27 All-American 4th of July Cake Ideas For A Star-Spangled Celebration
Our founding fathers would be proud of these red, white, and BBQ-ready desserts.
We compiled dozens of 4th of July cake ideas because every good birthday should end with cake — and the commemoration of our nation’s birthday is no different. The warm weather, sunny skies, and finally being able to wear open-toed shoes give us even more reason to celebrate, so a slice of something sweet is definitely in order. Try a classic American flag cake, decorated with stars, stripes, and lots of fresh fruit, or decorate a simple vanilla cake with red and blue sanding sugar. Incorporate the flavors of the season (meaning all the berries) into decadent cheesecake or airy angel food cake. For the craftier cake makers among us, cap off a dinner filled with amazing 4th of July recipes with an impressive Uncle Sam Hat Cake that we’ll teach you how to make from start to finish.
Looking for even more ways to celebrate Independence Day? Get the festivities started with some 4th of July crafts that are great to do with kids or solo as a fun project. Then enjoy some easy 4th of July appetizers to snack on throughout the afternoon. End the evening with a patriotic movie that’ll make you proud to be part of the land of the free.
Basic Vanilla Cake
Give a simple cake some Fourth of July flair: Place star-shaped cookie cutters on the iced cake and sprinkle on blue and red sanding sugar. Double the recipe to make a sheet cake for the whole family!
Flag Cake
We pledge allegiance to the honey whipped cream on this American flag cake.
Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake
The coconut crust makes this pretty dessert gluten-free, while the jammy topping makes it festive — and totally delicious.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Coconut-Crust Cheesecake »
RELATED: 25 Gluten-Free Desserts That Will Be the Hit of Any Party
S'mores Icebox Cake
Bring the campfire favorite inside! This no-bake "cake" is stacked with layers of grahams, chocolate, and marshmallow cream.
Raspberry Lemon Pound Cake
A colorful, sweet-tart treat is the perfect ending to any BBQ feast ... or for breakfast the next morning.
Bursting-With-Berries Lemon Curd Cake
Two cups of berries baked in and sprinkled on top give true meaning to this Bundt's name. Try a mix of red and blue berries for the most patriotic pastry.
Get the recipe for Bursting-with-Berries Lemon Curd Cake »
RELATED: 30 Red, White, and Blue Desserts to Celebrate 4th of July In the Sweetest Way
Chocolate Chip Cake With Classic Chocolate Buttercream
Chocolate chips add unexpected — but never unwelcome — texture to a classic vanilla cake. It's a great way to sneak some extra fun into this easy dessert.
Get the recipe for Chocolate Chip Cake with Classic Chocolate Buttercream »
Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Ree Drummund uses strawberries instead of blueberries in this recipe for an all-seasons treat. Try a combo of the two for red and blue layers!
Get the recipe for Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake »
RELATED: 33 Best Easy and Refreshing Lemon Desserts to Make This Spring
Chocolate Icebox Cake
Melted chocolate folded into whipped cream creates a mousse-like mixture that gets piled on top of ladyfingers in this no-bake dessert. It's a celebration all on its own.
Raspberry Cheesecake
Try chopped peaches or plums instead of raspberries to make this a decadent summer-ready dessert.
Strawberry Rhubarb Layer Cake
Turn a classic pie filling combo into a luscious vanilla cake! The layers of fresh compote and cream cheese frosting will make this your family's new favorite.
No-Cook Watermelon "Cake"
There's a surprise inside this easy no-cook "cake": everyone's favorite pink summer fruit!
Coconut Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Bring a little extra decadence to your July 4th feast with a coconutty cake sandwiched with rich icing.
Get the recipe for Coconut Layer Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting »
Vanilla-Chocolate Pound Cake
A surprising ingredient heats up this classic cake recipe: Hot cocoa mix stirred right into the batter makes deliciously chocolatey swirls!
Berry-Ricotta Cheesecake
Fluffy ricotta and a hint of almond extract make this airy berry cheesecake special enough for a celebration.
Sticky Plum Upside-Down Cake
Crispy cornmeal and fresh orange add texture and complexity to this sweet summery cake.
Sour-Cream Vanilla Pound Cake With Rhubarb Compote
Sweet-tart rhubarb compote (and a big dollop of whipped cream) makes the perfect tangy pairing to dense and rich pound cake.
Get the recipe for Sour-Cream Vanilla Pound Cake with Rhubarb Compote »
July 4th Cake
We set out on a mission to create an impressive July 4th dessert without having to purchase any special tools or equipment. This pretty petal ombre option took the cake!
Uncle Sam Hat Cake
Nothing caps off July 4th like an all-American cake! Learn how to make fondant and you can impress at any holiday.
Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Icebox Cake
America's two favorite desserts — cookies and cake — combined into one is the best way to celebrate the nation's birthday.
Get the recipe for Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Icebox Cake »
Samantha (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Delish, where she edits the most-talked-about food news and features on the internet. In her previous role as Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, she taste-tested hundreds of products and recipes (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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