44 Next-Level Fourth of July Cakes To Celebrate Independence Day
This 4th of July, we're looking to our own personal constitution, on which is written: "The more dessert, the merrier"—we will always fight for our right to a good cake! What better time to bake one than 4th of July? These cakes come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors—red, white & blue, fruity, upside-down, icebox, and more—so gather up your favorite sparklers, sprinkles, and plenty of fruit for decorating!
The way we see it, there are a few ways to go for a 4th of July dessert—you can lean heavily into the flag theme, either with fresh fruits or food coloring, or go for something a bit more evergreen that you can rely on all summer long. If you're looking for a bright, super-impressive showstopper, look no further than our lemon-berry firecracker cake, our flag cake, or our chantilly cake. Want more of a subtle vibe? Our strawberry crunch poke cake, our no-bake whipped ricotta cheesecake, or our blueberry cheesecake icebox cake still represent those American colors, without too much work.
Not a big fan of patriotism, but still want a killer summer dessert? Try our upside-down pineapple cake or our peach cobbler cheesecake. And don't forget about ice cream cakes! The 4th of July is the perfect occasion to bust one out. Check out our July 4th ice cream cake, our copycat Dairy Queen ice cream cake, our strawberry shortcake ice cream cake, or our spumoni ice cream cake to see how versatile they can be, then have fun with whatever flavors you like.
While we are ALL about dessert, we know that you might also be looking for some inspiration for the main event too—check out our favorite 4th of July recipes, our top 4th of July appetizers, and all the best dishes to bring to a 4th of July picnic.
Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is basically just whipped egg whites and sugar, but it tastes like heaven in every bite (pun intended). It's perfection, whether you top it with strawberries for a strawberry shortcake variation or enjoy it all on its own. Ready to hear the angels sing?
Get the Angel Food Cake recipe.
Watermelon Cake
Food that looks like other food is one of our favorite things. For this one, mixing vodka and food coloring is how to get that authentic watermelon sheen.
Get the Watermelon Cake recipe.
Flag Cake
Hot dogs, fireworks, and flag cake—if your 4th of July party doesn’t end with a red, white, and blue dessert, then you’re doing it wrong! This cake is about as patriotic as it gets, but is easy enough to allow you maximum time outside the kitchen soaking up the best bits of summer.
Get the Flag Cake recipe.
Cookie Cake
Bigger is better, especially when we're talking cookies. The key to baking a cookie cake is pressing the dough into a round cake pan rather than freehand it on a baking sheet, which ensures that it'll bake evenly.
Get the Cookie Cake recipe.
July 4th Ice Cream Cake
This festive ice cream cake is more impressive than any fireworks display you’ll see this year! Vanilla ice cream dotted with red, white, & blue sprinkles is sandwiched between two layers of vanilla cake, and the whole thing is topped with whipped cream frosting (think the patriotic ice cream sundae of your dreams).
Get the July 4th Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake
One bite of this Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola cake, and you'll be instantly transported to a rocking chair on a covered front porch playing with that triangle peg board game (IYKYK). Even if you're not familiar with the Southern comfort food stylings of Cracker Barrel, you can trust us that this chocolate cake is real good.
Get the Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake recipe.
Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
When it’s hot outside, a no-bake dessert like this blueberry cheesecake icebox cake is an ace up your sleeve. Layers of blueberry jam, whipped cream cheese, and graham crackers are stacked together for a no-fuss cool and creamy masterpiece that looks like you spent hours crafting it (but all you did was chill it!).
Get the Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
It may be retro, but this classic cake is a staple easy dessert for a reason. Sweet pineapple gets an irresistible rich boost from melted butter, brown sugar, and eye-catching maraschino cherries—one slice, and you'll feel transported to the tropical vacay of your dreams.
Get the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Lemon-Berry Firecracker Cake
Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a patriotic red, white, & blue dessert, especially this eye-popping lemon-berry firecracker cake. For a blast of flavor, our spin on the classic firecracker cake upgrades itself from white cake to a tangy lemon batter with blueberry- and strawberry-flavored swirls.
Get the Lemon-Berry Firecracker Cake recipe.
Red Velvet Cake
Looking for a red, white & blue dessert this 4th of July? This red velvet cake is the perfect place to start. With a rich chocolate flavor, a fluffy texture, and a tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert was made to impress.
Get the Classic Red Velvet Cake recipe.
Chantilly Cake
There are cakes, and then there’s Chantilly cake, an impressive dessert that marries the delicious simplicity of a classic yellow cake with the berries and cream combo that makes shortcakes shine. What’s even sweeter? The all-American dessert has a charming origin story that started in a grocery store bakery.
