15 Spangled 4th Of July Cupcake And Cake Recipes

cake pops

You’ve got your annual Fourth of July cookout responsibilities down pat. One friend brings the pasta salad, another gladly takes care of the grilled veggie sides, and then you are happily in charge of the patriotic flag cake. But this year, you might want to shake things up. We’ve got 15 red, white, and blue cupcakes and cakes with broad stripes and bright stars to celebrate Independence Day in style.

Flag Cake

Oh Sweet Basil

No dessert is more patriotic than a full-blown flag cake adorned with white icing, ruby raspberries, and blueberries. (via Oh Sweet Basil)

4th of July Cupcakes

The Little Blonde Baker

Red, white, and blue are twirled to perfection to give you these slightly psychedelic vanilla cupcakes; they’re topped with a finger-lickin’ buttercream that you can easily make on your own. (via The Little Blonde Baker)

Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Cupcakes

Treats and Trends

Funfetti has become a birthday *must,* but we’re bringin’ it for the Fourth of July with these gloriously festive cupcakes slathered in buttercream frosting. (via Treats and Trends)

Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops

Love Maegan

With a white chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, these gorgeous cake pops are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re also really fun and easy to make, so get the kids to help! (via Love Maegan)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

What Should I Make For...

This naked layered red velvet cake skips the festive sprinkles and replaces them with fresh berries. (via What Should I Make For…)

Fourth of July Peanut Butter Cookie Cake

Sweetest Menu

What your Fourth of July party REALLY needs is an oversized peanut butter cookie cake covered in red and blue chocolate candies. (via Sweetest Menu)

Firecracker Cake

Love Bakes Good Cakes

With red, white, and blue drips of delicious frosting, this vanilla cake is as exciting on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to some crafty yet simple techniques. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Patriotic Swirl Cupcakes

Two Sisters Crafting

It’s hard to beat colorful swirls of buttercream sitting atop moist and crumbly chocolate cupcakes, amirite? Follow the simple tutorial and WOW your pals. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Low Carb 4th of July Vanilla Berry Cake

It's Autumn's Life

If this vanilla berry cake proves anything, it’s that you can still be festive while keeping things clean and simple. Decorated with sweet strawberries and blackberries, this dessert is low in carbs but big on flavor. (via It’s Autumn’s Life)

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Our Family of Seven

This recipe brings cupcakes to a whole new level by filling ice cream cones with batter before baking. They’re then topped with icing as usual, and a maraschino cherry for good measure. (via Our Family of Seven)

Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake

Just A Taste

This cooling ice cream cake is made with frozen pound cake, your choice of raspberry or strawberry sorbet, and a whipped topping that’s decked out in fresh berries and patriotic goodies. (via Just a Taste)

Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes

Your Cup Of Cake

These ruby cakes are brimming with red velvety goodness and whipped cream icing, and topped with fresh blueberries for a touch of blue. (via Your Cup of Cake)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

Preppy Kitchen

Bring this gawk-worthy petal cake to your Fourth of July cookout and treat your friends to three decadent layers of spongy cake and buttercream. (via Preppy Kitchen)

Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes

Pack Momma

Speared with sparkling stars, these cupcakes boast American pride with colorful icing and cake layers. (via Pack Momma)

American Flag Cake

Cooking Is Messy

This cake might seem run-of-the-mill at first glance, but when you cut into it and reveal your mad baking skills, guests will be left in a complete state of awe. (via Cooking Is Messy)

This post has been updated.

There are many ways to enjoy a great dessert pizza. Deep dish or flatbread, healthy or indulgent — you can even hack a two-ingredient crust! We just don't give enough credit to the endless possibilities. You can top them with seasonal fruit, drizzle them with caramel or chocolate and, of course, invite your favorite candy to the pizza party.

Any way you slice it, dessert pizzas are out of this world and we just cannot get enough. Want to try one? Here are some great dessert pizza recipes to get you started on your path to sweet pizza serenity.

Tasty dessert pizza recipes to savor this weekend

​What is dessert pizza made of?

