As the summer sun shines brightly and the patriotic spirit fills the air, there's no better way to commemorate the holiday than with Easy Picnic Desserts for the 4th of July!
Whether you're planning a gathering with family and friends or embarking on a serene solo adventure, a picnic on Independence Day is a time-honored tradition that allows us to revel in the joys of freedom while savoring mouthwatering desserts. Today we're exploring a selection of 25 sweet recipes perfect for your 4th of July picnic spread.
Picnic Essentials
Don't forget about what you should bring to a picnic or family gathering. I hope these suggestions make your picnic go off without a hitch!
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen
- Picnic Blanket - I love that this one folds up for easy carrying.
- Picnic Basket & Cooler - Especially essential for cold desserts like ice cream cake, cool whip, or fresh fruit.
- Picnic Dishes
- Umbrella - Perfect for really sunny days!
- Reusable napkins - Always a great idea
The 4th of July
But before we dive into the recipes themselves, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of the Fourth of July. This date marks the anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, a monumental event in history that shaped the nation we know today. It is a day filled with pride, unity, and appreciation for the liberties we enjoy.
25 Easy 4th of July Dessert Recipes
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Our Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are a small batch delight. Not only do these cookies have an exquisite touch of lavender, but they also boast a zesty lemon flavor. Mix this dough up in one bowl in a matter of minutes! Get ready for a captivating aroma and delectable treat with these Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies!
Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake with Sour Cream
A strikingly beautiful bundt cake with POPPING lemon and blueberry flavors throughout! Perfect for family gatherings, it's sure to impress.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Get ready to impress with these amazing Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins! Bursting with flavor and sweetness, this tasty treat is sure to please all.
Banana Pudding Trifle
A YUMMY no-bake banana dessert! Sure to be a hit with the whole family. Can also be served in personal sized dishes.
Lemon Cooler Cookies
Lusting for sweet treats that pack a tangy punch? Look no further than Lemon Cooler Cookies! These scrumptious snacks are bursting with sunny citrus flavor and are sure to quench your cravings for something sweet.
Flag S’mores Dip
This Flag S'Mores Dip is the perfect fourth of July dessert! Done in under 15 minutes, it's cute, patriotic and delicious! Serve with some graham cracker squares to finish topping off the perfect dessert.
Blackberry Cobbler
This Blackberry cobbler is made with sweet, juicy blackberries and topped with a flaky, buttery homemade pie crust.
This cobbler recipe takes minutes to prepare and makes a great summer dessert for picnics, barbecues and potlucks.
Raspberry Bars
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars have a buttery oatmeal crust, filled with sweet raspberry jam and topped with a delicious crumbly oatmeal topping.
These delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are so simple to make and use only a few ingredients.
Memorial Day Cookies
These Memorial Day cookies are like mini fruit pizzas with cream cheese frosting, strawberry star cut-outs, and blueberries.
As a bonus, they’re food coloring-free and much simpler than your usual decorated cookie. These red, white and blue cookies can be made with all-purpose, white whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
Charcuterie Board
Celebrate Independence Day with this festive 4th of July charcuterie board. Build a patriotic 4th of July snack board with delicious red, white, and blue foods!
Every bite can be a unique experience since everyone gets to choose the perfect pairing using fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, meats, bread, and tortillas.
Rice Krispie Treats
Celebrate Independence Day in style with our irresistible No-Bake 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats! These simple and easy red, white, and blue marshmallow delights are crisp & chewy and take only minutes to prep.
Cinnamon Apple Pie
This Cinnamon Apple Pie recipe with homemade shortcrust pastry and sweet cinnamon filling with fresh apples is all you need in a perfect piece of the pie.
Crafted with love, it features a delectable homemade shortcrust pastry embracing a luscious sweet cinnamon filling brimming with fresh, succulent apples. Prepare to savour every bite of this impeccable pie masterpiece.
Blueberry Bars
If you are looking for one of the easiest and most flavorful bars around then you have to make a batch of these Blueberry Bars! Flavorful, fun, and addictive.
Festive Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie Board - An exuberant charcuterie board for the 4th of July is undoubtedly one of my cherished concepts for a festive Independence Day spread.
It presents an excellent choice for those seeking to offer a delightful assortment of snacks and desserts in a playful manner.
Fresh Strawberry Cobbler
This Fresh strawberry cobbler is an irresistible dessert made with syrupy strawberry filling topped with a buttery biscuit crust. This cobbler is the perfect way to use up those fresh summer berries and will become your new favorite dessert!
M&M Cookie Bar
No matter how you celebrate the 4th of July or Memorial Day, these Red, White, and Blue M&M's Cookie Bars are the perfect patriotic dessert!
Not only are they simple enough to make that the kids can help, but the dough can be frozen ahead of time if you are in a time crunch!
Red White & Blue Fruit Salad
A combination of blueberries, blackberries, apples, watermelon, raspberries, red grapes, and strawberries create this red white and blue fruit salad for all of your patriotic parties this summer!
