4th of July Desserts to Light Up Your Night

While this year’s 4th of July celebrations are going to look different because of COVID-19 and we will not be attending the 4th of July parties, that does not mean our patriotic spirit will be diluted. If quarantine has proved anything, it’s that we love to bake while being stuck at home. So put those newly learned skills to the test and try these easy recipes! These fourth of July inspired desserts will be sure to bring the red, white, and blue spirit into your apartment home this independence day. 

Cheesecake Strawberries

These bite-sized snacks are perfect for those who want a little sweeter taste in their mouth, while still using healthy and fresh berries! This recipe makes 20 small bite-size desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Cool Whip, whipped cream
• 10 strawberries, halved
• 30 blueberries

Directions: 

• In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and combined. Fold in Cool Whip.
• Transfer mixture to a piping bag and pipe over the cut side of the strawberry. 
• Top with blueberries and enjoy!

S'mores Dip

Nothing tastes quite like a summer campfire like s’mores. However, having access to a firepit in your apartment home can be quite tricky, this s’mores alternative is both patriotic and it hits the spot! This recipe makes 10 servings. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 sheets Hershey's chocolate
• 19 marshmallows
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup red, white, and blue sanding sugar
• Graham crackers, for serving

Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 450°.
• In a square glass pan, place a layer of Hershey’s to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Dip 5 marshmallows in water and roll them in blue sanding sugar. Place on parchment paper to dry.
• Repeat this process to make 6 red marshmallows and 8 white marshmallows.
• Using kitchen shears, cut each marshmallow in half.
• Place marshmallows cut side down on the chocolate to form a flag.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. 
• Serve with graham crackers and enjoy!

Boozy Cherry Bombs

For a perfectly sweet and juicy crowd favorite, this dessert idea is sure to do the trick! These celebratory cherry bombs are soaked in booze, but can be made kid-friendly by skipping step #1! This recipe makes 25 cherry bombs.

Ingredients: 

• 1 (10-oz.) jar maraschino cherries with stems, drained
• 1/3 cup Fireball whisky
• 1/3 cup whipped cream-flavored vodka
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 (3.5-oz.) jar blue sanding sugar sprinkles

Directions:

• Place cherries in a medium bowl and pour Fireball and vodka over. Soak for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Drain cherries and pat dry with a paper towel. Reserve alcohol for another use. 
• Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
• Dip each cherry two-thirds of the way into melted chocolate, twisting slightly to help chocolate stick. Dip cherry in blue sanding sugar, coating halfway up the white chocolate coating.
• Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
• Enjoy!