Dessert pizza is made up of sweet toppings and cream cheese or a sugar spread. It swaps the usual tomato sauce and pepperoni for sweet alternatives, and it's delicious!

What is the best dessert to go with pizza?

We love eating ice cream or some chocolate after we finish a slice of pizza. Sorbet or even a plain piece of fruit is another good option if you want something sweet, but light.

What dessert can be made from pizza dough?

You can use pizza dough for cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, or babka.

Brit + Co Dessert Pizza Recipes 

Brit + Co

Grilled Dessert Pizza

Not only is this dessert pizza served on flatbread, but it's full of delicious nuts, fruit, and cheeses so it's healthy as well as yummy.

Brit + Co

S'mores Pizza

Whether you decide to make this dish while it's still cold out or wait until campfire season, it's sure to become a family favorite. Serve it while it's still warm for maximum deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Memorial Day Dessert Pizza

This might be the perfect dessert pizza for the last weekend in May, but it will taste just as good for the rest of the year. The berries and coconut taste amazing together – but feel free to drizzle some honey on top for good measure.

More Dessert Pizza Recipes

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Crumble Flatbread

Imagine the most comforting and warm apple crumble, but handheld. This flatbread is that – and so much more. That scoop of vanilla ice cream is definitely non-negotiable. Let it melt a bit, and you'll fall in love with how it mixes with the rich caramel sauce.

A Spicy Southern Kitchen

Bananas Foster Dessert Pizza

Bananas Foster is a southern dessert that we all need to get behind, especially when it's served on top of a crispy pizza crust. Stock up on your rum and bananas, because when the mood strikes, you'll want to be prepared.

A Spicy Southern Perspective

Strawberry Cookie Pizza

This berry-fied dessert pizza is baked in a single pan, making clean-up a whole lot easier. This could be a good bite for dessert or breakfast!

Show Me the Yummy

Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza

The person who discovered that caramel and apple are amazing together deserves a major gold star. This dessert pizza combines a crispy peanut butter cookie crust, a fluffy caramel vanilla frosting, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and… Snickers!

Bowl of Delicious

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

Sugar cookie dough forms the base of this colorful dessert pizza! This is an easily customizable dessert pizza recipe, since you can add or omit any fruits you'd like to.

Food Fanatic

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Dessert that doubles as a fun activity is always a good choice. Use this cookie-covered pizza as a tasty base to top with your favorite candies and drizzles at your next girls' night in. Just don't forget to bring the cocktails, too.

The Recipe Critic

Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza

When you want that homemade cinnamon roll flavor without all of the work, toss together this dessert pizza that's finished off with cream cheese frosting. Once you get a taste of this pizza-breakfast hybrid, you won't want to go back to regular old rolls.

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Berry Dessert Pizza

This GF dessert pizza is worthy of making on cozy nights in. The crust certainly won't make your tummy hurt if you're sensitive to gluten.

The Girl on Bloor

Homemade Beaver Tails with Pizza Dough

These sugary slabs of dough (AKA beaver tails) are the perfect dessert pizza. Try any combo of toppings you want to, but we highly recommend Nutella + banana.

Girl vs. Dough

Cookies + Creme Dessert Pizza

With just a few pantry items you already have lying around, you can have a quick dessert pizza on the table in no time. Why spend all night making a ton of individual cookies when you can just make one huge one and call it a day? (via Girl vs. Dough)

Completely Delicious

Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza

Raspberries and brie cheese adorn the top of this dessert pizza crust, and then are joined by candied pecans and rosemary for an extra elegant touch.

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Everyone loves a good oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Please the masses with this giant version that can be sliced into pizza-like wedges and eaten on the go. It's the perfect party favor to bring to the next event you're invited to.

Dessert Now Dinner Later

Oreo Fudge Brownie Pizza

There's no such thing as too much chocolate! This beauty has a brownie crust, crushed Oreos, and a creamy fudge drizzle. Top everything with chocolate shavings, and you're all set for a chocoholic's dream dessert.

Two Spoons

Chocolate Cherry Pizza Tart

Rich chocolate and sweet cherries team up to form a dependable and decadent dessert pizza. Make sure you share this recipe with your closest sweet tooths!

