3 Quick and Easy Recipes for Your 4th of July Celebration

By Meghen Jones

It’s that time of year where we celebrate the most patriotic day of them all—the 4th of July. Everyone steps out in their favorite red, white, and blue attire while firing up the grill for fun-filled barbecue gathering. But, what is 4th of July without some sweet treats to go along with all that savory, sticky BBQ?

Whether you consider yourself a pro when it comes to baking or new to the craft, there are simple recipes that any level of an at-home chef can achieve. Add some sweetness to your holiday by baking up any of uCribs’ top three recipe suggestions! These are recipes that you can whip up in no time—without anyone ever knowing the difference.

Red, White, and Blue Cupcake Cones

I’m pretty sure everyone reading that has enjoyed a crunchy waffle cone, topped with silky, smooth ice-cream (your favorite flavor, of course!) that just melts in your mouth.

Though there’s never anything like the original, it doesn’t hurt to try a unique spin on a food favorite. With that being said, why don’t you take a chance with Red, White and Blue Cupcake Cones? I know you’re probably scratching your head trying to figure out how to combine a cupcake with a waffle cone, but it’s actually pretty easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. The crunchy goodness of the cone combined with the sponginess of a cupcake and sweet frosting will be the perfect confectionary concoction to add to your star-spangled table spread!

Ingredients:

For the cupcake:

Ice cream cones

Blue Velvet Cake Mix

For the buttercream frosting:

3 cups of powdered sugar

1/3 cup of softened butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 tablespoons of milk

Large Ziploc bag

Cherries

Directions:

Buttercream Frosting Recipe

1. Combine the softened butter with the powdered sugar with an electric mixer.
2. Add in the milk.
3. Stir until combined and creamy.

Cupcake Cones Recipe

1. Bake the cake mix according to the box.
2. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Crumble the cake up using a fork then spoon it into the ice cream cone.
4. Using a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off, pipe the frosting onto the top of the cones.
5. Add a cherry on top!

Red, White, and Blue Brownie Pizza

Do you love brownies? Well, let me ask you another question: do you love pizza? If you instantly said “yes” and “yes” again, then this Red, White, and Blue Brownie Pizza will really ring your Liberty Bell.

Instead of your classic pizza with marina sauce, mozzarella cheese, and all your favorite toppings, a brownie pizza is not only satisfying to your sweet tooth, but it also makes the perfect dessert for a 4th of July celebration. All you have to do is load a batch of baked brownie mix with cream cheese frosting, strawberries, and blueberries, and there you have it—Red, White, and Blue Brownie Pizza! And, I’m positive that after everyone has a bite of your creation, they will be asking you to make this for every holiday—even if it isn’t the 4th of July.

Ingredients:

1 box brownie mix

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1/4 cup sugar granulated

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh blueberries

2 to 3 cups strawberries sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a pizza pan or a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In your mixer, add all the brownie ingredients and mix just until everything is well blended. Spread the brownie mix over the parchment paper to form a circle that is about 14 inches in diameter. Bake for 20 minutes then allow it cool completely.
3. In your mixer, add the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix well until smooth.
4. Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie crust.
5. Arrange berries over the cream cheese mixture.
6. Slice and serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

4th of July Snack Mix

Remember all the times you opted for trail mix because of its amazing sweet and salty combination that your tastebuds just love?  If you plan on having a small get together with a few friends, then this 4th of July Snack Mix is the perfect treat for you and your guests to munch on.

Whether you want to pre-package the snack mix in cute bags or serve it in a red or blue bowl to add a pop of color, it’s one of the easiest and most inexpensive treats to keep your friends happy and satisfied. So, get ready to mix and match your favorite snacks for some sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness!

Ingredients:

Mini Pretzels

Air-popped Popcorn

Cereal of your choice

Peanuts

M&Ms or other candies

Sprinkles

White chocolate

Directions:

1. In a large casserole dish, mix all the ingredients except the M&M’s, sprinkles, and candy melts. Do not overfill your dish because you will need room to toss the ingredients together.
2. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals until almost melted, then stir until completely melted and smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the dish of snacks. As soon as you’ve mixed up the snack mix, but the coating is still warm and melty, add sprinkles of your choice, and M&M’s to the mix. Stir to combine.
3. Spread the snack mixture out onto a baking sheet (or two, if needed). Allow to cool, then break apart.
4. If desired, add some of the melted white chocolate to a small Ziploc bag, snip off the end and drizzle over the mix, then allow the chocolate to set before packaging up the mixture.
5. Store snack mix in an airtight bag or container.

Whether you are put in charge of dessert, or just want to add to the already prosperous dessert table, all three of these recipes are sure to compliment the patriotic feel of your Independence Day blowout while satisfying your sweet tooth. So, what are you waiting for? Get to baking!

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