This collection of Fourth of July desserts features classic American favorites and refreshing red, white, and blue treats. Perfect for any patriotic celebration!

4th of July Desserts
No matter where you live in the USA, your Fourth of July celebration is likely to include a few key elements: fireworks, barbecue, a parade, and maybe a hot dog or two. Around here, we honor the stars and stripes with most of those things, but we especially covet our Fourth of July desserts!
While flag cake is likely one of the most popular 4th of July desserts (would you want to see a recipe for that?), I typically like to stick to classic American favorites for July 4th. This means recipes like apple pie, s’mores, and something served with or resembling our nation’s favorite dessert, ice cream (like these ice cream cone cupcakes). What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with the foods that she loves?!

Today’s collection includes the classics I mentioned above plus several of my favorite summer dessert recipes. Many are already patriotic or easily altered to be so, and all are carefully tested and crowd-pleasing. You’ll surely find a favorite or two!
Of all of these 4th of July desserts, strawberry pretzel salad is my current favorite. Aside from its incredible flavor, it’s also *perfect* for picnic and parties. It’s easy to transport, serves right from the pan, and feeds a crowd! We enjoy it for holidays year round, but it is especially fitting here with its distinct red and white layers. Serve on blue plates or top with a few fresh blueberries, and you’re good to go!
1. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Minimal bake time, refreshing, and patriotic–what more could you want from a July 4th dessert?!

A 100% from-scratch take on the classic! My version is made without any gelatin or whipped topping, and it tastes SO much better.
STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD RECIPE
2. Blueberry Pie
We all can agree that blueberry pie is pretty much the official dessert for the month of July, right? My version is served on a homemade pie crust and has a perfectly set filling!

My recipe can be made with either fresh or frozen berries, so use what you have on hand. Never made a lattice crust?! I’ll walk you through every step!
BLUEBERRY PIE RECIPE
3. Star Spangled Cookies
Between the star shape and swirled red, white, and blue icing, these star spangled cookies are one of the most patriotic Fourth of July desserts! This recipe borrows the same swirled icing technique from my heart cookies–so pretty!

Buttery star shaped sugar cookies are so patriotic with a swirled icing topping. Don’t be intimidated by the swirls–I promise they are easy!
STAR SPANGLED COOKIES RECIPE
4. Coca Cola Cake
Transform America’s favorite soda into a chocolatey sheet cake! The fudge frosting is my favorite part 😉

A classic dessert from the American south. Cola beautifully complements the chocolate flavor of this cake and gives it a fluffy texture too!
COCA COLA CAKE RECIPE
5. Cheesecake Bites
These cheesecake bites are the perfect finger food for parties and picnics! Top with fresh berries for a tasty (and patriotic) twist!

This recipe combines no-bake cheesecake with crisp sugar cookie cups. Ready in an hour!
CHEESECAKE BITES RECIPE
6. Apple Pie
Apple is America’s favorite pie, so you know I had to include it in this list of 4th of July desserts! I also have apple pie cookies and apple pie cheesecake.

No pre-cooking the filling! This recipe keeps things easy and can be made with either homemade or pre-made pie crust.
APPLE PIE RECIPE
7. Banana Pudding
Another classic American dessert! Banana pudding is so refreshing on a hot summer day. Or make my banana cream pie–that’s a classic too!

100% from scratch! This no-bake dessert is creamy and refreshing–perfect for summer nights!
BANANA PUDDING RECIPE
8. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple upside down cake is a classic choice for summer birthdays, including America’s birthday! If you’d prefer a version that doesn’t require any slicing, try my pineapple upside down cupcakes.

Pretty, fruity, and NOT soggy! My recipe is carefully designed to be moist and fluffy despite the juicy fruit topping.
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE RECIPE
9. Funnel Cake
One of the most beloved summer carnival or fair foods here in America, funnel cakes are so nostalgic and fun to make!

