There are certain things that people look forward to on the 4th of July. Things like parades, fireworks, and grilled meats have all become an integral part of the holiday celebration, but nothing – nothing – is as looked forward to on Independence Day as much as dessert. While any red, white, and blue confection is always a welcomed addition to a dessert table, if you’re hosting a bash this Thursday, make sure you have at least one of these favorites present:
Patriotic Trifle
Easy to make and guaranteed to please, simple trifles are really common at summer gatherings – specifically those on the 4th of July. That’s because they’re light, refreshing, and really easy to make patriotic with the addition of blue and red berries.
Stars and Stripes Cake
Seriously, few desserts are as non-fussy as a sheet cake. That said, they’re also really versatile, which is why they’re perfect for every holiday… even the 4th of July. All you really have to do to make one is take one flat cake, cover it with strategically placed strawberries, blueberries, and dollops of whipped cream, and you’ve got one sweet patriotic treat without a sweat.
Better Brownies
Want the younger attendees of your Independence Day bash to think you’re amazing? Two words for you: s’mores brownies. These babies reinvent the classic combination of sweet chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crisp graham crackers into delicious bars that don’t have to be held over a fire (which is great because the 4th tends to get a little warm).
Proud Pie
You don’t have to whip up a pie that’s actually red, white, and blue (though this one is cuter than, well, pie). Blueberry, blackberry, cherry, or strawberry – your guests care not so long as there is, in fact, any sort of fruit filled pastry crust present.
Flag Cake
A delicious layer cake may not be as difficult to make as, say, a chocolate truffle, but that doesn’t mean they’re not awesome too. Since when has deliciousness ever gauged by complexity? Since never. With drops of food coloring added to your vanilla cake batter, you can easily create a treat both delicious and simple, giving sweet land of liberty a whole new meaning.