We know you're busy flipping burgers and lighting the grill. That's where these easy Fourth of July desserts come in. They're so simple and delightfully delicious.
47 Easy Fourth of July Desserts to Dazzle Your Guests
Updated on Jul. 09, 2024
Strawberry Pie
For my mother’s birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
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Berry Trifle
Total Time
25 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York
Patriotic desserts like this simple trifle are a must on the Fourth of July. This dessert can be made with homemade angel food cake, a packaged mix or even store-bought cakes. All versions will taste delicious when layered with plenty of berries.
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Icebox Cake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
We’ve all had summer holidays where it’s just too hot to turn on the oven—especially after spending time in front of the grill. The delicious solution: icebox cakes! This no-bake cake uses chocolate wafers and whipped cream to create a cakey consistency. And it’s a cool treat no one will be able to resist on a warm day.
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Cherry Delight Dessert
Total Time
20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This smooth and creamy cheesecake-like treat is light, sweet and pretty, too. Convenience products make it quick and easy to prepare. “My husband also likes this dessert when I substitute blueberry pie filling,” notes Lanae Powell of McPherson, Kansas.
This smooth and creamy cheesecake-like treat is light, sweet and pretty, too. Convenience products make it quick and easy to prepare. Feel free to swap in blueberry pie filling for the cherry.
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Peanut Butter Pudding Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This peanut butter pudding pie is pretty enough to serve to company... if your family doesn't get to it first! No one can resist a sweet piece of this creamy chocolate and peanut butter dessert. —Valerie Sisson, Norton, Ohio
Peanut butter is such a wonderfully American ingredient, so why not include it in your Fourth of July desserts? This easy pie gets topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate—for looks and flavor.
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Triple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3-1/3 cups topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland
When it comes to easy Fourth of July desserts, it’s hard to beat no-bake treats. A no-bake cheesecake like this one doesn’t require the time or fuss of baking. Instead, the cake is chilled in the fridge. The result is light, creamy and super festive when topped with bright berries.
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S’mores on a Stick
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
July is peak season for s’mores and all their variations. This fun twist is a little less messy than the original thanks to the stick. Plus, you can dress these up as a Fourth of July dessert with fun sprinkles.
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Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
The combination of strawberry and pretzel sounds surprising, but it’s darn delicious. After all, who can resist a mix of sweet and salty? Be sure to check out more strawberry pretzel treats if you want to go beyond the classic recipe.
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Honey Berry Sheet Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a traditional honey cake recipe for this dessert. I wanted something that would show off all our amazing local honey as well as tasty summer berries. This also works perfectly as a Fourth of July cake, with the blueberries in the top corner and the raspberries in stripes—you wouldn't need as many blueberries, but you would need more raspberries. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
This cake is the ideal recipe for showing off local honey and tasty summer berries. Transform it into a showstopping Fourth of July dessert by arranging the fruit into a flag design.
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Giant Buckeye Cookie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
Buckeyes—a chocolate and peanut butter candy—are a favorite in Ohio. This recipe takes those same flavors and bakes them up in a cast iron skillet. And if you want to take things to the next level for your Fourth of July celebration, try more favorite midwestern desserts.
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Blueberry Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake is a family favorite when blueberries are in season. —Charlotte Harrison, North Providence, Rhode Island
You’ve all heard of pineapple upside-down cake before, but we’ve flipped this recipe on its head and used blueberries! The result is extra summery and perfect to serve up at a Fourth of July barbecue.
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Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is known for her scrumptious desserts. This cherry cream cheese pie is one she's served often. It's one of my favorite desserts anytime of year. I love the combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling. —Cindy Kufeldt, Orlando, Florida
This dessert is cheesecake and cherry pie all rolled into one. For that reason, it’s one of our favorite all-American Fourth of July desserts.
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Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Total Time
10 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes 10 minutes, tops, to prepare this cool ice cream sandwich cake, but it tastes as though you spent a lot of time creating it. —Cathie Valentine, Graniteville, South Carolina
It’s time to break out that box of ice cream sandwiches you have in the freezer! You can use them to make this simple icebox cake. Don’t forget to top with a maraschino cherry or two.