Sugar Spun Run

Raspberry White Chocolate Dessert Pizza

If only the base of every pizza could be sweetened cream cheese, white chocolate and raspberry puree. Okay, maybe that wouldn't be good on *all* pizzas, but it sure makes for one hell of a dessert pizza.

Cleobuttera

Peanut Butter Cup Pizza

Homemade hand-tossed pizza dough makes all the difference in this indulgent masterpiece. You might as well go big when you're talking about two types of chocolate!

Oh Sweet Basil

Rocky Road Chocolate Pizza

The great thing about this dessert pizza is that you simply mix all of the ingredients together and press them into a pizza pan to set. No baking involved! Plus, it's a fun recipe to make with the kiddos on a cold afternoon.

My Suburban Kitchen

Cast Iron S’mores Pizza

Roughing it is *so* much easier when you have an incredible dessert to share with your pals. This pizza will have you all singing “Kumbaya" around the campfire all night long. No icky s'mores sticks required.

The Fit Foodie

Watermelon Pizza

If this fruity pizza doesn't have you yearning for summer, nothing else will. Cue the barbecues and mojitos, ASAP. Make a DIY watermelon pizza dessert bar with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit to granola, coconut flakes, mint leaves and more.

Rachel Mansfeld

Doughy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

This dessert pizza recipe even works in collagen peptides, giving you a nice nutritional boost.

Culinary Hill

Brownie Pizza

Balance out the brownie crust in this pizza by topping things off with colorful fruit cuts! That means dessert is still healthy, right? (via Culinary Hill)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Cookies and Creme Dessert Pizza

We didn't know a vegan dessert pizza could be so tastyyy. Add as many Oreo crumbles as your heart desires! (via Earthly Provisions)

Follow us on Pinterest for more dessert inspo, and check out our cooking and baking online classes for all your sweet treat needs!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

My best friend and I recently had a 3-hour conversation about navigating love in our 30s, coming to the conclusion that our prior breakups helped us become clearer about what we want in love. After we said our good-byes, I started thinking about questions worth asking yourself when you're single.

Unlike some people who tell you not to worry about love when you're not coupled up, I think it actually does help to have an idea about the kind of person and relationship that'll fit in your life when the time comes. I wish it wish it were this easy, but the perfect situation isn't going to fall into your lap — because it doesn't exist. Even now, I'm still learning about myself and my fiancé as we experience life together.

So are you single and trying to understand what you actually want out of your love life? Here are some questions you should ask yourself!

Here are the questions to ask yourself while you're in your single era!

Ivan Samkov

1. Start with questions that focus on you

Either you agree with clichés or you don't. As annoying as they can be, hearing someone tell you to get to know yourself while you're single shouldn't be. It only gets sticky when people tell you that you'll never find love while on your self-care journey. We can agree to disagree with that.
So, what kind of questions should you be asking yourself to get to know your inner workings better?
  • Who do I think I am?
  • What are my favorite qualities about myself?
  • Do I have any habits I want to change?
  • Would I date myself if I were a different person?
  • How do I pour love into myself?

George Milton

2. More questions to ask yourself about who you are

Other questions you can ask yourself can have something to do with your morals or boundaries. It's a way for you to understand areas of your life that you may not always think about everyday.

  • What do I value in life?
  • What kind of boundaries have I set (or need to put in place)?
  • Do I spend a lot of time focused on other people?
  • Do I have religious beliefs?

Vlada Karpovich

3. Think about if you want to be single or in a serious relationship

Once you have a better understanding of who you are, think about the kind of romantic love you'd like to have in your life. There's a chance you're not even interested in a serious monogamous relationship right now and that's okay. The point is to get clear about what you do want.

Start asking:

  • Am I okay with being single or do I feel pressured to settle down?
  • Do I care more about dating several people or choosing one person to romantically connect with?
  • Is there a reason I wouldn't want a long-term relationship?
  • Is it hard to be vulnerable whether I'm looking for something short-term or long-term?

Yan Krukau

4. Revisit past flings and relationships

Though tempting, this isn't a confirmation that you should call the ex you've been thinking about. Rather, take the time to revisit what you think did or didn't work.

