Last Minute Patriotic Desserts

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, so we're posting a day early to bring you a few last minute patriotic desserts you can still put together before tomorrow's festivities. While none of these patriotic desserts are as fancy as the cookies above, they won't have you trapped in the kitchen for hours either. In fact, the kids can even help with most of them.

Patriotic Pretzel Bites

We know these hardly qualify as a dessert, but pretzel bites are so easy and kids love them. Two Sisters Crafting uses mini MnMs and stands them on end, but if you are really short on time, try using regular MnMs and laying them flat: one blue MnM and three red MnMs, and you've got a makeshift flag.

For the kids: Pick out the blue and red MnMs. Wash hands first, and try not to eat the ingredients.

Red, White and Blue Bark

This dessert from Bacon and Soufflé is a more sophisticated take on traditional candy bark. We agree with Jessica on her choice of Fage for the yogurt base. With fresh berries and almonds to add color and texture, this bark is naturally festive.

For the kids: Stir the honey and chocolate chips into the yogurt.

Red, White and Blue Icebox Cake

While an icebox cake isn't really a cake, it's a perfect dessert for summer. This one from Ginnie at Hello Little Home is so simple, and kids will have fun helping "build" it. We love how this recipe combines whipped cream and cream cheese for the filling, and the lemon zest and juice complement the sweet fruit. Use a Microplane zester/grater to make quick work of zesting the lemon. This cake comes together so quickly, you might consider making two of these last minute patriotic desserts.

For the kids: Place the layers of graham crackers and fruit.

Blueberry Ice Cream

We're blown away by the color of this blueberry ice cream from Baked by Rachel. No food coloring necessary, but you will need to devote a little time over a hot stove. The results should be worth it though. Serve with whipped cream and fresh raspberries to complete the theme of patriotic desserts.

For the kids: Take a break and let the adults deal with hot liquids.

Red, White and Blue Tortilla Cups

This recipe from Yvonne at Tried and Tasty piqued our interest because the cups are so versatile. They would work with a bunch of different fillings, no matter what the occasion. These cups are one of the simplest last minute patriotic desserts, but your guests will never know it.

For the kids: Sprinkle tortillas with cinnamon sugar. Top with berries before serving.