 blueberries.
• Add a little strawberry leaf (snipped from the top of a strawberry) next to each blueberry for a fun and fresh garnish.

Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

Print Recipe

One of my favorite summer desserts is strawberry shortcake. They’re the cutest addition to a summer dessert table or make a darling treat to bring to a summer bbq. I love to serve mine in Mini Canning Jars topped with cool whip and a mini wooden spoon.

Keyword strawberry shortcake

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Equipment

• 1-2 Nonstick Jelly Roll Pan/Cookie Sheets
• Cookie Scoop

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh strawberries rinsed and sliced
• 2/3 cup plus 6 tablespoons sugar
• 4 1/2 cups bisquick baking mix
• 1 cup milk
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine melted
• 16 oz container Cool Whip or whipped cream for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Place the strawberries in a large bowl and mix with 1/3 cup sugar. Set aside.
• In another large bowl, mix the bisquick, milk and melted butter and remaining sugar (6 tbls) until a soft dough forms. Using the cookie scoop, measure the batter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack until completely cool.
• When ready to serve, break one shortcake biscuit in half and place in the bottom of each canning jar. Top with sliced strawberries. Repeat layer with other half of biscuit and garnish with whip cream or Cool Whip.

Notes

Makes 12-14 mini shortcakes

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Need entertaining ideas?

The 4th of July might just be the ultimate excuse to throw a fun, laid-back summer party. I pulled together some simple red, white, and blue ideas to help you celebrate. Imo matter if you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic at the park, or just want to add a few festive touches to your long weekend, I’ve got you covered.

I hope this roundup gives you a few fun ideas to try out this week.

If you make any of these recipes, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram so I can share your creations and celebrate right along with you.

Wishing you the happiest 4th of July, filled with good food, great company, and something sweet at the end of the day. 

**disclaimer** this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But trust me, I only recommend products I truly love and think you will too. I’d never suggest something I wouldn’t use myself!

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