The 4th of July is a BIG deal in my family. Every year, my daughters and I (the hubs has to work), along with my brother’s family, head down to Pennsylvania to celebrate with my aunt, uncle and cousins. The kids all play together, the adults relax and we always head to their local creamery for some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Of course, like any Italian-American family, there’s always plenty of food and 4th of July desserts.
Of course, this 4th will look a lot different for many families who, like ours, have decided not to get together.
Still, if you’ll be celebrating at home with a traditional barbecue, you’ll probably be looking for some festive treats to add to your holiday spread.
This list of 4th of July desserts for kids are all quick and easy, call for simple, real food ingredients and are so fun, your kids will want to help out too.
1. EASY PATRIOTIC OREOS
Oreos are delicious on their own, but dip them in chocolate and add some festive stars, and you’ve got a kid-friendly after dinner treat.
With a few simple ingredients, and only 10 minutes to make, these Easy Patriotic Oreos are one of the best 4th of July desserts. Even better? Your kids can decorate their own.
2. AMERICAN FLAG CUPCAKES
When it comes to 4th of July Desserts, quick and easy is the way to go because you deserve a day off too!
With these American Flag Cupcakes, it doesn’t get much simpler or easier. Just make your favorite white cupcakes, ice them and add red and blue mini M&Ms and you’ve got kid-friendly treat in no time.
3. WATERMELON PIZZA (GLUTEN FREE & DAIRY FREE!)
My kids LOVE watermelon and have been known to polish off a quarter of a watermelon in a day.
If your kids love watermelon too, they’ll love this recipe for gluten-free, dairy-free Watermelon Pizza.
Bright, beautiful blueberries and strawberries have a ton of flavor and texture, and the coconut adds even more natural sweetness. Not only is this recipe easy and ready in minutes, but it’s a great way to get your kids in the kitchen.
4. RED, WHITE AND BLUE FRUIT KABOBS
I love kabobs for kids, because they’re bite-sized and offer variety—two things that encourage healthy eating habits.
That’s why I knew I had to include this recipe for Red, White and Blue Fruit Kabobs in a list of 4th of July Desserts.
Not only can your kids customize the kabobs with their favorite fruits, but the author offers two ways to make them: as a fruit skewer appetizer with a sweet yogurt dip or as a dessert with cake and chocolate lava dip—yum!
5. HEALTHY 4TH OF JULY COOKIE CAKE
When it comes to red, white and blue cake recipes with berries, it seems like when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.
Yet when I found this recipe for Healthy 4th of July Cookie Cake, I had to include it because it’s so unique.
A cross between an oatmeal cookie and a vanilla cake, this recipe has whole grains, plenty of fiber, and thanks to the Greek yogurt, protein to boot.
Something else I love about this recipe is the beautiful arrangement of strawberries and raspberries—it’s not too much fruit but just enough.
6. INSTANT POT RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Rice Krispie treats in the Instant Pot, say what?!
Rice Krispie Treats are easy and quick to begin with, but what I discovered is that when you use your Instant Pot, you can whip them up in half the time.
With just 4 simple ingredients and festive colors, these Instant Pot Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate addition to your 4th of July spread.
7. PATRIOTIC MINI FRUIT PIZZA COOKIES
There’s nothing better than soft and chewy sugar cookies, but when you add lemon cream cheese frosting and fresh berries, you’ve got these amazing Patriotic Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies your kids will love.
These cookies call for simple ingredients and are done in less than half an hour, but they’re so fancy, everyone will think you picked them up at the bakery.
8. RED, WHITE AND BLUE PRETZELS
The combination of salty and sweet is amazing, and with white chocolate and colorful sprinkles, these Red, White and Blue Pretzels make for one of the best 4th of July Desserts around.
With just 3 easy ingredients, and 3 simple steps, they’re done in minutes flat and your kids will love making their own special treats.
9. 4TH OF JULY COOKIE DOUGH DIP
Kids love dip and there’s nothing better than this festive 4th of July Cookie Dough Dip.
With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, this dip is easy and only takes 10 minutes to pull together. Serve it with graham crackers and you’ve got one of the best 4th of July desserts on your table.