Get the Chantilly Cake recipe.
Milk 'N' Cookies Icebox Cake
Is there any better combo than milk and chocolate chip cookies? We think not. For this particular recipe, you don't even have to bake the cookies yourself! All you need to make this show-stopper no-bake dessert are 4 ingredients—cookies, heavy cream, cream cheese and powdered sugar—and a couple hours.
Get the Milk 'N' Cookies Icebox Cake recipe.
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Here we start with a boxed cake mix, infuse it with strawberry flavor, top it with fluffy cream cheese frosting, then finish it off with a strawberry-and-cookie topping. It’s the perfect summer dessert.
Get the Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake recipe.
Napoleon Cake
Elegant in its simplicity, this creamy cool dessert is summer at its best. It's got layers and layers of flaky puff pastry and homemade vanilla pastry cream, covered with more pastry cream and puff pastry crumbs and decorated with fresh fruit. It might take a little more time than your average dessert, but it's SO worth it.
Get the Napoleon Cake recipe.
Raspberry Cheesecake
This creamy, decadent cheesecake is swirled with a raspberry sauce to create a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress. Our favorite part? Rather than a standard graham cracker crust, this cheesecake base is made from super-buttery shortbread.
Get the Raspberry Cheesecake recipe.
Blueberry Mousse Cake
When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade—make this fruity, white chocolate mousse cake instead. It's rich and SO creamy, but thanks to tart lemon and blueberries, it won't weigh your palate down.
Get the Blueberry Mousse Cake recipe.
Ice Cream Cake
When it comes to summer celebrations, ice cream cake just might be the ultimate treat. This no-bake dessert is filled with everything: layers of cake, ice cream, homemade whipped cream, and all the toppings you crave.
Get the Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Funfetti Cheesecake
Why choose just one dessert for your 4th of July celebration when you can have two classics in one? With the creaminess of cheesecake and the fluffiness of Funfetti birthday cake, this two-in-one treat has it all.
Get the Funfetti Cheesecake recipe.
Raspberry Peach Upside-Down Cake
Our favorite thing about upside-down cakes? They're impossible to mess up because you can place your fruits just so before pouring the batter on. It's always a joy to see how they turn out once you flip them—they always impress. Just look at those raspberries and peaches!!
Get the Raspberry Peach Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Yellow Cake
Classic yellow cake brings us right back to childhood celebrations. It's basically a vanilla cake made with extra egg yolks, which make the cake perfectly dense with a super-rich flavor that pairs well with a thick, fudgy chocolate frosting.
Get the Yellow Cake recipe.
No-Bake Creamsicle Cheesecake
This fun spin on a cheesecake tastes just like a Creamsicle! The batter might feel kind of loose as you're adding it to the pan, but don't worry. After a couple hours in the refrigerator, the cheesecake mixture will be perfectly firm and creamy in its Golden Oreo crust.
Get the Creamsicle Cheesecake recipe.
White Chocolate Cake
A classic chocolate cake is always a good idea, but if you want to switch things up a bit, give this white chocolate cake a try. It's soft and layered with a white chocolate mousse and then frosted with a simple cream cheese frosting. Top with red and blue fruits to keep it patriotic if you like!
Get the White Chocolate Cake recipe.
Strawberry Cake
Making strawberry jam from scratch is easier than you'd think and so worth it for this cake. All you're doing is cooking down the fresh berries with sugar and lemon juice. We used it in the batter AND frosting to make sure that the cake has the best strawberry flavor possible.
Get the Homemade Strawberry Cake recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Our favorite recipe for the most classic of all cheesecakes. This jammy topping looks impressive, but comes together easily with strawberry preserves and lemon juice.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Icebox Cake
Few desserts are as easy as an icebox cake. If you can whip cream, you're basically halfway there. Oreo Thins make a great cookie base because they can soften perfectly all the way through, but, honestly, a a regular Oreo will work just as well if you have those on hand.
Get the Easy Icebox Cake recipe.
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Dairy Queen’s classic ice cream cake is king in the realm of frozen desserts, but our copycat recipe is coming for the crown. Starring that signature ribbon of fudge and chocolate cookie crunchies sandwiched between vanilla and chocolate ice cream, this homemade version of this iconic treat is equally easy to make and delicious to eat.
Get the Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
This peach cobbler cheesecake has everything you love about a classic cheesecake and a peach cobbler combined into one delicious dessert. 😍
Get the Peach Cobbler Cheesecake recipe.
Lemon Blueberry Cake
Few things scream spring and summer more than the classic flavor combo of blueberry and lemon. The tart sweetness of the blueberries is amplified by the zing of the citrus. This three-layer masterpiece is sure to be a dessert table showstopper at your next barbecue, party, or potluck.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe.
