Red, White and Blue Pops, Cakes and Cookies

The Fourth of July is just about two weeks away and it’s time to start planning your bbqs, camping trips, pool parties, and picnics. We’ve already equipped you with the perfect grill for the occasion, showed you how to turn any piece of (patriotic) fabric into a chic beach wrap, and served up all the apps and gadgets you need for the perfect roadtrip. Now we turn to the sweet stuff, and all the fun we can have in the kitchen with red white and blue.

1. Flag Cupcakes: Pretty amazing what you can do with a little food coloring and planning, isn’t it? (Recipe and photo: Baked Bree)

2. Independence Day Cake: Whether you use boxed mix or homemade, this awesomeness is all about technique and preparation. We can’t wait to experiment with different color combos and shapes for other festive occasions! (Recipe and photo: Secret Life of a Chef’s Wife)

3. Stained Glass Jello Stars: Who knew that jello molds could turn into something so artistic? These vibrant stars take their dazzling design cues from colorful stained glass. (Recipe and photo: Brown Eyed Baker)

4. Snow Cone Cupcakes: Oh Bakerella. You go above and beyond every time. These adorable snow cones aren’t actually snow cones – they’re cupcakes! And the three patriotic colors are continued from the sprinkles to the frosting and even the batter. (Recipe and photo: Bakerella)

5. Fourth of July Macarons: Now that we’re basically pros at macaron-making, it’s time to start experimenting with color, flavor, and sugary accessories. The bluish purple hue in the middle is a combo of blueberry jam and frosting. Yum. (Recipe and photo: I Heart Baking)

6. Fireworks Cookies: ‘Cuz baby you’re a firework… Sometimes the best desserts are classics with a twist… or a spiral. To create the firework designs, use royal icing and a toothpick! (Recipe and photo: Recipe Girl)

7. Red White and Blue Fruit Pops: Perhaps you’re looking for something on the healthier side? These festive pops are a yummy combination of watermelon, apple and blueberry. (Recipe and photo: Bakers Royale)

8. Star Cookies: Another basic gone fancy, these sugar cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. This could be a really fun one to do with the kids. (Recipe and photo: A Dash of Megnut)

9. Candy Bars: You may recall these super fun candy bar cakes from our Colorful Candyland Recipe Roundup. Perfect for all your summer get togethers. (Recipe and photo: Cherry Tea Cakes)

10. Blueberry Yogurt Waffles: Add some fresh fruit and yogurt to a pile of waffles and you’ve got a tasty patriotic breakfast. If waffles aren’t your jam, go for pancakes, scones or muffins. (Recipe and photo: Two Peas and Their Pod)

11. Red White and Blue Cake: A slightly simpler take on the colorful layer cake, we love the use of fondant stars as decoration! (Recipe and photo: The Busty Baker)

12. Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Though it can be super rich, cheesecake is a great summer sweet because it’s best served straight out the fridge. These cups happen to be healthy too! Yes. Cheesecake that’s healthy. We’re floored. (Recipe and photo: Skinny Taste)

What are your favorite sweets to cook up for the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments below or share recipes over on Twitter.

And, if you’re looking for a few more savory summer-friendly options, check out our roundup from a few weeks ago on delicious Mini Memorial Day Bites.