Everybody loves the Independence day parties for they are full of colors. The abundant sunshine around the 4th of July adds to the charm of the parties. Making desserts red, white, and blue in color for the party is the favorite activity of majority of the people.
Can you think of any other day which is full of colors and where the colors have such a significant role to play? While planning the 4th of July menu, the United States flag colors have prime importance. It adds to the festivities a great deal. Here are some recipes to make red, white, and blue desserts for 4th of July that everyone will love!
Flag Ice Cream Cake
When you are running out of time and have just a few hours for the party, you can make use of this recipe.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream, 2 containers
- Whipped cream, 7 oz.
- Vanilla cakes, 2 (square)
- Strawberries, 1 quart (raspberries can also be used)
- Blueberries, 60
Preparation
Cut the cakes horizontally into two and repeat the same with the ice cream slabs. You will need only three of the ice cream slabs, hence place the extra one back in the refrigerator. In a baking dish, alternately place one section of cake and one section of ice cream, making sure the last layer is that of cake.
Top it with whipped cream. Use a spatula to cover the cake with whipped cream on the sides as well. Place 50 blueberries in the upper left corner, leaving the right corner and lower part for the strawberries.
Slice the strawberries into two parts, place them in the upper right corner, and the lower part of the cake. Cover the cake and freeze it for 5 to 6 hours before you serve it. You may also freeze it a little longer as well.
Strawberry-Blueberry Dessert
This is a rich-tasting dessert, which can be decorated like a flag. This recipe can also be used by the vegans by substituting the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and whipping cream with vegan cream.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese, 16 oz.
- Strawberries, 2 quarts (halved)
- Blueberries, 2 quarts (halved)
- Whipping cream, 2 cups
- Sugar, ½ cup
- Almond extract, ½ tsp.
- Vanilla extract, ½ tsp.
Preparation
Whip cream cheese, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sugar in a large mixing bowl till it is light and fluffy. Once the cream cheese mixture is fluffy, fold the whipped cream in. Divide the mixture into four parts. Also keep aside about 20 to 21 strawberries and half the quantity of blueberries.
Place one layer of the mixture in a quarter bowl and top it with one layer of strawberries and blueberries. Now continue to alternate so that the last layer is that of cream mixture. Use the strawberries and blueberries you had kept aside to decorate the dessert so that it represents the flag. Keep in the refrigerator for an hour before you serve it.
Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes
If you are planning a party for the little ones, then these cupcakes will surely be loved and enjoyed by them.
Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix, 1 packet
- Cream cheese, 8 oz. (low-fat variety)
- Egg whites, of 3 eggs
- Blueberries, 3½ cups
- Confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup
- Strawberries, ½ cup (halved)
- Applesauce, ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp.
Preparation
While you get the cake mix ready, let the oven heat to 350º F. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and applesauce together. Then add cake mix and 1¼ cups of water and beat the mixture for 30 to 40 seconds on low-speed and for about 2 minutes at medium speed. Add half a cup of halved blueberries to the batter and mix well.
Line the muffin cups with wax paper and pour the batter. Let the cupcakes bake till they are golden brown in color. Let them cool on the wire rack. While the cupcakes are cooling, whip the low-fat cream cheese along with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract till smooth.
Remove the cupcakes from the cups and spread the cream evenly on it. Now decorate each of the cupcakes to resemble the flag using halved strawberries and blueberries. Place them in the refrigerator for a while and serve.
Other than these red, white, and blue desserts, there is one more dessert which is my personal favorite. You can make a gelatin dessert using blueberry gelatin, raspberry gelatin, and unflavored gelatin.
Use cream, blueberries, and strawberries to decorate the gelatin. In case you do not find strawberries, you can alternately make use of raspberries. Although food colors can be used, it is best to stick to natural ingredients as far as possible.
