15 Easy Patriotic Desserts

Summer is synonymous with fireworks, barbecues, and of course, delicious desserts! This year, add a touch of red, white, and blue to your festivities with our collection of easy Patriotic Dessert Ideas.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, we have sweet treats perfect for any skill level. Impress your guests with festive flair and delightful flavors that will make your celebration truly star-spangled!

1. Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

This refreshing dessert is a breeze to throw together. Layer angel food cake cubes, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries), and whipped cream in a trifle dish. For a touch of red, stir some raspberries into a portion of the whipped cream.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 angel food cake, cut into cubes
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups raspberries
• 3 cups whipped cream
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)

Instructions:

1. In a large trifle bowl, layer half of the angel food cake cubes.
2. Add a layer of half of the whipped cream over the cake.
3. Layer with half of the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, whipped cream, and berries.
5. Optional: Sweeten the berries with sugar before layering if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Serve with: A light mint garnish and some extra whipped cream on the side.

Drink with: A refreshing glass of lemonade or a sparkling berry-infused water.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

This impressive dessert is surprisingly easy! Simply prepare a graham cracker crust and spread a layer of store-bought cheesecake filling. Top with a layer of sliced strawberries and a layer of blueberries to create a flag design.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)

Instructions:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner to represent the stars.
6. Arrange strawberry slices in rows to represent the stripes.
7. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the cheesecake to set.

Serve with: A dollop of extra whipped cream on the side.

Drink with: Iced tea or a cool glass of white wine.

3. Festive Fruit Kabobs

Thread fresh strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers for a healthy and fun treat. For an extra festive touch, alternate the fruit with star-shaped cookie cutters cut from white bread.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1 pint raspberries
• 1 pound angel food cake, cut into cubes

Instructions:

1. Thread strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and angel food cake cubes onto skewers in a red, white, and blue pattern.
2. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Serve with: A side of vanilla yogurt for dipping.

Drink with: A chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice.

4. Patriotic Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls get a festive makeover with red, white, and blue candies. Mix melted white chocolate with popcorn, then fold in chopped red and blue candies. Shape into balls, let cool, and drizzle with additional melted white chocolate.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 package mini marshmallows (10 oz)
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn and mix well to coat.
4. Add red, white, and blue sprinkles and mix gently.
5. Spray your hands with cooking spray and form the popcorn mixture into balls.
6. Place on wax paper to set.

Serve with: An assortment of other fun snacks like pretzels and fruit.

Drink with: A fizzy soda or a berry-flavored punch.

5. Sparkler Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies get a sparkly twist. Prepare your favorite sugar cookie dough and roll it out. Cut into star shapes and sprinkle with red, white, and blue sanding sugar before baking.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles or icing

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
5. Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles or icing once cooled.

Serve with: A glass of milk or some vanilla ice cream.

Drink with: A cold glass of milk or a sweet iced tea.

6. Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats

Who can resist Rice Krispie treats? Take them up a notch for your celebration by using red velvet cake mix instead of cereal. Top with white chocolate shavings or melted white chocolate drizzled with red and blue candy melts.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 package mini marshmallows (10 oz)
• 1/4 cup red velvet cake mix
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. Stir in red velvet cake mix until well combined. Add red food coloring if a deeper red color is desired.
3. Remove from heat and gently stir in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
5. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Serve with: Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Drink with: A glass of cold milk or a rich, creamy milkshake.

7. Berry Pretzel Salad

Berry Pretzel Salad is a sweet and salty dessert that combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy, tangy filling and a topping of fresh berries. This no-bake treat is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz whipped topping
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
5. Top with sliced strawberries and blueberries.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serve with: A dollop of extra whipped topping.

Drink with: A refreshing glass of lemonade or a berry spritzer.

8. Firecracker Pretzels

These salty-sweet treats are addictively delicious. Dip pretzel rods in melted white chocolate, then roll in red, white, and blue sprinkles. Let cool and enjoy!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 16 oz pretzel twists
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, canola oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add pretzels and toss until evenly coated.
3. Spread pretzels out on a baking sheet and let sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Serve with: A side of ranch dip or cheese sauce.