Why wait for the carnival to come to town when funnel cakes are SO easy to make at home?! These taste just like the real thing.
FUNNEL CAKE RECIPE
10. Berry Crisp
So summery, and if you serve it with vanilla ice cream, this berry crisp 100% counts as a red, white, and blue dessert! I also have apple crisp and peach crisp, if you’ve eaten all of your summer berries already.

Just 15 minutes to prep and perfect for making in advance! Tastes great with fresh summer berries or frozen if berries are out of season.
BERRY CRISP RECIPE
11. S’mores Cookies
S’mores are a MUST on the July 4th, so you know I had to include these s’mores cookies in this list of Fourth of July desserts. I also have peanut butter s’mores bars–yum!

No chilling! These cookies combine every component of classic s’mores and turns them into soft and chewy cookies.
S’MORES COOKIES RECIPE
12. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a classic American dessert, so it’s right at home in this list. My pecan pie bars are equally as delicious and a huge hit!

So easy! My recipe is 100% from-scratch and perfected to yield a perfectly set filling and crisp, buttery crust.
PECAN PIE RECIPE
13. Strawberry Crumb Bars
The perfect 4th of July dessert for a picnic! These bars travel well and are a crowd-pleaser.

A buttery shortbread dough serves as both the crust and the topping for these easy strawberry crumb bars.
STRAWBERRY CRUMB BARS RECIPE
14. Ambrosia Salad
A traditional southern dessert, Ambrosia salad will keep everyone feeling cool and refreshed.

No-baking, no chopping, and no Cool Whip! This easy recipe swaps in homemade whipped cream for the BEST flavor.
AMBROSIA SALAD RECIPE
15. Angel Food Cupcakes
These cupcakes are so pretty and patriotic when topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries! Or keep it classic with traditional angel food cake.

Just like the cake, but ready in half the time! These cupcakes will be the star of your party.
ANGEL FOOD CUPCAKES RECIPE
16. Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie
Perfect for summer and the 4th of July! I also have a strawberry cream cheese pie, if that’s more your thing.

Crisp and buttery homemade graham cracker crust, creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and a jammy blueberry topping–what’s not to like?!
BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE RECIPE
17. Texas Sheet Cake
You don’t have to be a Texan to love this cake! It’s perfect for a party, since it’s served right from the pan it bakes in. Also try my Mississippi mud cake–it’s very similar!

This sheet cake is so moist and rich. It’s topped with a fudgy frosting that is absolutely irresistible!
TEXAS SHEET CAKE RECIPE
18. Peach Cobbler
Another classic American dessert (and the official dessert of Georgia!)! I also have recipes for strawberry cobbler and blueberry cobbler.

Juicy fresh peaches pair so nicely with a buttery cobbler topping. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate experience!
PEACH COBBLER RECIPE
19. Watermelon Cookies
Not exactly patriotic, but July is in peak watermelon season here in the USA. Stick with the watermelon theme and make my watermelon lemonade to drink!

They may look complicated, but these watermelon cookies are surprisingly easy to make. So fun for summer!
WATERMELON COOKIES RECIPE
20. New York Cheesecake
Americans know that New York cheesecake is the ultimate cheesecake! If you’re feeling a bit lazy (or don’t want to turn on the oven in July–I get it), you can always go the no-bake route with my no-bake cheesecake.

Rich and creamy New York cheesecake is a classic. Serve plain or with your favorite fruit topping!
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE RECIPE
21. Blueberry Crumb Bars
Similar to the strawberry crumb bars I shared earlier, but this time with blueberries! Make both and serve on the same platter for a patriotic Fourth of July dessert.

Buttery shortbread pairs so well with a homemade blueberry jam filling. Perfect for picnics and potlucks!
BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS RECIPE
22. Mississippi Mud Pie
Named after the muddy banks of America’s widest river, this pie is perfect for the Fourth of July! It’s sweet, feeds a crowd, and requires absolutely no baking.

Rich and impressive, this pie is a chocolate lover’s dream! It features a crumbly cookie crust topped with fudgy ganache, chocolate mousse, and whipped cream.
MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE RECIPE
23. Red, White, & Blue Chocolate Chip Cookies
A patriotic spin on one of America’s favorite desserts, chocolate chip cookies!

