Ree Drummond’s 10 Favorite Summer Desserts for a Festive 4th of July
The Pioneer Woman’s sweetest ways to celebrate America’s birthday.
According to The Pioneer Woman, "4th of July is always a big deal where we live." The whole Drummond crew throws an annual bash in downtown Pawhuska, complete with an epic fireworks display thanks to Ladd. Then, of course, there’s the food! No American celebration is complete without burgers, hot dogs, and lots of delectable sides, all of which happen to be among Ree's favorite 4th of July recipes.
And don’t forget the patriotic desserts! “What I love about 4th of July in the Bible Belt is everyone brings lots of desserts,” Ree admits. While she likes to change it up from year to year, there are some tried-and-true recipes she returns to each year. Like, can you imagine a celebration without a flag cake!? Red, white, and blue desserts are a must.
On this list of Ree Drummond’s favorite 4th of July desserts, you will most certainly find her go-to flag cake (two, in fact, plus a pie), but also a lot of frozen desserts to help you keep cool on a hot summer night, and lots of fresh berries. Choose one, choose a few, but whatever you do, don’t forget to bring dessert. It’s America’s birthday, after all. There needs to be a sweet ending for such a celebration!
4th of July Cake
Ree swears by Ina Garten’s classic recipe. “The decoration is nice and splashy, but the real appeal of this cake is the cake itself. It's beyond rich, dense, and out of this world, and those dadgum berries actually fool you into believing you’re consuming a healthy dessert.”
Get Ree’s 4th of July Cake recipe.
Blackberry Cobbler
If you’ve got an abundance of blackberries like Ree does this time of year, you must make her stepmother’s cobbler. She calls it “crispy, crunchy, sweet, and cakey” all in one bite. Yum!
Get Ree’s Blackberry Cobbler recipe.
Vanilla Ice Cream
"I've been making my own ice cream every summer for years and I always serve it on the 4th of July," Ree says. "It's a Drummond family tradition, and I can't imagine what would happen if I skipped it one year." Vanilla is a classic choice because it goes with everything!
Get Ree’s Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.
American Flag Cake
Here’s a fun alternative to the classic berry flag cake! You use sprinkles to decorate instead. It’s easy to do, too. Ree’s secret is using strips of parchment paper and a ruler for perfectly straight lines.
Get Ree’s American Flag Cake recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
Oklahoma can be scorching in the summer, so Ree created these popsicles as a sweet way to cool down. Made with real fruit and Greek yogurt, Ree says they’re “festive, really refreshing, and extraordinarily easy.”
Get Ree’s Red, White, and Blue Popsicles recipe.
4th of July Pie
Yes, you can make a pie version of the classic flag cake! The red stripes are a raspberry and plum filling while the blue is blueberry-lemon. Then it’s all about placing the crust strips for decoration. It’ll feed a crowd, so everyone will get a slice.
Get Ree's 4th of July Pie recipe.
July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches
Want to gussy up that vanilla ice cream you made? Make festive ice cream sandwiches! Ree says they’re so good “they'll make you see fireworks!” Plus, who doesn’t love sprinkles?
Get Ree’s July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe.
No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars
Here’s one of Ree’s newest creations that’s a must-try this holiday. You can make them ahead and totally skip the oven so there’s less stress and heat in the kitchen. “That's my kind of holiday dessert!” says Ree.
Get Ree’s No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Individual Raspberry Cobblers
Ree says the little bites are “so scrumptious, tart, and yummy. Make a slew of them and serve them in a big wicker basket with red gingham napkins.” What a patriotic presentation!
Get Ree’s Individual Raspberry Cobblers recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
The first time Ree made this cake, she proclaimed it was “the best strawberry shortcake cake I’ve ever eaten. An absolute delight!” Her beloved father-in-law loved it so much, he used to bring slices home and eat it for breakfast. 🥹
Get Ree’s Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Blackberry Cheesecake Bars