  • What brought me joy about prior flings or relationships?
  • Was there mutual respect between myself and former romantic partners?
  • Did I or former partners feel possessive of each other?
  • Did I ever feel afraid for my safety in prior relationships?

Gustavo Fring

5. Allow yourself to be curious about the kind of partner you're attracted to

I'm not asking you to 'listen and judge' yourself for who you're typically attracted to. We all have our reasons why certain people make our hearts race even if said people aren't the greatest for us in the long run. This is the time to be curious about who you're drawn to and why.

  • Am I drawn to people's physical appearance first or their personality?
  • What kind of qualities am I attracted to overall?
  • Have I ever ignored red flags because I thought someone was attractive?

Anna Pou

6. Think about the kind of long-term relationship you'd like to have

Ready for something serious? There's still some questions you should ask yourself before jumping into something new.

  • Am I capable of trusting someone new?
  • How do I want to feel in a new romantic relationship?
  • What are my goals if I decide to pursue a long-term relationship?
  • How would I like to handle potential disagreements in my new relationships?
  • What are my dealbreakers?

These questions may seem like a lot, but it's a way to help you understand how you want your love like to look. Also, there's a possibility you could encounter scenarios that may not fit under these questions because life can be full of surprises. All that matters is you're able to have a better understanding of who you are and what you want in 2025.

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Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your sweetie, hosting a Galentine's brunch for your gal pals, or basking in love with your fam, there's no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love cooking pasta recipes followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine.

One thing that's not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine's Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you have ever tried.

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Sarah Anderson

Ingredients:

Pears

  • 3-4 firm Bosc pears
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
  • 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

  • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Sarah Anderson

Directions:

  1. Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
  4. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
  7. Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
  8. Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
  9. Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
  10. Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
  11. Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
  12. While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
  13. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top.

If this is the best chocolate cake recipe you've ever tried, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter for more recipes like this one!

Recipe by Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated.

For as many amazing finds Costco has (looking at you, almond croissants and heart-shaped ravioli), there are still quite a few items worth skipping. Whether it’s due to texture, taste, or value, Costco shoppers are quick to clock the worst items between the aisles.

The latest discovery is an unassuming frozen meal that looks great from the outside, but the inside? That’s a whole different story.

Scroll on to discover the Costco item shoppers are calling “awful” and even “the single worst thing” they’ve bought there.

Reddit

Meet the Snapdragon Chicken Pad Thai, a microwavable meal that includes chicken, rice noodles, bell peppers, and bean sprouts in a “tangy” stir fry sauce. The item was surfaced to the Costco community by a Reddit user that definitely had a bone to pick with it.

“This was not a good choice,” they wrote. “The sauce was absolutely dry and the mix of undercooked noodles was not a pleasant experience. Even added a bit of water to the tray, after the general cooking time, to bring some moisture to it. Didn’t work.” Oof.

Snapdragon Food

Now, one shopper with a single negative review is one thing, but many more fellow Costco patrons chimed in re: the disappointing nature of the Pad Thai on the same Reddit thread.

“I'm surprised Costco still carries this,” one person wrote. “I thought it was awful.”

“It was so awful,” another said. “I couldn't make myself eat it.”

“Might be the single worst thing we’ve bought from Costco,” one more user commented.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

A lot of people also noted that the noodles in the dish were dry, the chicken was not of good quality, and that the overall flavor was lacking – which, according to my hunch as a food lover, is a simple lesson that authentic international dishes shouldn’t always be replicated in a quick and convenient, “heat and eat” format.

So, all this to say: if you’re craving Pad Thai, it’s best to skip this Costco pick and order takeout from your local Thai joint. It's always better fresh!

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Nordstrom’s sale section is the number one destination when it comes to finding underrated fashion gems. It’s the first place I usually think of when I’m shopping for something new because it’s typically packed with items from my favorite brands, like Free People, Reformation, BDG, Adidas, and more – for way less.

Whether you’re hunting for a designer piece (at a fraction of the price) or stocking up on wardrobe basics, I’ve found the 20 best Nordstrom sale items after scrolling through over 700 of ‘em.