Drink with: A cold beer or a spicy Bloody Mary.

9. Patriotic Jello Parfaits

Patriotic Jello Parfaits are a colorful and fun dessert perfect for any Fourth of July celebration. These parfaits layer red, white, and blue jello with creamy whipped topping, creating a delicious and visually appealing treat that kids and adults will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package red jello (strawberry or cherry)
• 1 package blue jello (berry blue)
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 2 cups boiling water
• Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare red jello according to package instructions. Pour into parfait glasses and chill until set.
2. Prepare blue jello according to package instructions. Pour over the set red jello and chill until set.
3. Top with whipped topping.
4. Garnish with fresh berries.

Serve with: A spoon and a smile.

Drink with: A fizzy soda or a berry punch.

10. Star-Spangled Brownies with Whipped Cream

Star-Spangled Brownies with Whipped Cream are a delicious and festive treat for any patriotic occasion. These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with a generous layer of whipped cream and decorated with fresh berries to create a red, white, and blue masterpiece.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 2 cups whipped cream
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake brownies according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
2. Beat whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread whipped cream over the cooled brownies.
4. Decorate with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
5. Add red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.
6. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve with: A side of extra berries.

Drink with: A glass of cold milk or an iced latte.

11. Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Sundae

Take your sundae game to the next level with red, white, and blue toppings. Scoop vanilla ice cream into bowls and top with strawberry sauce, crumbled white chocolate cookies, and blueberries. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each sundae glass.
2. Layer with sliced strawberries and blueberries.
3. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top.
4. Top with whipped cream.
5. Garnish with extra berries if desired.

Serve with: A cherry on top.

Drink with: A cool glass of iced tea or lemonade.

12. Patriotic Puppy Chow

This classic sweet and salty snack gets a festive makeover. Combine Chex cereal with melted white chocolate, then toss with red, white, and blue candy melts and sprinkles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 9 cups rice cereal squares (Chex)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Red, white, and blue M&M’s

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. Stir until smooth.
2. Pour over cereal and mix until evenly coated.
3. Place powdered sugar in a large ziplock bag, add coated cereal, and shake until well coated.
4. Spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
5. Mix in red, white, and blue M&M’s.

Serve with: A fun assortment of other snack mixes.

Drink with: A tall glass of cold milk or a chocolate milkshake.

13. Berry Baked Alaska

This impressive dessert is easier than it looks! Bake a sheet cake and top with a layer of softened ice cream. Quickly encase the ice cream in a layer of meringue and bake until golden brown. Let thaw slightly before slicing and serve with a berry sauce.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 sponge cake, cut into rounds
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place sponge cake rounds on a baking sheet. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Cover ice cream with mixed berries.
3. Freeze until firm.
4. Beat egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
5. Spread meringue over the ice cream and berries, sealing all the way to the edges of the cake.
6. Use a torch to brown the meringue.
7. Serve immediately.

Serve with: Extra fresh berries on the side.

Drink with: A sparkling wine or a berry cocktail.

14. Patriotic Push Pops

Red, white, and blue Jello gets a fun and portable makeover in push pops. Layer red, white, and blue Jello in push pop molds and freeze until solid.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• Red food coloring
• Blue food coloring
• 2 cups vanilla frosting
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Divide batter into three bowls.
2. Tint one bowl red and one bowl blue with food coloring, leaving the third bowl white.
3. Bake the cakes according to package instructions and let cool.
4. Cut cakes into small rounds to fit the push pop containers.
5. Layer red cake, frosting, white cake, frosting, and blue cake in the push pop containers.
6. Top with a final layer of frosting and sprinkles.

Serve with: A fun selection of other party snacks.

Drink with: A fruity punch or a fizzy soda.

15. Star-Spangled Fruit Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a crowd. Combine a variety of red, white, and blue fruits (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, starfruit) and toss with a light white balsamic dressing.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups watermelon, cut into star shapes
• 2 cups jicama, cut into star shapes
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and jicama.
2. Drizzle with honey if desired and toss gently to combine.
3. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Serve with: A side of yogurt for dipping.

Drink with: A glass of sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice.

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