These White Chocolate-Covered Bananas Are Our Favorite 4th of July Dessert

Maggie McCracken
Jun 28, 2022
4th of July desserts4th of July desserts

When it comes to 4th of July desserts, you know we're all about the tastiest, most colorful creations. We also won't turn our noses up at healthified versions of 4th of July desserts. These white chocolate-covered bananas meet literally all of our criteria, and they're refreshing to eat, simple to make, and way too easy to devour all in one sitting. But hey, they're fruit-based, so why not? Whip these up this Independence Day, and everyone from your kids to your girl gang is sure to love them.

White Chocolate-Covered Bananas

4th of July desserts

Ingredients:

  • 4 bananas
  • 2 cups white candy melts
  • 2 cups red candy melts
  • 2 cups blue candy melts
  • Red, white and blue sprinkles
  • Popsicle or treat sticks

Directions:

  1. Cut the bananas in half and place them on top of popsicle or treat sticks. Lay the bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and then place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Melt the different colored candy melts in separate bowls or microwavable dishes, according to the package instructions.
  3. Once the bananas are solidly frozen, remove them from the freezer and dip into the different candy melt colors as your heart desires. Pour sprinkles on top while the candy melt is still wet, as the candy melt will quickly harden over the frozen banana. Repeat with each banana and store in the freezer until you’re ready to eat and celebrate!

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This Festive Red, White, And Blue Donut Recipe Will Get You In The Fourth Of July Spirit

As a child of immigrant parents, I grew up fascinated by classic Americana motifs. My family may not have celebrated Fourth of July if it weren’t for my annual neighborhood block party, but I love our national holiday for the opportunity to dress up in red, white and blue, munch on flag-bearing cakes, and watch all the fireworks. Don’t get me wrong; I love my Taiwanese heritage, but I embrace the fact that I’m an American as well. This Fourth of July, I want to incorporate some festive patriotism in one of my favorite treats: donuts! Read on to learn how to make this grand ol’ dessert.

Ingredients:

Makes 10 donuts

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup raw cane sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

Baking the donuts

1. Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.

2. In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.

3. Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frosting your donuts

1. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave to make a glaze. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.

2. In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes.

3. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.

Combine butter, oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.

In another bowl, stir together flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.

Stir half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir in buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix. The batter will be thick.

Spoon batter into a greased donut pan. Bake for 7-9 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

While your donuts are cooling, make the glaze. Melt a tub of vanilla frosting in the microwave. Divide the glaze in three bowls. Add drops of blue food coloring in one bowl and red food coloring in another bowl. Mix to dye glaze.

In a shallow dish, spoon glaze in red, white, and blue stripes. Dip donuts in glaze and set on parchment paper for glaze to set.

Time to paint the town red, white, and blue!

As Uncle Sam would say, “I want YOU!”

How will you celebrate the Fourth of July? Share your photos on Instagram using #britstagram, and follow us on Pinterest for more festive recipes. This post has been updated.

DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee
Photography: Brittany Griffin

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Everyone's Losing It Over Spencer & Alex's "Heartbreaking" '1923' Plot: "I'm Broken"

We knew when 1923 ended that Alex and Spencer would have to fight their way back to each other in season 2. After I interviewed Alex herself, actress Julia Schlaepfer, and learned that she "barely" spent timewith Brandon Sklenar on set, I realized they wouldn't share many scenes — but I didn't realize that apparently, their separation would last the entire season. It's pretty heartbreaking TBH! Plus, based on the very passionate comments Brit + Co's interview has gotten, no one else realized they'd be separated this long either.

Here's what 1923 fans are saying about Spencer and Alex in season 2 of the show, currently airing on Paramount+ every Sunday.

Do Spencer and Alex get back together in 1923 season 2?

Alex and Spencer are still apart as of season 2 episode 5, and Julia Schlaepfer told Brit + Co in her 1923 interview that her and Brandon Sklenar's filming schedules were "very separate."

"I mean, we block shot as well, so we were all kind of coming in at different times to film, but no, we did not [see each other a lot," she says. "Season one we spent all our time together, this season we barely spent any time together. It was very much like, suddenly we were ripped apart. But that's what the characters are going through."

And now that we're approaching episode 6 and they still aren't together, some passionate fans are starting to lose their cool. (Same, TBH).

"Them together was the only thing that made 1923 good," one user said in the comments of our TikTok video, while another adds, "Well this is not ok. I need major Spencer and Alex love story episodes."

"I'm broken," a third user adds. "If only we could have a Spencer and Alex spinoff show."

Although I agree with another user who theorizes that we'll see Spencer finally return home in the finale. "You just know all of season 2 will be him getting to Montana and showing up in the last episode," they say.

What happened to Spencer and Alex on 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

At the end of 1923 season 1, Alex and Spencer got separated on their ship to America; after a duel with Alex's ex-fiancé Arthur led to Arthur's death, Spencer got kicked off the boat and Alex got locked in her room. Now with no supplies and barely any money to their name, both Alex and Spencer are trying to get to Montana — and hoping they find the other one there.