Get ready to shop the best Nordstrom sale finds below!

Clothing Finds

Nordstrom

Faherty Stretch Terry Wide Leg Pants

These 35%-off wide-leg pants are such a steal. Inspired by workwear, they'll hold up extremely well through years of use. The material they're made of has a "touch" of stretch, so you're always comfy.

Nordstrom

Topshop Cable Stitch Cardigan

I adore the retro look of this cardi, thanks to the multitude of buttons and textured cable knit. It makes the ultimate cold weather layer, plus it's 40% off right now!

Nordstrom

Levi's Quilted Faux Fur Short Teddy Jacket

Originally $180, this paneled faux fur jacket is now only $80! Sounds like the perfect piece to get on sale right now if you live somewhere that's still super cold.

Nordstrom

Topshop Oversize Rib Sweater Dress

When it comes to sweater dresses, I only want an oversized fit. This Topshop pick (25% off, BTW!) checks all the boxes since it also boasts a fuzzy feel and subtle ribbing details along the hems that don't feel overly distracting.

Nordstrom

Reformation Haisley Ribbon Accent Organic Cotton Peplum Top

It's not every day you find a Reformation piece as cute as this top for a whopping 40% off. Yep, I'm obsessed.

Nordstrom

Reformation Alistar Halter Vest

This spring- and summer-ready one is 55% off! It has a flirty open back detail that wears well with everything from jeans to maxi skirts.

Nordstrom

Skims Stretch Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt

This "tried-and-true classic" long sleeve tee makes a cozy base layer for cooler days, plus this 30%-off pink color is simply too cute.

Nordstrom

Mother The Dodger Sneak Wide Leg Jeans

Everything about these 40%-off jeans is perfect: the mid-ride, the wide legs, the loose fit, and the medium wash that pairs with anything! I'd easily rock these year-round.

Nordstrom

BDG Tie Front Cardigan

This sweet sweater ties in the front so you can really get playful with your looks. It currently comes in 4 adorable colors – light blue, navy, red, and cream white – for up to 55% off.

Nordstrom

Reformation Josefina Off The Shoulder Knit Dress

Though it has quite the sophisticated look, this off-the-shoulder number is made of a "super soft and stretchy" blend of lyocell and organic cotton to keep you feeling comfortable as ever. It originally sold for $198, but is now on sale for $109!

Nordstrom

BP. Oversize Cozy Mock Neck Sweater

You can never have too many oversized sweaters in your closet. Snag this one for 25% off in so many different colors!

Nordstrom

Zella Zelfit High Waist Wide Leg Pocket Pants

I love these wide-leg pants (40% off) because they can work for everything from a gym sesh to a chill movie night at home. They're fitted with pockets, too, which can be hard to find in good, stylish leggings.

Nordstrom

Free People Movement Hit the Slopes Fleece Jacket

This iconic Free People fleece is an entire 30% off right now!

Shoe Finds

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Miah Water Resistant Chelsea Lug Boots

The chunkier, bolder soles on these Chelsea boots instantly make 'em commute-ready. Shop them on sale for $60 instead of the original price of $100 right now!

Nordstrom

New Balance 9060 Sneakers

There are limited sizes available for these 25%-off New Balance sneaks – run to see if they're still in stock!

Nordstrom

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneakers

This unique color combo of fashion's current "It" girl shoe is on sale for 40% off. I am in love with the serene green!

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats

With 7 on-sale colors, these Mary Jane flats are unquestionably iconic, plus they won't break the bank since you'll literally save 50% off the OG price of $130.

Nordstrom

UGG New Heights Lined Clogs

I'm a certified clog lover, which is why I was pumped to see these platform UGGs on sale for $90 (35% off the original price)!

Nordstrom

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Hokas are often in high-demand, meaning they're not on sale often. Luckily, I found this cream white pair for 24% off, so they now go for $110, not $145.

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Edda Knee High Boots

Oh, these tall black boots are everything. The thick block heel and squared-off toe combo qualifies them as super trendy for 40% off!

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