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When it comes to Fourth of July desserts, flag cakes currently reign supreme. And they’re awesome, I know. The thing is, they’re also a whole lot of work—you need to bake several different color layers, cut certain ones into rings, and then assemble and frost everything. Great if you have a whole afternoon, but not so great if you have other things on your to-do list.
The good news is, there are so many easy Fourth of July desserts out there that stick to the patriotic theme without requiring hours of work from you. Some do take a little bit of skill, but most are just about gathering the ingredients and putting everything together. This time of year, there are all kinds of red, white and blue confections out there, so it’s really just a matter of taking advantage of them.
So make things easy on yourself this summer holiday season, and choose a Fourth of July dessert that won’t keep you in the kitchen for any longer than you need to be. Because when the weather is this beautiful, who wants to be stuck inside?
McCormick.
1. Red, White and Blue Poke Cake
Like a flag cake, the real fun of this poke cake is under the surface. Unlike a flag cake, you can bake it all in one pan.
Love Bakes Good Cakes.
2. Firecracker Cake
This firecracker cake is impressive inside and out.
The Crafted Sparrow.
3. Fourth of July Dessert Pizza
This dessert pizza is really just a giant, patriotic cookie.
Number 2 Pencil.
4. Red, White and Blue Cookie Bars
Colored M&Ms do all the decorating work in these dense, chocolatey cookie bars.
The Girl Who Ate Everything.
5. Patriotic Strawberries
All you need? Red strawberries, white chocolate and blue sugar.
Over the Big Moon.
6. S’mores Bars
No need to start a campfire while there are fireworks going off. Bake your s’mores, instead.
Recipe Girl.
7. Hot Fudge Cheesecake Trifles
These no-bake trifles are a great way to get younger family members involved.
Crazy for Crust.
8. Firework Sugar Cookie Cake
Sprinkles make this sugar cookie cake even more fun.
Lil Luna.
9. Rice Krispies Treats
Same Rice Krispies treats, new color scheme.
Lil Luna.
10. Patriotic Trail Mix
It’s a little bit of a stretch to call this trail mix—I’d say it’s more like puppy chow with candy tossed in.
Spicy Southern Kitchen.
11. Firecracker Popcorn
This sweet, crunchy (patriotic!) popcorn is great as an after-dinner snack for your Independence Day party.
Butter With a Side of Bread.
12. Patriotic Cookie Bars
Trippy cookie bars are the coolest way to stick to a red, white and blue theme, in my humble opinion.
Life With the Crust Off.
13. Red, White and Blue Bark
This festive bark is as easy as melting chocolate and sprinkling candy on top.
Craft Create Cook.
14. Patriotic Pretzels
So cute, you might be tempted to whip up these patriotic pretzels year-round.
Mama Cheaps.
15. Firecracker Marshmallow Skewers
No skill necessary for these patriotic marshmallow skewers.
The First Year.
16. Fruit Jell-O Cups
Yep, there’s real fruit in these red, white and blue Jell-O cups.
The Decorated Cookie.
17. Flag S’mores Dip
S’mores dip is equal parts easy and fun. Red, white and blue s’mores dip is totally party-ready, too.