Two hundred and fifty years. A quarter of a millennium of cookouts and county fairs, of fireflies and fireworks, of recipes passed hand-to-hand on index cards with butter-stained edges. If ever there were a summer to really savor, this is the one.
Some traditions don’t need updating—they need honoring. And this July, with America turning 250, we’re leaning hard into the flavors that feel like home. The ones that taste like your grandma’s kitchen, a picnic blanket in the grass and the first cool sip of something sweet on a sweltering afternoon. So throw some burgers and brats on the grill, pull out the red-checkered tablecloth and call your people. We've gathered all of the plans for sides and sweets to make this year's celebration one to remember.
Red, White + Blue Cake
Ingredients
1 box vanilla cake mix (plus any additional ingredients indicated on the box)
1 pint (about 12 ounces) blueberries
16 ounces fresh strawberries
1 container whipped topping
Directions
- Bake cake mix according to package instructions in a baking dish, preheating oven as directed on the box.
- Wash and thoroughly dry berries. Remove stems from strawberries and slice thinly. Tip: an egg slicer makes quick, uniform pieces.
- Once cake is completely cool, spread whipped topping evenly over the top.
- Place blueberries in the upper left corner.
- Arrange strawberries in even rows to create the stripes.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
For an elevated twist, bake in two round pans sized to fit a trifle bowl, then alternate layers of cake, whipped topping and berries (see cover photo).
Red, White + Blue Cocktail
Ingredients
1 ounce grenadine
Ice
3 ounces pre-mixed lemonade (dye-free brand, as clear/white as possible)
1.5 ounces vodka
2 ounces blue curaçao
Directions
- Add the grenadine to a tall 12-16-ounce collins or highball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- In a separate mixing tumbler, combine the lemonade and vodka. Slowly pour into the glass over the back of an upside-down spoon, to layer the liquid and preserve the color separations.
- Add the blue curaçao to the top using the same slow, spoon-method pour.
- Serve immediately; the layers are only half the fun!
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and replace the blue curaçao with a blue sports drink. It’s still every bit as festive. Be sure to use sugar-free or low-sugar options; higher-sugar options will sink to the bottom.
Red, White + Blue Parfaits
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water for red layer
1 box (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1 box (4 envelopes) unflavored gelatin, divided
1 cup boiling water for white layer
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups boiling water for blue layer
1 box (6 ounces) berry blue gelatin
Whipped cream and sprinkles, for serving
Directions
- Slow-build layers are the secret, and yes, they’re worth every minute.
- Red layer: Whisk strawberry gelatin, 1 packet unflavored gelatin and 2 cups boiling water until dissolved. Divide among 8 jars or tall glasses (about ¼ to ⅓ cup each). Chill until set, 45–60 minutes.
- White layer: whisk 2 packets unflavored gelatin with 1 cup boiling water. Stir in condensed milk until smooth. Cool slightly, pour over red layer. Chill 45–60 minutes.
- Blue layer: whisk berry blue gelatin, remaining unflavored gelatin and 2 cups boiling water until dissolved. Cool slightly, pour over white layer. Chill 3 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert with Blueberry Drizzle
Ingredients
2 cups (8 ounces) salted pretzels, crushed (measured after crushing)
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups sugar, divided
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces whipped topping (thawed if frozen)
2 boxes (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
3 to 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 Tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter and ¼ cup sugar until well mixed. Press evenly into an ungreased 9x13 glass baking dish, ensuring a fully flat surface.
- Bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Using a mixer, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled pretzel crust, smoothing to the edges to create a tight seal.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour, longer if time allows.
- In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Cool to room temperature.
- Stir in sliced strawberries; chill until partially set, 10-20 minutes.
- Spread evenly over cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate until firm, 6 hours minimum or overnight.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stir blueberries, lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar until dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, cool and purée until smooth.
- Refrigerate until ready to drizzle over set dessert.
For best results, don’t rush it. Think of this as “make-ahead required.” If you love making everything from scratch, resist that temptation and stick to store-bought Cool Whip. Homemade whipped cream, while dreamy and creamy, doesn’t hold up as long and will muddy the layers.
“Red, white, blue and absolutely delicious! Some color combinations never go out of style. And these need exploring.”