When throwing a 4th of July party, desserts should be as much a part of the decorations and atmosphere as banners, balloons and fireworks. Both of these recipes can be made low fat and healthy by using sugar free and reduced fat ingredients. Serve them as a treat after a grilled meal of hot dogs and hamburgers.
July 4th Jello Tower Dessert Recipe
Since the gelatin sets in layers, it takes some hours to finish these super festive desserts that honor the USA. The result is worth the extra time. The red white and blue cups make a stunning table display, and adults and kids love eating these light summertime treats. This recipes makes 8 individual cups, so increase the ingredients as needed if more people will be at the celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of cherry or strawberry Jell-O
- 1 package of berry blue Jell-O
- 1 container of whipped cream, softened
- Fresh whole blueberries and sliced strawberries for garnish
- 8 oz. clear plastic drinking classes
Directions:
- Make the cherry Jell-O per the package instructions, divide between 8 cups and allow to set completely in the refrigerator.
- Make the berry blue Jell-O per the package instructions and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Divide the blue Jell-O by pouring a layer on top of the set layer of cherry Jell-O that is in each cup, and then allow to set completely in the refrigerator.
- Top each cup of Jell-O with an ample spoonful of whipped cream and garnish with 2 blueberries and 2 slices of strawberries.
July 4th United States Flag Cake Recipe
This cake uses summertime berries to recreate America's stars and stripes banner. Use fresh fruit is best because it gives the cake a cleaner look. Store this dessert in a cool place until ready to serve so that the whipped cream doesn't melt. Serve alongside bowls of additional blueberries and sliced strawberries for people who want more fruit sprinkled on top.
Ingredients:
- Favorite cake recipe (see end of this article for ideas) to fit a 9" x 12" baking pan
- 1 package fresh blueberries, rinsed
- 1 package fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced lengthwise
- 1 container whipped cream, softened
Directions:
- Cook the cake per baking instructions and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Frost the rectangular cake with the whipped cream.
- In the upper left hand corner, arrange the blueberries in a square to represent the stars of the USA flag.
- Use the sliced strawberries to create the stripes on the rest of the cake.
For great cakes that work well for this holiday dessert recipe, please read Recipe for Strawberry Cake and Recipe for Chocolate Cake.
Janice Fahy - Janice Fahy is a freelance writer who is comfortable researching and writing on just about any topic under the sun.
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