Our best 4th of July desserts! Round out your Independence Day menu with one of these delicious sweet treats. Find pies, ice cream, cookies, and more!
Looking for 4th of July dessert ideas? You’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up our best 4th of July desserts below. They include no-bake sweets, easy frozen treats, portable options like cookies and bars, and TONS of delicious baked goods packed with summer fruit. You’ll even find some red, white, and blue ideas in the mix!
All these desserts are easy to prepare, and many are great for making ahead (ideal for when you’re hosting or attending a gathering, if you ask me). Choose one for a sweet ending to your Independence Day BBQ—you can’t go wrong here!
Fruity 4th of July Desserts
Strawberry Shortcake
Use a mix of blueberries and strawberries for extra 4th of July flair!
Blackberry Cobbler
If you’re looking for easy 4th of July desserts, you’ll love this blackberry cobbler. The batter comes together in one bowl in less than 10 minutes. The oven takes care of the rest!
Homemade Cherry Pie
This homemade cherry pie is a show-stopping 4th of July dessert! A flaky, buttery pie crust surrounds the juicy, jammy cherry filling.
Lemon Bars
I brought these bars to a Fourth of July fireworks show a few summers ago, and I came home without a single one left! Their light, lemony flavor makes them a refreshing summer treat.
Peach Crisp
This recipe is one of my favorite desserts to make when I’m entertaining in the summer. You can make the crumble topping ahead of time, so when you’re ready to serve, you can just assemble and bake!
Lemon Blueberry Bread
This easy quick bread is moist, bright, and packed with jammy berries. Top it with my 2-ingredient lemon glaze for an extra zesty pop.
No-Bake 4th of July Desserts
Strawberry Tiramisu
This no-bake dessert tastes like the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever tried, but it has a soft, creamy tiramisu-like texture. Add blueberries to create festive red, white, and blue layers!
Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake
This no-bake cheesecake sets up in the freezer, so it’s a perfect treat for a hot summer day.
Peanut Butter Bars
Love peanut butter cups? You’ll love these easy bars too. They have a crisp chocolate topping and gooey peanut butter base.
Summer Fruit Tart
This no-bake tart has a graham cracker crust, a creamy vegan cream cheese filling, and fresh berries and peaches on top. It feels elegant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Grilled Peaches
If you have the grill going for veggie burgers or corn on the cob, throw on some fresh peaches too! They become even sweeter and juicier as they cook. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious Fourth of July dessert.
Frozen 4th of July Desserts
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
If you ask me, an ice cream sundae bar is one of the best 4th of July dessert ideas. Take it to the next level by using homemade ice cream!
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream
Heads up, chocolate lovers: you won’t be able to resist seconds!
Watermelon Popsicles
I think watermelon is a must on the 4th of July, and these fruity popsicles are a fun way to add it to your celebration. Made with just watermelon and lime juice, they’re super refreshing and easy to make.
Ice Cream Cake
I had a blast developing this recipe a few summers ago, and it’s since become one of my favorite Fourth of July dessert recipes. Fresh raspberries and three layers of store-bought ice cream top a thin layer of chocolate cake. Any type of ice cream will work here, so use whatever flavors you love!
Crowd-Pleasing Cookies and Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate, these classic cookies are always a hit.
Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter lovers won’t be able to get enough of these! They have soft, chewy middles, crisp edges, and a delicious nutty flavor.
Blondies
Made with brown butter and white chocolate chips, these easy bars are chewy, butterscotch-y perfection. To feed a crowd, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are great with all kinds of mix-ins. I love adding dried cherries and chocolate chips for a summery twist!
Best Homemade Brownies
One of the best 4th of July desserts…and best desserts, period. Brownies are never a bad idea. 😊
Best 4th of July Desserts: No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Pinch sea salt
- ½ cup water
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
- 24 to 30 DeLallo Savoiardi ladyfingers, exact number will depend on your baking dish
Instructions
- Thinly slice half the strawberries and set aside. Dice the remaining strawberries and place in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar, balsamic vinegar, and salt and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally and reducing the heat as needed, for 10 minutes, or until the strawberries cook down into a juicy sauce.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a medium heatproof bowl. Pass the strawberry sauce through the strainer to remove the solids. Set the solids aside for assembling the tiramisu. Add the water to the juices in the bowl and stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tiramisu.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mascarpone and vanilla extract.
- In another large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream and powdered sugar on medium speed for 5 to 8 minutes, or until soft to medium peaks form. Gradually and gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the tiramisu. Dip the half ladyfingers into the strawberry syrup one at a time, leaving each one in the liquid just long enough to coat it on all sides. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers evenly at the bottom of a 9x9-inch or similar baking dish, cutting them if necessary to fully cover the bottom.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly on top, then evenly dot the reserved cooked strawberry solids on top of the mascarpone. Top with half the sliced strawberries.
- Dip the remaining ladyfingers into the strawberry syrup one at a time, placing them in an even layer on top of the sliced strawberries. Top with the remaining mascarpone mixture and remaining sliced strawberries.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
