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Surprise your guests with these 21 4th of July desserts

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By Michelle Price

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Fourth of July cookouts are all about burgers, hot dogs, and fun with friends. But what about dessert? This year, skip the store-bought cake and impress everyone with homemade treats that are perfect for a BBQ. We’ve got 21 unforgettable dessert ideas in red, white, and blue, so you can end your celebration on a sweet and festive note.

Grilled smores pizza on the grill.
S’mores pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kool-Aid Cupcakes

Image shows the top of a Kool Aid Cupcake with swirled frosting.
Kool-Aid Cupcakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take a trip down memory lane with these vibrant cupcakes! Tangy Kool-Aid flavors and colorful sprinkles make them a fun and festive addition to your 4th of July cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kool-Aid Cupcakes

Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake

Image shows a Red White and Blue Bundt Cake cut into to show the inside swirl.
Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This stunning marbled bundt cake is the perfect centerpiece for your celebration! Layers of red, white, and blue batter create a beautiful design that’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Delicious and festive, it’s a surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake

Classic Brownies

Image shows a stack of Classic Brownies on a wooden table.
Classic Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Calling all chocolate lovers! These decadent brownies are pure indulgence. Rich, dark chocolate melts in your mouth with every fudgy bite. A must-have for any 4th of July cookout, they’ll satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies

Frosted Banana Bars

Image shows a Frosted Banana Bar with a bite taken from it on a white plate.
Frosted Banana Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sunshine in a bar! Moist banana bars are perfect for using up ripe bananas and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your BBQ. The flavorful frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars

Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel

Image shows a glass with ice cream and grilled fruit having caramel drizzled into it.
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the boring grilled meats! These refreshing fruit kebabs are a delicious way to end your celebration. Skewer your favorite fruits and drizzle them with a homemade brown sugar caramel sauce for a fun and tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel

Chewy S’mores Bars

Image show a closeup of a Chewy Smores bar on a white plate.
Chewy S’mores Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Get the taste of the campfire in a bar! These easy-to-make treats capture all the flavors of classic s’mores with gooey marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker pieces. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and a guaranteed hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars

Banana Boats

Image shows A ripe banana sliced open and filled with chocolate and caramel and marshmallow, served on a blue plate.
Banana Boats. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These fun and easy banana boats are the perfect way to end your cookout on a sweet note. Fill halved bananas with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and gooey caramel, then grill them warm. A delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Slice of strawberry pie on a plate with the whole pie in the background.
Fresh Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Celebrate summer with this delightful strawberry pie! Bursting with juicy berries and encased in a flaky crust, it’s a classic dessert everyone will love. Each slice is a burst of sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie

Grilled S’mores Pizza

Image shows a grilled s'mores pizza on the grill.
Grilled S’mores Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This genius twist on pizza combines sweet and savory for a unique and unforgettable dessert. Imagine warm pizza crust topped with gooey Nutella, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers. It’s a childhood favorite transformed into a showstopping finale for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza

Blueberry Crumb Bars

Image shows a Blueberry Crumb Bar on a plate with the full container behind it.
Blueberry Crumb Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Layers of juicy blueberries and a crumbly oat topping make these bars an irresistible treat. Bursting with blueberry flavor in every bite, they’re perfect for any occasion and a delightful addition to your 4th of July spread.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars

Blueberry Peach Crisp

Image shows a white bowl with a serving of blueberry peach crisp topped with a scoop of ice cream and some whipped cream.
Blueberry Peach Crisp. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Celebrate the best fruits of summer with this blueberry peach crisp. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a relaxed 4th of July gathering. Enjoy it alone or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp

Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

Image shows a slice of Blueberry Streusel Coffeecake on a small plate.
Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This delightful coffee cake features crunchy streusel and sweet blueberries nestled in a fluffy cake. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for a 4th of July morning or afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

Blueberry Pudding Cake

Image shows Blueberry Pudding Cake in a blue bowl with the full dish behind it.
Blueberry Pudding Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in this dreamy blueberry cake. A moist cake studded with juicy berries hides a gooey center for a delicious surprise in every bite. This decadent dessert is a showstopper for your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake

S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Image shows a hand holding a s'mores stuffed strawberry half with the filling exposed and more behind it.
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take s’mores to the next level with these fun and bite-sized treats! Fresh strawberries are filled with gooey marshmallow and chocolate hazelnut spread, then rolled in crunchy graham crackers. They’re perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or a fun and festive 4th of July dessert.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries

Cherry Crumb Bars

Image shows a small place with a cherry crumb bar on it and hte full pan behind it.
Cherry Crumb Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh summer cherries are the star of these crumb bars. They’re a snap to throw together and perfect for any occasion, including your 4th of July celebration. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Image shows a spoon holding a scoop of the strawberry lemonade icebox cake with a small jar of the dessert behind it.
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beat the heat with this refreshing strawberry lemonade icebox cake! It’s a no-bake dessert made with layers of juicy strawberries and tangy lemon, creating a beautiful and delicious treat everyone will love. Perfect for a hot 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake

Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars

Photo shows a double chocolate cherry cereal bar on a wooden board with more in the background.
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Remember those Rice Krispy Treats you loved as a kid? This grown-up version takes that classic and cranks up the flavor with chocolate and maraschino cherries for a delicious and decadent no-bake dessert, perfect for your 4th of July cookout.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars

Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate cherry ice cream sandwich extreme close up.
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the ultimate indulgence with these chocolate cookie and cherry ice cream sandwiches. Sink your teeth into the perfect harmony of rich chocolate cookies embracing a delightful cherry ice cream filling. It’s an irresistible frozen treat that will be a hit at your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cherry Chip ice cream in a cone with drips.
No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the creamy deliciousness of homemade cherry chocolate chip ice cream, all without an ice cream maker! This easy and irresistible frozen treat is perfect for a hot 4th of July and features rich chocolate chips bursting with cherry goodness.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Baked Cherry Oatmeal

Image shows A spoon lifting berry oatmeal from a ramekin, showcasing the juicy fruit topping and golden-brown crust beneath.
Baked Cherry Oatmeal. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This delightful twist on oatmeal features a burst of fruity goodness with cherries. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it the perfect comforting breakfast for the 4th of July or a delicious pre-celebration treat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cherry Oatmeal

Cherry Bavarian Custard

Image shows two Cherry Bavarian Custards in blue ramekins on a wooden table with whipped cream and a mint sprig.
Cherry Bavarian Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy and dreamy cherry-infused custard will whisk you away to dessert heaven. With its velvety texture and bursts of cherry flavor, this no-bake custard is a decadent and impressive treat for any occasion, including your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard

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