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Peach & Blueberry Galette
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite pie is blueberry, made with fresh-picked northern Ontario blueberries. Adding peaches and a rustic crust creates a bit of summer fun, perfect for a picnic. —Christine Kropp, London, Ontario
Take advantage of what’s in season in summer and make an easy galette. This treat has all the flavor of a great pie but without the fuss of crimping and complicated finishes.
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Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Move over, popsicles, there’s an even tastier treat coming your way this Fourth of July! These homemade ice pops use fresh berries and lemon zest for fresh flavor. A tub of whipped topping makes them extra creamy.
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Golden M&M’s Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
"Our family loves to take drives, and I often bring these bars along for snacking in the car," relates Martha Haseman of Hinckley, Illinois.
If your family is the type that enjoys a sweet treat before dinner, put out these tasty M&M bars. They’re like a blondie—but better! Try these other easy Fourth of July dessert bars, too.
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Lemon Berry Dump Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings (3 cups lemon topping)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dump cakes are the ultimate easy dessert. These treats are measured, mixed and baked right in the pan. Best yet: They start with a cake mix.
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Peach Blueberry Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves a peach blueberry cobbler. This one is the perfect, scrumptious treat! If you're taking it to a party, you might want to make another one for yourself. There won't be leftovers! —Laura Jansen, Battle Creek, Michigan
With peaches and blueberries both in season on the Fourth of July, a cobbler like this is a must. And in case you ever wondered, here’s the difference between cobblers, crisps, and buckles.
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Cookie Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don't miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Is there any treat more American than a classic chocolate chip cookie? This chocolate chip cookie cake is an amazing Fourth of July dessert. Tint the frosting red, white or blue and finish with plenty of patriotic sprinkles.
For a lighter July Fourth dessert, try a frozen fruit salad. Use fresh or frozen berries along with whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk to create this treat.
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Mississippi Mud Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake features a fudgy brownielike base topped with marshmallow creme and a nutty frosting. Serve big slices with glasses of cold milk or steaming mugs of coffee. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
Who doesn’t love a southern cake? Mississippi mud cake is a classic. It starts with a brownie-like base and then gets topped with marshmallow creme, pecans and more.
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Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Remember those strawberry shortcake bars you used to get from the ice cream truck as a kid? Meet the grown-up version! This ice cream cake tastes just like that childhood favorite—and it can serve a crowd.
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Cherry Cobbler
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Berries, peaches or any fruit can be used for this simple cobbler recipe, but the cheery bright color of cherries makes it just right for gray winter days. —Eleanor Jacoby, Eureka, Kansas
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Macaroon Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will never recognize the refrigerated crescent roll dough that goes into these almond-flavored bars. You can assemble the chewy coconut treats in no time. —Carolyn Kyzer, Alexander, Arkansas
It doesn’t get easier than this four-ingredient dessert! The recipe starts with a package of refrigerated crescent rolls and then layers on flavor with almond extract, sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut.
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Five-Minute Blueberry Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you'll love this pie. Since it's a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. -Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin
It’s true: You only need five minutes to prepare this summer dessert. Start with a store-bought crust and then stir up the fast filling with fresh blueberries.
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Easy Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas
For many, no party is complete without banana pudding! It’s one of those treats that’s delicious any time of year, but really hits the spot as a Fourth of July dessert on a hot summer day.
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Mixed Berry Tiramisu
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Traditional tiramisu is flavored with espresso and a splash of spirits. This fresh take uses the same mascarpone and ladyfingers as the original but then layers in plenty of sun-ripened berries.
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Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
A fresh fruit tart can be easily transformed to suit any summer occasion. Use blueberries and red fruits of all kinds to create a flag-inspired dessert.
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Banana Split Cake Bars
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer isn’t summer without a banana split or two, and these fun bars bring that same delicious flavor in potluck-perfect form. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Summer isn’t summer without a banana split or two, and these fun bars bring that same delicious flavor in potluck-perfect form. They make a fun sweet to serve up at a Fourth of July backyard bash.
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Chewy Brownies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
"Corn syrup helps keep these brownies moist and fudgy," assures Sheila Wood of Macksville, Kansas.
