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Ah, July Fourth. A day when fireworks light up the sky and cholesterol levels skyrocket at the table. The One–a man of great style with a bottomless pit for a stomach–and I love to entertain (and eat) on Independence Day.
Every year, he hauls out the stars-and-stripe napkins, the red and blue Fiesta plates, and our equally colorful glasses and tablecloth.
While he’s out there on the patio primping patriotically, I’m inside doing my best Betsy Ross-cum-Martha Washington making the meal. Being a baker first and foremost, I always start with dessert. I confess I’ve never made a strawberry-blueberry flag cake. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I like to zero in on a singular flavor and amplify the hell out of it.
Like the strawberry icebox cake, which I swear–I SWEAR–you’ll become addicted to after one bite. Or the super-luxe blueberry custard pie–made all the better if you can get your hands on Maine blueberries. Or the red wine (*hic*) cherry cheesecake bars. (Oh, that Philly Brand Cream Cheese never had it so good.)
To my fellow Americans, I wish you all a happy, tasty, and meaningful July Fourth.
Red, White, and Blue Tart
Easy Strawberry Icebox Cake
This was a huge hit at my house. Even my daughter-in-law, who never takes seconds of dessert, asked for seconds.
It was so easy to make, too. And I love that you can make it way ahead of time and throw it in the fridge until serving time. Thanks for this recipe!
amy
Fresh Cherry Tart with Cream Cheese Filling
Pavlova with Fresh Berries
This pavlova is one of the easiest, prettiest, and most delicious desserts I have ever made! I’ve also done them in individual sizes.
peggasus
Red Wine Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Blueberry Custard Pie
Coconut Popsicles
Oh my goodness! My new favorite dessert! It is so creamy, and coconutty. Will totally make again.
Avery
Blueberry Mascarpone Tart
Summer Dessert FAQs
It depends on how many people you’re serving, of course. A good rule of thumb is one dessert for every 5 to 6 guests.
Definitely! Frozen desserts, such as an icebox cake or a strawberry ice cream pie are a great choice for making in advance since they need time to freeze and can be stashed in the freezer for several days before serving.
Cooked pies, crisps, and cobblers can usually be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your home is very warm, consider keeping the desserts in the refrigerator to avoid spoil them.
Desserts made with cream or other dairy should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frozen desserts should always be stored in the freezer until just before serving.
What are your favorite patriotic desserts to serve on July 4th, or at your summer cookout? Are you a fan of sweet summer fruit pies and tarts, or do you prefer icy frozen treats? Let me know in a comment below.
9 Red, White, and Blue Desserts for July Fourth
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (1/2 oz) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk, preferably whole milk
- 2 tablespoons kirsch, (optional)
- Pinch salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups sweet cherries, stems removed, pitted if desired
- Confectioners’ sugar, if desired
Instructions
- To make the cherry clafouti, preheat the oven to 400° F (204°C). Generously butter a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9-inch baking dish.
- Add the vanilla, eggs, sugar, milk, kirsch if using, and salt to a blender and blend just a few seconds until combined. Then add the flour and process until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour the batter into the buttered skillet. Scatter the cherries over the batter. Bake until a golden brown crust forms on top and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if you like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
