Fourth of July Treats and Desserts

Fourth of July sweets and treats take inspiration from summer's bounty! From the rich and fruity Fourth of July fudge to the tart and sweet combination of the Lemon Bars, these recipes will be sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth this summer!

Fourth of July Fudge

This decadent fudge is quick and easy and sports the colors of the American flag!

1 ¾ 12-oz bags of white chocolate chips

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 t. vanilla

½ c. chopped walnuts

1/3 c. dried cherries

1/3 c. dried blueberries

Combine chips and condensed milk in a heavy pot over medium low heat. Stir until melted together. Add vanilla and remove from heat. Add walnuts, dried cherries and blueberries and stir until combined.

Pour fudge mixture in an 8x8 sprayed square pan and spread until even. Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Very rich!

Independence Day Pretzel Dessert

This recipe can be served alongside your meal as a salad or bring it out later as a delicious dessert finale to your meal!

2 c. pretzels, coarsely crushed

¾ c. butter, melted

3 T sugar

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

9 oz. Cool Whip

1 3-oz package raspberry Jell-O

2 c. boiling water

2o oz. frozen raspberries and/or blueberries

Combine pretzels with melted butter and 3 T sugar. Spread in bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Bake 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees and cool to room temperature.

Blend softened cream cheese and 1 c. sugar; fold in Cool Whip. Spread this mixture on the cooled crust. Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water and stir in frozen berries. When partially set, pour over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until completely set.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Take advantage of in season fruit to make this refreshing pie. Fresh whipped cream adds a special homemade touch, but Cool Whip works just as well.

Pillsbury refrigerated crust

1 ½ pints strawberries, washed and hulled

1 c. water

1 c sugar

3 T. cornstarch

2 T. strawberry Jell-O powder

Whipped Cream

Place crust for single pie crust in pie pan, bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool.

Slice one pint strawberries and place in cooked and cooled pie shell. Puree water and remaining ½ cup strawberries in blender. Combine strawberry mixture, sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Mix well and cook over medium heat until clear and thick. Add strawberry Jell-O, mix well. Pour over berries while still warm. Chill several hours and serve with fresh whipped cream.

Lemon Bars

These bars are a great contribution to a potluck and can be made in advance. They are easiest to cut while very cold, as warmer temperatures may increase stickiness.

2 ¼ c flour

1 c. powdered sugar

1 c. melted butter

4 eggs, beaten

2 c. sugar

1/3 c. lemon juice

½ t. baking powder

Mix together 2 cups flour and ½ cup powdered sugar. Add butter and press into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Combine eggs, sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Mix in ¼ cup flour and baking powder. Pour over hot crust and return to oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle cooling pan with remaining powdered sugar while still hot. Allow to cool and cut into squares.

Let your Fourth of July be sweet and fresh and a true summer celebration! Any of these sweet treats can be made extra festive with a small American flag toothpick garnish or simply served on a red, white or blue plate. Enjoy your celebration and happy Independence Day!