Red White & Blue Berry Cheesecake Bites
These little cheesecake bites are insanely easy to make and they taste so dang good!
With very little ingredients and a Prep/Cook time of just 15 minutes, these little cheesecake bites are ready and will be a hit at your next picnic or potluck.
Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies
These fudgy red velvet cake mix brownies are so easy to make with only 4 ingredients. They have white chocolate chips inside and a super moist, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. It's the perfect doctored red velvet cake mix recipe that you won't regret making!
Red White & Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches
This crazy simple Patriotic Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Sandwich requires only 2 ingredients, zero cook time and less than 5 minutes of prep time.
These Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect no bake treat for July 4th and Memorial Day!
Mixed Berry Pie
This is a delightful summer dessert made from fresh, ripe, and juicy strawberries and blueberries in a homemade buttery, flaky golden pie crust.
You can enjoy yourself in the vibrant flavours of this seasonal masterpiece and let its irresistible charm transport you to a realm of pure culinary bliss.
Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re looking for a fun and easy Fourth of July dessert then look no further than these crispy treats.
Let me tell you, these delectable treats are an absolute must try! Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they are the best addition to any patriotic gathering.
Patriotic Cupcakes
This red, white, and blue Cupcake is designed to celebrate your Patriotic day in style as it tantalizes the taste buds and also brings a sense of whimsy to any occasion.
Radiating with vibrant colors, these Patriotic Cupcakes are the ideal addition to your festivities on the 4th of July.
Red Velvet Donuts
These Easy Red Velvet Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are chocolatey, delicious, and fast.
They consist of two things we love: red velvet cake and donuts! Combining the flavour of red velvet cake with hand-held treats like donuts is just a perfect combination.
Cheesecake without Cream Cheese
This Homemade Cheesecake without Cream Cheese is creamy, light, and a little tangy.
It's super easy to make, with no water bath needed! Enjoy it with fresh fruit or your favorite jam or syrup.
4th Of July Fun Facts & FAQs
How many hot dogs do Americans consume on the 4th of July?
Americans consume roughly 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day, making it the largest hot dog holiday of the year. Do we really love hot dogs that much, or are they one of the easiest and most versatile foods around?
What desserts did they enjoy in the 1700s?
During the 1700s, people enjoyed a variety of desserts. Here are some popular ones:
Trifle: A dessert made with layers of sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in wine, custard, and fruit preserves.
Puddings: Common desserts made with ingredients like suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, spices, and dried fruits. Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, was a favorite.
Tarts and Pies: Sweet tarts and pies filled with fruits like apples, cherries, or peaches. Mincemeat pies with dried fruits and spices were also popular.
Syllabub: A frothy dessert made by mixing cream, sugar, wine, and sometimes lemon juice.
Custards: Desserts made with milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and flavors like vanilla. They were often baked or served as creams.
Jellies: Fruit jellies made by boiling fruit juice with sugar. They were often molded into shapes.
Cakes: Rich and dense cakes flavored with spices, zest, and sometimes liquor. Pound cake, sponge cake, and fruitcakes were common.
Wafers and Sweetmeats: Crispy wafers served with desserts and candied fruits or nuts known as sweetmeats were enjoyed as treats.
Food is a key ingredient in these joyful celebrations, as it has the power to bring people closer and make the occasion even more special. Just think about it - a scrumptious berry pie, a batch of homemade ice cream, or some delightful cupcakes can truly elevate the festive spirit.
These mouthwatering treats not only satisfy our cravings but also contribute to the overall celebratory atmosphere. They serve as a sweet symbol of our unity and pride as a nation, turning every bite into a delicious celebration of freedom.
Picnics on the 4th of July
A picnic on the 4th of July provides an opportunity to embrace the American spirit of togetherness, all while relishing the great outdoors and summer entertaining. Imagine spreading out a checkered blanket, basking in the warm sunshine, and indulging in an assortment of delectable treats. The possibilities for your picnic menu are endless, from traditional favorites like juicy burgers and fried chicken to salads and copious amounts of hot dogs bursting with seasonal flavors.
Beyond the savory delights, a memorable picnic wouldn't be complete without a sweet ending. Picture biting into a slice of luscious berry pie, savoring a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream, or delighting in a colorful array of red white, and blue desserts. These dessert options not only satisfy your taste buds but also add a festive touch to your picnic table, setting the stage for a truly memorable celebration.
Sharing homemade dishes prepared from recipes creates a sense of community and bonding. Picnics often involve potluck-style gatherings where each person contributes a dish. Sharing recipes and enjoying the diverse array of foods brings people together, fosters conversations, and strengthens relationships.
4th of July picnic recipes embrace the flavors of the season while paying homage to the spirit of independence. Get ready and pack your picnic basket, and embark on an adventure that will make this year's Fourth of July celebration one to remember!
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