Easy Red, White and Blue Desserts for 4th of July

Can you think of any celebration, which is full of colors and where the colors do have a significant role to play? I know you will not ask me, as you already know the answer to the question. Well yes, it is indeed the Independence day. To tell you a little secret, I am glad that the Independence day falls in summer. Else I would loath it. I also wonder, how would the celebrations be. All inside with no sunshine and gloomy weather? While planning 4th of July menu, the colors red, white and blue have prime importance. I have some recipes to make red, white and blue desserts for 4th of July, that both kids and adults will love!

Red, White and Blue Dessert Recipes

When I am making the red, white and blue desserts for kids or adults, there is one principle that I follow to the 'T'. I do not make use of food coloring. I make the most of the natural ingredients to make the desserts, which ensures all my loved ones eat only healthy food.

Flag Ice Cream Cake Recipe
When you are running out of time and have just a few hours for the party, you can make use of this recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 containers vanilla ice cream
• 7 oz whipped cream
• 2 square vanilla cakes
• 50 to 60 blueberries
• 2 pints strawberries or raspberries

Preparation
Cut the cakes horizontally into two and repeat the same with the ice cream slabs as well. 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 and 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, as we have decorated the flag cake. 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

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 2 quarts strawberries cut into two
• 2 quarts blueberries cut into two
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract

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

• 1 pkt yellow cake mix
• ⅓ cup applesauce
• 3 ½ cup blueberries
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar
• 8 oz low fat cream cheese
• ½ cup strawberries, halved
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation
While you get the cake mix ready, let the oven heat to 350º Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and applesauce together. Then add cake mix and 1 ¼ cup water and beat the mixture for 30 to 40 seconds on low speed and for about 2 minutes on 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.