I’m not one to skip dessert…EVER. So, it may be hard for me to choose just one of these 4th of July treats…which is why it’s my goal to find the time {and stomach room} to try them all.

Leading up to the 4th of July, we have festive red, white and blue food, decor and party ideas for you and your family and friends, so you can celebrate this year’s independence day in style.

Today’s post is for those who offered to bring a dessert to this year’s festivities…or those with a sweet tooth. Either way, we have something for you.

Cupcakes in a Jar, Glorious Treats

Or you can make cupcakes and print free cupcake toppers and other printables here.

Cheesecake in a Jar, My Baking Addiction

recipes yields 4-6 servings depending on size of jars used

Ingredients
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
zest of one lemon
2 packages cream cheese, 8 oz each; room temperature
2 large eggs; room temperature
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping
1 cup fresh berries

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Begin to boil a large pot of water for the water bath.
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with your paddle attachment, combine the sugar and lemon zest and mix until the sugar is moistened and fragrant. Add in the cream cheese and cream together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Make sure to scrape down the bowl in between each egg. Add heavy cream and vanilla and mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into canning jars until about ¾ of the way full. Place jars into a larger pan and pour boiling water into the larger pan until halfway up the sides of the jars.
5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, the edges will appear to be set, but the center will still have a little jiggle to it.
6. Carefully remove the cheesecake jars from the water bath and place on a cooling rack to cool completely. Once the cheesecakes are completely cooled, place them into the refrigerator for at least 5 hours. Top will fresh berries and serve.

Notes:
1. If you are missing the graham cracker crust, serve with graham sticks.
2. The jars pictured above are Weck (7.4 ounce) Tulip Jars.

Cake Pops, Bakerella

Red, White and Blue Shortcake Station, Celebrations at Home

Red, White and Blue Parfait, Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients
1 8-ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
 3 cups fresh raspberries and/or cut-up fresh strawberries
3 cups fresh blueberries

Directions
In a large bowl, stir together yogurt and almond extract or vanilla. Fold in whipped topping.
To serve, in six 12-ounce glasses or dessert dishes, alternate layers of the berries with layers of the yogurt mixture.
Makes 6 servings.

If you want to make before party begins, prepare parfait as directed, then cover and chill for up to 1 hour.

Vanilla Milkshake with Striped Straw

You can purchase red, white and blue striped straws at The Sugar Diva.

Pop Rocks Cocktail, Pizzazzerie

1. Dampen the edges of your glass with lemon juice. If you have trouble with the pop rocks clumping or sticking, you can try dipping them in a thin layer of caramel (but only use a small amount).
2. Then dip the rims into a plate filled with the pop rocks of choice. The tropical blue color is perfect when paired with a cranberry cocktail for the 4th of July!

You can also pour the POP ROCKS bag into your cocktail for a festive fizzle!

Pop Rocks on the Beach
1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz
1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur
1/2 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
3 splashes Pineapple juice
Drop Watermelon Pop Rocks on top

Strawberry Popper Rocker
1 shot Strawberry Schnapps
Fill with 7-Up
Drop Strawberry Pop Rocks on top

Malibu Pop Rocks
1 oz Malibu rum
1 oz Blue Curacao
1 splash Pineapple juice
1 splash Cranberry juice
Drop Fruit Punch Pop Rocks on top

{images via Glorious Treats, My Baking Addiction, Bakerella, Celebrations at Home, Better Homes and Gardens, and Pizzazzerie}