It’s almost Independence Day, and it’s time to break out all those great Fourth of July recipes you’ve been saving up. If you need a few ideas to get your festivities started, look no further! Here are two simple and delicious Fourth of July recipes to help liven up any backyard BBQ, casual dinner before the fireworks, or potluck block party! A savory and spicy BBQ sauce is sure to complete any rack of ribs or grilled chicken, and a delicious, easy Fourth of July flag cake will be just right for a sweet holiday treat!
Fourth Of July Recipes
Easy Fourth of July Flag Cake
Simply top a regular sheet cake with some fresh fruit, and you have a star-spangled Fourth of July dessert sure to please! You can adjust this Flag Cake recipe to a square or even round cake pan, but for the full flag effect, a rectangular pan is recommended.
1-2 Pints Strawberries (depending on size of strawberries, and surface area of cake)
1 pint Blueberries
1-2 Boxes Yellow Cake Mix (depending on desired size and thickness of cake)
1-2 Containers Vanilla Frosting/White Icing
For this fun and easy Fourth of July Flag Cake, just prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, cool, and then frost. Next, using washed and sliced strawberries and washed blueberries, arrange rows of strawberries for the American flag’s seven red stripes, and 50 blueberries for the stars. On the actual American flag, the stars are actually white on a blue background, but the effect will still look lovely. Top Flag Cake with a few sparklers and serve!
Fourth of July Recipes – Firecracker BBQ Sauce Recipe
Before you can enjoy your Flag Cake, you’ve got to eat your dinner! This simple Fourth of July BBQ sauce recipe can enhance many main course items and can be prepared from ingredients you likely have in your pantry! This recipe will yield about two cups; double batches are fine. Always season to taste after mixing new batches.
2 cups ketchup
4-5 heaping tablespoons brown sugar
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsbp canned chipotle
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp each: garlic and onion powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and heat over low-medium heat until thickened and bubbling. do not allow to boil without stirring constantly. Divide sauce. Brush desired amount of sauce liberally onto ribs or chicken before grilling or baking, basting while cooking. Serve extra, untouched BBQ on the side when meat is ready.
After dinner, light the sparklers and dig into that Flag Cake! Bon appetit!