DIY Fourth of July Appetizers and Desserts

It seems like just last week we were all watching the ball drop and ringing in 2017. But alas! Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year and gearing up to celebrate the Fourth of July? While we’re sure you’ll have plenty of red, white, and blue decorations at your barbecue, there’s no such thing as being too patriotic on Independence Day, so make sure your food is on theme too!

Fourth of July Appetizers

Star-Shaped Fruit Sparklers

Surprise guests with this festive, summer take on a traditional fruit pop. With just a few ingredients, you can have a tasty, homemade treat in as little as 45 minutes. Whether you decide to put them out as an appetizer, or send them home with guests as a party favor, everyone will enjoy these festive sparklers.

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Fruit skewers are a great appetizer for big crowds because there’s almost no prep work. Just cut up your favorite fruits and let your guests create their own designs. And since we know that the grill will already be on, push some of those hamburgers and hotdogs aside and throw your skewer on the grill for a minute or two.

Dried Fruits

Fourth of July meals tend to be a little heavy, so give guests something they can snack on all night long, without feeling guilty. Since it’s the Fourth of July, try to stick with red and blue fruits, like strawberries, cherries, berries, and plums. Plus, if you end up making a little too much, properly stored dried fruits will last for months without spoiling. Meaning you can enjoy your favorite summer fruits even once the temperature begins to drop.

Merlot Soaked Cherries

The only thing better than fresh fruit in the summer? Fresh fruit infused with a little bit of alcohol! Not only do these cherries make a delicious, poppable snack, but they’re also great on top of ice cream sundaes and in drinks.

Fourth of July Desserts

Homemade Ice Cream

You can’t really have a summer barbecue without ice cream. But before you run to the supermarket, think about making your own this year! Not only is it fun and less expensive to make your own, but it’s also a great way to customize your dessert. Mix a few strawberries and blueberries in separate bowls of vanilla ice cream for a festive red, white, and blue ice cream dish.

Vanilla Pudding Cups

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these vanilla pudding cups that (almost) look too good to eat! In small, individual glasses, layer white or vanilla pudding, strawberries, and blueberries for a tasty snack that won’t weigh you down.

Star-Spangled Cupcakes 

Cupcakes are always a hit — especially with little ones. Take some of the work off of yourself this year by baking the cakes ahead of time, then letting guests decorate them with red, white, and blue icing, and star shaped sprinkles the day of your party.

If, in the midst of party planning, you realize that you don’t have enough time to hand-make everything, just turn to Fruit Bouquets! Our Fourth of July desserts make the perfect addition to any patriotic party!