Check out The Only Guide You Need To Watching 1923 Season 2 Before The Epic Finale so you don't miss a single moment — and you can see Alex and Spencer reunite (hopefully sooner rather than later)!

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15 Spangled 4th Of July Cupcake And Cake Recipes

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.

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Meet 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 Cast

The Last of Us cast showed up and showed out at the season 2 premiere on March 24, 2025, and aside from being one of the hottest casts around, this batch is talented — and not just at surviving infected. Season 1 proved just how magnetic they are onscreen together and since our favorite stars are returning alongside some brand new additions, The Last of Us season 2 promises to be outright electric.

Meet The Last of Us season 2 cast, led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, before new episodes premiere on Max April 13, 2025.

1. Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Fantastic Four & Materialists star Pedro Pascal returns as Joel Miller, Ellie’s father figure who wants them to have a better life.

2. Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

HBO

Bella Ramsey will star as Ellie Williams, a girl who’s immune to the infected who learns a huge secret Joel’s been keeping from her.

3. Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Gabriel Luna stars as Tommy Miller, Joel’s brother who’s started his own family in Jackson, Wyoming.

4. Isabela Merced as Dina

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Isabela Merced stars as Dina, a free spirited member of Jackson who begins a relationship with Ellie.

5. Young Mazino as Jesse

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Young Mazino plays Jesse, one of Ellie’s friends.

6. Rutina Wesley as Maria

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, co-leader in Jackson and Tommy’s wife.

7. Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Kaitlyn Dever joins The Last of Us season 2 cast as Abby, who’s out for revenge.

8. ​Danny Ramirez as Manny

Marvel Studios

MCU star Danny Ramirez stars as Manny, a member of Abby’s crew who tries to keep the group’s spirits up.

9. ​Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Netflix

Tati Gabrielle plays Nora, a medic traveling with Abby.

10. Ariela Barer as Mel

Greg Lewis/Hulu

Ariela Barer stars as Mel, a doctor and a member of Abby’s group.

11. ​Spencer Lord as Owen

The CW

Spencer Lord plays Owen, one of Abby’s group who struggles to maintain his gentleness.

12. Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Catherine O’Hara stars as Gail, Joel’s therapist.

13. ​Joel Pantoliano as Eugene

Lionsgate

We'll also see Joel Pantoliano in The Last of Us season 2 as Eugene, Gail’s husband.

14. Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon

Murray Close/Lionsgate

Jeffrey Wright stars as Isaac Dixon, the leader of the militia. Jeffrey played this role in the game!

Check out The Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In 2025 for more series you can't miss.

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26 Crazy Leftover Easter Candy Recipes For A Sweet Post-Holiday Treat

Easteris over, and now, you have more leftover pastelcandy than you know what to do with! Don't stash it in your cabinet until Halloween (trick or treaters don't deserve that). Instead, give your Easter candy new life with these colorful leftover Easter candy recipes. You'll be surprised at how far Easter M&M's and Cadbury chocolate eggs can go!

Brit + Co

Cadbury Creme Eggs Rocky Road Bar

This rocky road-inspired candy bar made with creme eggs is as colorful, gooey, chocolatey, and creamy as they come. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easter Chocolate Bark

You can use any Easter candy you want to create this treat. Just make sure it's chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Peeps S'mores

Turn regular ol' s'mores into brightly-colored dessert sandwiches with chocolate-dipped graham crackers, and a pastel gooey marshmallow center – no campfire necessary. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Caramel Candy-Apple Nachos

Who needs chips and queso when you have leftover Easter candy recipes that include apples, caramel, and Heath bars? Pile on a crumbled Heath Bar and some walnuts over the top of these dessert nachos and instantly ease that sweet tooth. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cadbury Cocktail

After all the Easter festivities, you deserve a drink. This is the perfect libation that uses leftover Easter candy: a smooth and sweet combination of vanilla vodka, milk of your choice, and the best part of a Cadbury Egg (the insides, obviously)! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cadbury Creme Egg Pop Tarts

Creations like these pastries make for the best leftover Easter candy recipes. Stuff these pastry pockets full of Cadbury eggs, and boom, you've got dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Giant Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

This decadent entertaining dessert would also be excellent for an Easter brunch! (via Brit + Co)

A Zesty Bite

Candylicious Junkyard Cookies

This cookie recipe is all about cleaning out your candy jar. Sure, it calls for specific candies like M&M's and Kit Kat bars, but you can throw in whatever chocolate-based candy you have on hand. Trust us: your cookie will come out equally delicious. (via A Zesty Bite)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 1⁄4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans plus 1⁄2 cup as toppings
  • Whipped cream, for topping
Directions:
  1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
  2. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
  3. Mix in BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
  5. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1⁄4 cup for each pancake. Flip and brown on both sides.
  6. Once cooked through, remove from griddle. Let cool. Top with whipped cream and extra BRACH’S®Jelly Beans and enjoy!