These festive red, white, and blue cookies are chock full of semisweet and white chocolate chips and plenty of patriotic sprinkles!
RED WHITE & BLUE COOKIES RECIPE
24. Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
No-baking invovled, and you can easily make them patriotic by popping a blueberry on the top of each one!

Just 5 minutes and 6 ingredients to make! These berries are filled with no-bake cheesecake and topped with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
CHEESECAKE STUFFED STRAWBERRIES
25. Key Lime Pie
Born out of the Florida Keys, key lime pie is beloved all across the USA. I have key lime pie bars, key lime cookies, key lime cheesecake, and a key lime cake too!

Easy and refreshing, this pie has a 3-ingredient filling and crisp, crumbly crust. It’s a classic!
KEY LIME PIE RECIPE
26. No-Churn Ice Cream
Ice cream is largely considered America’s favorite dessert, so I had to include it in my list of 4th of July desserts! I have a few more flavors including cookie dough ice cream, cookies and cream ice cream, key lime pie ice cream, and even a rice krispie treat ice cream.

Only 4 ingredients and no ice cream maker needed! This is the easiest ice cream you’ll ever make.
NO-CHURN ICE CREAM RECIPE
27. Boston Cream Cupcakes
A tasty dessert from a key city during America’s fight for independence! Everyone loves these 😋

This recipe features fluffy vanilla cupcakes filled with a rich cream filling and topped with fudgy chocolate ganache.
BOSTON CREAM CUPCAKES RECIPE
28. Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved American dessert made with sweetened biscuits, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream. Also try my strawberry shortcake cake!

Don’t let summer slip by without making strawberry shortcake! It’s the perfect recipe for using up excess berries.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RECIPE
29. Oreo Pie
America’s favorite cookie, but in pie form! I have plenty more Oreo desserts for you if pie isn’t your thing: Oreo cake, Oreo cheesecake, Oreo brownies, and even homemade Oreo cookies!

Just 15 minutes to prep! This creamy and refreshing no-bake recipe is perfect for summer celebrations.
OREO PIE RECIPE
30. Maryland Peach Cake
*The* summer dessert from my home state! You’ll find this served at 4th of July celebrations across the Old Line State.

Not your average peach cake, this version starts with a yeasted base. It’s unique and oh so delicious with ripe summer peaches!
MARYLAND PEACH CAKE RECIPE
BONUS: Savory 4th of July Recipes!
Chances are, you will be eating something else besides dessert on the Fourth. Not to worry, I also have a HUGE collection of summer salad recipes perfect for a Fourth of July cookout or barbecue!
Head on over to that post for the full list, but first, keep scrolling for a few of my favorite 4th of July recipes of the savory variety.

31. BBQ Chicken
I also have BBQ chicken meatballs and pressure cooker pulled pork, if you’d prefer those!

Need a hands-off recipe? This slow cooker BBQ chicken is ready with minimal effort on your end. Perfect by the forkful or on a bun!
CROCKPOT BBQ CHICKEN RECIPE
32. Smash Burgers
Impress your guests with restaurant-style smash burgers! So quick and easy to make!

Crispy caramelized edges, melty cheese, and that special sauce–YUM! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make these at home.
SMASH BURGERS RECIPE
33. BLT Dip
This recipe is a nice break from the heavy, super rich dips we enjoy in the fall and winter months!

Transform the classic sandwich into a party-ready dip! This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep.
BLT DIP RECIPE
34. Deviled Eggs
It’s hard to eat just one! My recipe has a sneaky secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest.

The best deviled eggs you’ll ever try! My version is slightly sweet and perfectly creamy. Top with bacon for even more flavor!
DEVILED EGGS RECIPE
I hope this list inspires you to celebrate the USA with something sweet and festive. If there are any Fourth of July desserts missing from this list that you’d like to see, please leave me a note below so I can add them!
And don’t forget to check out my summer salads for even more Fourth of July recipes!
Enjoy, and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
More 4th of July Recipes