12 Fourth of July Desserts That Are Super Easy to Make

GREG DUPREE

Independence Day means freedom to eat dessert first. Or just dessert all day, right? If you’re barbecue hopping, hosting, or just picnicking under the stars, these homemade Fourth of July desserts will keep you sated on a hot summer day.

And while red, white, and blue is always a nice theme to stick to, the colors of the American flag are certainly not necessary to create the perfect celebratory treat. The day is about independence, right? So liberate yourself from the annual tricolor fruit kabobs and try one of these recipes perfect for early July.

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Summer Berry Trifle With Elderflower Cream

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 on Fourth of July.

Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops

Fresh fruit popsicles are the best popsicles, and these creamy coconut cantaloupe pops hold up. 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.

Amaretto Sour Popsicles

Summer celebrations call for boozy popsicles, like these amaretto sour pops that taste like a frozen version of the popular cocktail. Serve ’em with fresh orange slices and cherries for optimal refreshment.

Easy Ice Cream Cake

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 or otherwise.

Summer Ambrosia

Basically a fancy name for a fruit salad with marshmallows, let’s give ambrosia the full comeback it deserves this summer. Fourth of July is a perfect time to breakout a retro dessert, especially this dressed-up one.

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Lemon Blueberry Cake

The sweetness of mid-summer blueberries plus tart lemon pair so well in this cake that’s basically lemonade in a pan. The top can even be decorated like an American flag, if you wish.

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Banana Pudding Pie Bars With Meringue

A slab pie that’s also a classic summer dessert with a fancy patisserie twist? Oh yes. The wafer-based crust just adds to the goodness of this treat, which is sure to reign in compliments for many seasons to come.

Melted Ice Cream Whoopie Pies

These brilliant three-ingredient ice cream sandwiches use melted ice cream in the cookies, so you can compliment the middle sandwich ice cream or mix and match for endlessly delicious combos.

Mixed Berry Ice Box Cake

This ice box cake, made with buttery crackers, offers a supreme sweet and savory combo. The best part about this impressive treat is that you don’t even need to turn on the oven.

Strawberry Ginger Slab Pie

Slab pie is a perfect dessert to serve a crew at a potluck or picnic, and this pie goes oh so well with any summer day. The ginger brings out the bright flavor of the fruit, and a few star shapes within the crust on top can make this dessert feel extra festive.

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Honey Whole Wheat Strawberry Clafoutis

A strawberry baked good with nutritional benefits? Very good for you! In more ways than one. This clafoutis is amazing with a drizzle of honey on top, plus something creamy, like yogurt or ice cream.

Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie

Ice cream is maybe 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.