(via BRACH's)

Melanie Makes

Jelly Bean Donuts

Finally, a socially-acceptable way to eat jelly beans for breakfast! If you don't have a donut pan handy, that's okay. You can also make jelly bean muffins! (via Melanie Makes)

Tastes Better from Scratch

Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies

Chocolate lovers will go wild for these Easter-y cookies. For starters, the cookie base is chocolate. What's even better is the Cadbury eggs are five times as big as chocolate chips. That's more chocolate per inch of cookie! (via Tastes Better from Scratch)

Crazy for Crust

Candy Bar Pie

Put your leftover pie crust and leftover Easter candy to good use with this pie. Sure, this is more like a giant cookie in the shape of a pie, but we're still in heaven. (via Crazy for Crust)

A Pumpkin & A Princess

Marbled Jelly Bean Bark

Why should peppermint bark get all the glory? Jelly beans liven up white chocolate bark with spring colors in this delish treat. Bonus: this leftover Easter candy recipe only requires *three* ingredients. (via A Pumpkin & A Princess)

Something Swanky

Bunny Chow

Dress up puppy chow for some bunny in your life. Though this recipe needs only four ingredients, feel free to add more candy or your favorite nuts to this sweet, crunchy snack mix. (via Something Swanky)

The Domestic Rebel

Peeps Candy Bars

It's a fact: food becomes irresistible when it's brightly colored and pretty — also if it's topped with sugar coated marshmallows! Okay, so that might not be a statistic yet, but based on these Peeps candy bars, we can vouch for it. (via The Domestic Rebel)

Dessert Now Dinner Later

Peanut Butter Chocolate Nests

This leftover Easter candy dessert is a work of art, both in your mouth and to the naked eye. It's an adorable bird's nest that you can eat! Chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels are a dream team that don't get enough credit. (via Dessert Now Dinner Later)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S'mores

Need s'more s'mores? We got you with this gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery dip, topped with golden brown leftover Peeps. Grab a graham cracker, and dig in. (via How Sweet Eats)

Leelalicious

Leftover Candy Stuffed Brownies

This delicious brownie recipe is filled with all your favorite Easter candy (or whatever candy you happen to have on hand). Swap out butter for coconut oil for a slightly healthier twist. By that logic, we'll have two, please. (via Leelalicious)

Deliciously Sprinkled

Cadbury Brownie Bites

You could always hide your leftover Easter candy, or you can just hide them inside these delicious brownie bites! (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Cinnabunnies

Ingredients:

  • BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans
  • Store-bought jumbo-size cinnamon rolls
  • White frosting

Directions:

  1. Unwrap the first layer of dough from the outside of each cinnamon roll. Remove and set aside.
  2. Place the dough that is still rolled on your baking sheet, widely spaced; these will be your bunny heads.
  3. Tear the removed outer layers into two smaller pieces, about 2.5” each.
  4. Loosely fold each 2.5” piece in half and pinch the ends together to form the bunny’s ears.
  5. Take two folded pieces and lightly press the bases together onto a roll to form the full bunny.
  6. Bake according to package instructions. Decorate with frosting and jelly beans once cooled!

(via BRACH's)

Delightful E Made

Spring Krispie Cake With M&M's and Candy Drizzle

This Rice Krispies cake doubles as a colorful center piece for your Easter table spread. Melt down some Peeps and mix with the famed cereal. If you're using Peeps of varying colors, melt each color down separately, and mix cereal in portions for a tie-dye effect. (via Delightful E Made)

Two Sisters Crafting

Easter Candy Popcorn

Put a spin on sweet and salty popcorn with a butter marshmallow sauce. It's like a more indulgent version of kettle corn that coats your popcorn in a sticky, sweet, and buttery sauce. Add Easter M&M's and candy-coated chocolate eggs to make this the perfect post-Easter snack! (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Kirbie's Cravings

Leftover Easter Candy Mug Cake

This single serving of cake is just the emergency sweet treat you keep on-hand when you need a little “me time." Just toss in a handful of Easter M&M's into a mug along with flour, milk, and baking powder. Voila! Your sweet tooth is satisfied in under five minutes using ingredients you already had in your pantry. (via Kirbie's Cravings)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars

This leftover Easter candy recipe looks too good to be true! We love these crunchy homemade candy bars topped with our favorite twin chocolate wafer bars. (via Averie Cooks)

Domestic Superhero

Twix Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake + crunchy Twix Bars = the ultimate Easter dessert. Drizzle the top with chocolate and caramel right before serving to complete this masterpiece. (via Domestic Superhero)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Easter Cookie Cake

If you grew up loving cookie cakes, you'll love using your leftover Easter candy to make your own homemade version! You'll love the warm and tantalizing taste of peanut butter, but it's the mini chocolate eggs that really make this recipe shine. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas!

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

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