Spumoni Ice Cream Cake
Inspired by the trio of flavors common in Italian spumoni, or molded gelato, this ice cream cake demands attention. With 6 WHOLE pints of ice cream, it feeds a big, hungry crew.
Get the Spumoni Ice Cream Cake recipe.
No-Bake Whipped Ricotta Cheesecake
"No-bake"and "whipped" in the same recipe name as "cheesecake"? Sure! Trust us, the whipped ricotta and mascarpone combination lightened with whipped cream atop a Biscoff crust isn't traditional, but is still quite dreamy.
Get the No-Bake Whipped Ricotta Cheesecake recipe.
No-Bake Cheesecake
The only downside to cheesecake is how long it takes to bake and how fussy it can be (water bath? no thank you!). A no-bake cheesecake takes all the stress away (and no, you don't have to bake the crust!). Try lining up rows fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries or topping with a strawberry compote.
Get the No-Bake Cheesecake recipe.
Brown Sugar Peach Cake
This is like a peach cobbler in soft and buttery cake form, with sweet peaches studded throughout. The frosting is a brown sugar boiled icing, much like you would find on a Texas sheet cake. Pour it on while the cake is still warm, so it soaks in as it cools, then can harden into a delicious, sweet topping.
Get the Brown Sugar Peach Cake recipe.
Pineapple Coconut Cake
This fluffy coconut cake is filled with an easy pineapple curd (like a tropical lemon curd!) and finished with a cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes. We love the bigger, unsweetened flakes, but if you prefer sweetened coconut for the outside, it works just as well.
Get the Pineapple Coconut Cake recipe.
Strawberry Crunch Cake
Celebrate summer and the bounty of fresh strawberries with this strawberry shortcake-inspired layer cake. Get ready for some nostalgia too: This cake tastes just like your favorite ice cream bar.
Get the Strawberry Crunch Cake recipe.
White Cake
If you’re a vanilla cake fan and have never tried a white cake, you’re in for a treat: This white cake is tender, light, fluffy, and moist, and is layered with the most satiny-smooth vanilla frosting.
Get the White Cake recipe.
Coconut-Lime Layer Cake
Put the lime in the coconut and bake this stunning layer cake! One of the reasons this cake is SO fun to eat is that it’s not about blasting every component with all the lime and all the coconut flavor, but instead letting each part of the cake bring a little something to the party.
Get the Coconut-Lime Layer Cake recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
This cake has everything you love about the Good Humor strawberry shortcake bars, in a homemade ice cream cake that couldn't be easier. Pro tip: To get clean slices of the cake (we went with triangles, but squares work too), run a chef's knife under hot water before cutting each piece.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
We are suckers for a good pineapple upside-down cake, and adding cheesecake to it might just make it our favorite version yet. We'd like to think this one will give even The Cheesecake Factory a run for its money—check it out and see what you think!
Get the Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake recipe.
Strawberry Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake is the most classic, but you can pretty much put anything underneath cake batter, bake it, flip it, and have a stunner of a dessert. For this version, we kept it simple with strawberries—make this for any and every occasion this summer!
Get the Strawberry Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Chocolate peanut butter lovers, this cheesecake is for you. This is a rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake with an Oreo crust and topped with lots of chocolate ganache for a decadent dessert and its always what we are craving. Go ahead and top with Reese's to drive the theme home. Of all of our cheesecakes, this one is at the top of our list, and we can never put our fork down.
Get the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like: part cheesecake, part red velvet cake. (Head here to learn all about what red velvet cake really is.) The layers get sandwiched together and then frosted all over in a cream cheese frosting into an epic cake that will stun all of your guests.
Get the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake recipe.
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry topping just isn't enough for us in a cheesecake recipe, so we went ahead and swirled blueberry puree into the creamy, tangy filling will help you get your fix. This cheesecake has the perfect tartness to it that will have you saying, "just one more bite," another thousand times.
Get the Blueberry Cheesecake recipe.
Banana Pudding Cake
Though it will be hard, try to resist adding a TON of banana pudding in between the layers here; otherwise, things will get pretty messy. If that means there's extra pudding left over, so be it. We know you'll find some use for it. 😉
Get the Banana Pudding Cake recipe.
Blueberry Dump Cake
Craving a cobbler, but not interested in all the work? This dump cakes is for you! Fresh blueberries take on a perfect jammy consistency in the oven as the cake mix turns golden brown and crispy, resulting in a simple dessert worthy of being the center of your summer BBQ or picnic.
Get the Blueberry Dump Cake recipe.
You Might Also Like
