Fourth of July lends itself to all kinds of creative opportunities, especially in the kitchen. When the theme is as simple as red, white, and blue (with a side of stars and stripes), the sky’s the limit with all the fun things you can make!
We tapped our friends at Duncan Hines® to create these dazzling Fourth of July recipes. Each one is perfectly patriotic with a special little twist (strawberry lime flavor, anyone?). So after you’ve had your share of grilled eats and picnic salads, look no further than these treats for a little sugar buzz or afternoon pick-me-up. Ahh… isn’t America great?
4th of July Firecracker Cupcakes
Bright, summery flavors with popping candy as the grand finale: What’s not to love about these Firecracker Cupcakes? Duncan Hines Signature Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix takes center stage while the maraschino cherries dipped in melted white chocolate and popping candy play a show-stopping encore.
Red, White and Blue Ombre Cake
Normally beautiful desserts and rich, can’t-get-enough desserts aren’t the same thing, but this gorgeous treat begs to differ. With as much styling as our forefathers’ wigs, this cake will also tug at your savage instincts with its addicting combination of fresh fruit and buttercream frosting. Happy birthday, America—now let’s eat cake.
American Flag Cupcake Cake
We’re a sucker for an American flag cake, and this one keeps things as interesting on the inside as they are on the outside. Duncan Hines Classic Devil’s Food Cake Mix lends its talents to make decadent cupcakes made all the more crave-worthy with pretzels and peanut butter chips folded in. Nonpareils and star sprinkles help form our beloved stars and stripes, all while letting the chocolate surprise peek through.
Stars and Stripes Cake
Red velvet cake and homemade cream cheese frosting… it doesn’t get much better than this! The irresistible flavor combo gets a patriotic spin with the help of parchment paper stencils and red and blue sprinkles.
Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Cake
You can never have too much of a good thing. Like ice cream. And brownies. And cookie dough. And SPARKLERS. Dig into the red, white, and blue with this cake that offers cool, creamy, crunchy bliss.
Patriotic Cake in a Jar
Is it a drink or dessert? The lines are blurred with this refreshing treat. Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix gets a patriotic pop of color with the help of red and blue food coloring. Watermelon drink mix gives the cake layers a summery spin while cream cheese filling adds fluffy texture. Finish it all off with watermelon stars and raise a toast to the U.S. of A.
Brownie Bowl Ice Cream Sundaes
Forget waffle cones: Homemade brownie bowls are a next-level vessel for hefty scoops of ice cream. All you need are two muffin tins and Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix—shape ’em, bake ’em, let ’em cool, and stuff with all your favorite sundae accessories. Check your local grocery store for pre-packaged red, white, and blue sprinkles, or make your own star-spangled sprinkle combo by mixing up individual colors.
Red, White and Blue Marble Cake
Let out your inner artist! No paintbrushes required—you’ll use a butter knife and the back of a spoon to create a marbled masterpiece in cake form. Slice into your all-American artwork and eat up.
Brownie Crispy Bars
The dessert mashup you never knew you needed—’til now. Delight your potluck or picnicking pals with the unexpected combo of marshmallow treats and brownies, united for sweet, bite-sized stacks of fudgy, crispy, chewy goodness.
