Oops, I Forgot Dessert! Quick and Easy Last-Minute Fourth of July Treats

Last-Minute Fourth of July Simple Recipes to Save Your Celebration and Satisfy Sweet Tooths

It’s the Fourth of July, the barbecue is sizzling, the fireworks are ready to dazzle, and the guests enjoy the summer festivities. But wait—what about dessert? In the midst of planning the perfect celebration, dessert completely slipped your mind! Don’t worry, though. With these quick and easy last-minute recipes, you can whip up delightful treats in no time, ensuring your guests leave with sweet memories of a fabulous Fourth of July.

Here are your easy, last-minute Fourth of July recipes:

Classic S’mores, you need the following ingredients and supplies:

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate bars (milk chocolate is traditional, but you can use any type you prefer)
• A fire source (campfire, fire pit, microwave or a stovetop)
• Long skewers or sticks for roasting marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Break the graham crackers in half to create squares.
2. Place a piece of chocolate on one half of the graham cracker.
3. Carefully skewer a marshmallow on a long stick or skewer.
4. Hold the marshmallow over the fire, rotating it to toast it evenly until it’s golden brown and gooey inside.
5. Place the hot, roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
6. Top with the other half of the graham cracker, pressing down gently to melt the chocolate and create a gooey sandwich.
7. Let the s’more cool slightly before enjoying, as the marshmallow and chocolate can be very hot.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Canned Sweet Cherries and Almonds

Ingredients:

1. Vanilla ice cream
2. Canned sweet cherries
3. Sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Scoop vanilla ice cream into bowls.
2. Top with canned sweet cherries.
3. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
4. Serve immediately.

Make Your Own Waffle with Strawberry and Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1. Waffles (store-bought or homemade)
2. Fresh strawberries, sliced
3. Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Set up a waffle maker.
2. Use a pre-made mix, make and store in the refridgrater.
3. If on hand, add in some vanilla flavoring into mix, stir. (optional)
4. Have your guests make thieir own waffles according to taste
5. Have strawberries, whipped cream and maple syrup  available for toppers. 
6. Host serves instead: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with fresh strawberries.
7. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Ice Cream with Cherries on Top

Ingredients:

1. Strawberry ice cream
2. Fresh or canned cherries

Instructions:

1. Scoop strawberry ice cream into cocktail glasses or bowls.
2. Top with fresh or canned cherries.
3. Serve immediately.

Blueberries on Top of Chilled Mixed Lemon and Vanilla Combined Yogurts

Ingredients:

• Lemon yogurt
• Vanilla yogurt
• Fresh blueberries or blackberries (or both)

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts of lemon and vanilla yogurt in a bowl and pour into wine glasses or decorative bowls
2. Top with fresh blueberries.
3. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and festive Fourth of July treats!

Did you know?

Many quick and easy desserts can be transformed into patriotic treats with just a little creativity? For instance, adding blueberries to vanilla ice cream and strawberries to waffles enhances the flavor and gives a nod to the American flag’s red, white, and blue.

It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your Fourth of July desserts, impress your guests!

A little history:

Celebrating the Fourth of July with sweet treats dates back to early American history. Desserts have always played a significant role in festivities, symbolizing abundance and the joy of freedom. In the colonial era, desserts were often simple due to limited resources, but they were made special with seasonal fruits and locally sourced ingredients.

Ice cream, for example, became a popular treat in America in the late 18th century. President George Washington reportedly spent a small fortune on ice cream during the summer of 1790. By the mid-19th century, ice cream had become a common indulgence at Independence Day celebrations.

Waffles also have a long history in American cuisine, brought over by Dutch settlers in the early 17th century. They became a beloved breakfast and dessert item, often topped with fresh fruit and cream, making them perfect for festive occasions like the Fourth of July.

Combining these elements—ice cream, fruit, waffles, and yogurt—into last-minute desserts is a modern twist on historical favorites, ensuring that even if you forget to plan, you can still celebrate with delicious, patriotic treats.