Independence Day is right around the corner—that means parties, fireworks and food. Skip the stress by making these cute and easy patriotic treats that are sure to entertain and amaze your guests, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday.
Red, White and Blue Parfait
These red, white and blue parfaits are made with fresh strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, chocolate chips and mascarpone cheese. Replace the cheese with yogurt or vanilla pudding for a tasty switch up. Or use white cake to guarantee that no healthy snack will be served at your party.
What You'll Need: 4 ounces Mascarpone cheese, 4 ounces Cool Whip or whipped cream, chocolate chips, 2 dozen fresh strawberries, 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
Click here for the full recipe.
Fire Cracker Jell-O Shots
Shots! Shots! Shots! Jell-O Shots! Everybody! The kid-friendly type of Jell-O shots, of course. There's always room for this low maintenance snack at every party. Dress it up with patriotic colors and stick a half peeled Twizzler in the center for the firecracker effect.
What You'll Need: 2 boxes of red Jell-O, 2 boxes of blue Jell-O, whipped cream, red Twizzlers, 2 cups of hot water, and 2 cups of cold water.
Chocolate Coconut Eagles
These adorable little guys will be the highlight of your Fourth. How can you resist that yummy coconut exterior and chocolate cookie base? How about that cute cashew beak? Don't fret; these eagles are only in danger of being eaten.
What You'll Need: ¼ cup white chocolate chips, 6 large marshmallows, shredded coconut, chocolate covered cookies, 6 whole cashews and black decorators gel (or food dye and frosting).
Fruit Kabobs
These cute and healthy fruit kabobs are just what every party needs. It's also a great excuse to buy those star shaped cookie cutters. Switch out the marshmallows for bananas for a healthier treat.
What You'll Need: 1 pound large strawberries, 1 pint blueberries, 1 bag mini marshmallows (or 2-3 bananas), 10 skewers, small star cookie cutter.
Click here for the full recipe.
Layered Conecakes
These layered cone cakes save on the dishes and cutlery that normal ice cream would use. Switch up the recipe a bit by making both a red and blue cake to fill the cones and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can you say yum?
What You'll Need: 1 box cake mix (white or blue velvet—optional blue food dye for white cake), 12 pack of ice cream cones, whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream) and cherries.
Click here for the full recipe.
Layered Drinks
This aesthetically pleasing patriotic cocktail may require a little more effort, but it's certainly worth it. The layering is all presentation, so the drinks won't mix flavors unless you want them too. Make this in individual glasses or in a giant clear canister to show off your talents. Remember not to skimp on the ice and pour slowly.
What You'll need: 3 different drinks of varying sugar content (ex- Sobe Pina colada, Hawaiian Punch Polar Blast and PowerAde Zero Fruit Punch) and enough ice to fill your canister or each cup.
Click here for the full recipe.
Patri-opsicles
You can make this classic summer treat at home without worrying about it melting on the way back from the grocery store. Pick up some reusable popsicle sticks and get the kids to help.
What You'll Need: Popsicle sticks, popsicle mold, 1 cup cranberry juice, 1 cup lemonade, 1 cup blue Gatorade sports drink.
Click here for the full recipe.
Goblets
We did say easy, right? These Goblets are all presentation without the hassle. Simply bake your cupcakes, frost them and then place them in the wine glass filled with candy. Your guests will think you are a culinary master. Don't worry; we'll keep your secret.
What You'll Need: 1 box white or confetti cake mix, 4 cups white frosting, 3 tablespoons red, white and blue sprinkles, 5 cups of red, white and blue M&M's, box of plastic wine goblets.
Click here for the full recipe.
Pudding Cups
These patriotic pudding cups are a great, inexpensive alternative to cake and ice cream with the same amount of deliciousness. Top it with the Firework Oreos for added fun.
What You'll Need: 3 packages white chocolate pudding, 5.5 cups milk, regular or summer Oreos, clear cups, red and blue food coloring, cool whip or whipped cream.
Click here for the full recipe.
Patriotic Candied Popcorn
Unique and adorable, this poppin' treat is sure to be the highlight of your party. It's definitely different from the other options and will save you space in your refrigerator.
What You'll Need: 1 cup sugar, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ cup water, 1 tsp. vanilla, 6 cups popped popcorn, red and blue food coloring.