Brownies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. You can add a bit of Fourth of July flair by adding red, white and blue sprinkles—or just by serving them on festive plates.
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Pina Colada Lush
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pina colada lush is such a fantastic warm weather dessert—it's so light and refreshing, and a breeze to make! I love how the tart pineapple pairs with the sweet coconut. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Love pina coladas? This no-bake dessert combines all the flavors you love and puts them into a tried-and-true 13×9 baking dish.
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Million-Dollar Pie
Looking for an easy no-bake pie that tastes like a million bucks? This is the recipe for you! The simple dessert uses crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and crushed pecans, all held together by whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk.
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Red-White-and-Blue Berry Delight
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with fresh strawberries and blueberries, this luscious JELL-O is perfect for any Fourth of July celebration! —Constance Fennell, Grand Junction, Michigan
Loaded with fresh strawberries and blueberries, this Jell-O mold is perfect for any Fourth of July celebration.
Lemon Icebox Cake
This easy Fourth of July dessert starts with a box of graham crackers and a package of lemon pudding mix. How simple! Layer all the ingredients together and stash the cake in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Best yet: You can prep it the night before your big shindig.
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Caramel Nut Crunch Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool and creamy pie has a lot going for it. It’s easy to make, it can be assembled well in advance to save time, and it's impressive enough to serve guests. To make this dessert even more decadent and delicious, you can chop extra peanuts and candy bars and crumble a few more cookies to sprinkle over the top. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Think of this Fourth of July dessert as a Snickers bar in a pie crust. To make it feel even more like a candy copycat, chop up a few candy bars and sprinkle them over the top before serving.
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Orange Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.
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Fluffy Key Lime Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
Key lime is an ingredient that just screams summer. Try this light and fluffy version of a classic Key lime pie for the Fourth of July. Use a premade graham cracker crust or make a homemade graham cracker crust.
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Chocolate Oat Squares
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When you bring these treats to a gathering, guests will be tempted to start at the dessert table. Chock-full of chocolate and walnuts, they will satisfy any sweet tooth. I often make a second batch just for my family. —Jennifer Eilts, Lincoln, Nebraska
When you bring these chocolate oat squares to a gathering, guests will be tempted to start at the dessert table. Chock-full of chocolate and walnuts, they will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do these watermelon Rice Krispies treats look like your favorite summery fruit, they taste like 'em too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Here’s an easy Fourth of July dessert kiddos will love. These crispy treats look just like a wedge of fresh watermelon—and even get a hint of the flavor via watermelon extract! You can always make this treat with vanilla extract instead.
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Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, the no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
If you’re celebrating with a handful of vintage Fourth of July recipes, keep the theme going with an old-fashioned banana cream pie. This pie is cool and creamy—perfect for a summer day.
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Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
What’s better than Fourth of July cookies? Fourth of July ice cream cookie sandwiches! Be sure to roll the edges in festive sprinkles for a truly patriotic look.
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Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
Combine an upside-down cake with a pina colada and you’ll get this tropical-inspired dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guests will be asking for the recipe.
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust. They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Sweet and salty desserts are always a hit. These peanut butter pretzel bars are no-bake and quick to make.
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Pineapple Cheesecake
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared the recipe for this easy yet elegant dessert years ago, and our family has enjoyed it many times since. — Phoebe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey.
Pineapple is a delightful summer flavor and makes for great Fourth of July desserts. This no-bake cheesecake recipe is best when left to set overnight, so prep it the day before your barbecue and leave the day of for grilling burgers and cooking hot dogs.
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S’mores Cupcakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Marshmallow frosting puts these cupcakes over the top. Chocolate bar pieces and graham cracker crumbs on top make them extra indulgent and even more like the real thing—but better! —Erin Rachwal, Hartland, Wisconsin
These Fourth of July cupcakes have all the flavors of s’mores—without the campfire. The chocolate cupcakes are topped with marshmallow frosting, graham cracker crumbs and chocolate bar chunks.
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Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
Wake up your tastebuds with this lemon and blueberry dessert. Lemon pie filling and lemon yogurt add plenty of zest. Serve up scoops of this trifle topped with extra whipped cream.
