Make a grand ol' dessert.
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There are a few requirements for planning the ultimate 4th of July menu. For one thing, you'll want to serve up burgers, hot dogs, or your favorite BBQ foods. And for dessert? Look no further than one of these 4th of July cakes that are sure to steal the show! Grander then a display of fireworks, these cakes big, beautiful, and patriotic—just like the American flag. In fact, there are even two flag cake recipes featuring the stars and stripes! Sounds impressive, but don't worry, these cakes are all easy to whip up.
Some of these patriotic cakes are no-bake desserts, while others simply show you how to doctor up a box of cake mix. Of course, there are plenty of red, white, and blue desserts on this list. Some made with frosting and food coloring and others are simply strawberry and blueberry desserts. If you're attending a summer potluck, presenting one of our trifle recipes layered with pound cake, mixed berries, and plenty of whipped cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
For those looking to cool down from the summer heat, we've also included a few 4th of July cakes that are perfect for a pool party. Try an over-the-top ice cream cake layered with all of your favorite flavors or Jell-O desserts like a patriotic poke cake. Heck, offer a spread of 4th of July cupcakes and other 4th of July desserts to double the sweetness! No matter which homemade cakes you choose, these ideas are the sweetest way to ring in the holiday.
1
Jello Cake
This all-American cake is still so retro-cool. The bright red streaks and white chocolate frosting make it as pretty as it is tasty. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes of prep.
Get the Jello Cake recipe.
2
American Flag Cake
Celebrate with stars and stripes in the form of cake! This simple sheet cake uses red, white, and blue nonpareils to create the patriotic look. Simply use strips of parchment paper to help guide you.
Get Ree's American Flag Cake recipe.
3
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Sweet, seasonal strawberries and fluffy whipped cream cheese filling makes this no-bake cake completely irresistible. The best part is that you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for easy summer entertaining.
Get the Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe.
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4
Coca-Cola Cake
Does it get more American than Coca-Cola? This soda (or pop, as Ree Drummond would call it) helps make the lightest chocolate cake you'll ever get a chance to try.
Get the Coca-Cola Cake recipe.
5
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
Making a red, white, and blue dessert doesn't need to be complicated. This one uses store-bought pound cake, fresh mixed berries, and plenty of whipped cream to feed a crowd.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
6
4th of July Flag Cake
A simple sheet cake transforms into a festive holiday treat with Ina Garten's classic method of decorating with berries for making a flag cake. It's sure to impress your guests!
Get the 4th of July Flag Cake recipe.
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7
Ice Cream Cake
It wouldn't be a summer party without ice cream! This easy treat using store-bought ice cream is the best way to cool down from the summer sun. Don't forget the cherries on top!
Get the Ice Cream Cake recipe.
8
Piña Colada Cake
You don't need a trip to the beach to enjoy this lovely, tropical cake. It's a breeze to whip up and delicious for any outdoor cookout. The secret: packaged pudding mix.
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
9
Birthday Cake
What's the best way to celebrate America's birthday? With birthday cake, of course! Swap the rainbow sprinkles for red, white, and blue sprinkles and you'll have a festive cake for the 4th.
Get the Birthday Cake recipe.
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10
Cookie Cake
You can't go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie cake! The oversized cookie is impressive and so much fun to make.
Get the Cookie Cake recipe.
11
Lemon Blueberry Cake
Sweet blueberries and tart lemon join forces for this simple summer cake. The hardest part will be not taking a slice before the festivities begin.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe.
12
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This classic cake has had a place in American history since the 1920s. Maybe it's the tropical flavor or the sticky-sweet topping, but it's been a since ever since.
Get the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe.
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13
Strawberry Cake
Sugar-crusted and bursting with berries—this cake is as summery as they come! Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even ice cream on a hot day.
Get the Strawberry Cake recipe.
14
Key Lime Cheesecake
This recipe takes Ree Drummond's favorite summer dessert (key lime pie) and turns it into a creamy, zesty, luscious, make-ahead cheesecake.
Get the Key Lime Cheesecake recipe.
15
Coconut Layer Cake
Start with a flavorful white cake and you can do anything to make it festive for the fourth! Add a topping of mixed berries, decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles, or top with sparklers.
Get Ree's Coconut Layer Cake recipe.
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16
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Sometimes referred to as Texas sheet cake, this chocolate dessert can feed a crowd. It's a great way to celebrate America's birthday (or any birthday for that matter!).
Get Ree's Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
17
Strawberry Pound Cake
This cake ticks all the boxes: It's seasonal, nostalgic, and easy to make! Just don't be shy when it comes to that strawberry glaze.
Get Ree's Strawberry Pound Cake recipe.
18
Peach Dump Cake
Your guests will never believe that this sweet and summery dessert started with a box of cake mix. We promise, it's surprisingly easy and delicious.
Get the Peach Dump Cake recipe.
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19
Blueberry Cheesecake
Everyone should have a good cheesecake recipe. And when you top it with a good fruit compote, it's even better!
Get the Blueberry Cheesecake recipe.
20
Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake
Anyone who's a fan of the classic chocolate-hazelnut spread will love this pretty dessert. Reach for a jar of Nutella to make layers with chocolate cake, whipped cream, and berries.
Get Ree's Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake recipe.
