Red, White, and Blue Dessert Bites
Red, White, and Blue Dessert Bites are the summery dessert for any 4th of July BBQ! Fresh red raspberries, blueberries, and a sweet and tangy cream cheese spread layer on top of a simple crust. These are essentially mini fruit pizzas, but for the 4th of July!
Creating This Easy 4th of July Dessert
I remember when I was younger there was a man a fruit stand who tried to tell us that fruit was nature’s candy. I probably looked at him like he was crazy, because what 8-year-old believes that?
But now that I’m older and appreciate all the food that this world has to offer, the complexities as well as simplicities of certain flavors, I really think he was right. That’s not to say that I don’t still love the occasional candy or chocolate.
I am definitely a fan of dessert, but in the summer I do tend to lean more towards desserts that pack a bright and fruity punch, rather than the heavy richness of chocolate or caramel.
Summertime offers so much in terms of fresh, juicy, flavorful fruits. Berries are definitely one of my favorites when it comes to summer.
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These Red, White, and Blue Dessert Bites are the perfect, easy patriotic dessert for your upcoming 4th of July celebration. A simple crust made out of crescent roll dough is topped with a sweetened cream cheese flavored with a hint of lemon and vanilla.
You can top these Red White and Blue Dessert Bites with whatever fruit you like, but for the 4th of July I think fresh raspberries and blueberries look beautiful.
If those fruits don’t float your boat, try strawberries, mangos, and kiwi. Almost any fruit would work well, and this dessert recipe is a great way to use up fruit that you have on hand.
What’s in This Red, White, & Blue Dessert?
This easy 4th of July dessert is essentially a mini fruit pizza, only they’re square and not round (much less work this way!). For these dessert bites, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- Refrigerated crescent rolls
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon extract
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
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How to Make Red, White, & Blue Dessert Bites
Simply roll out the crescent roll dough onto a large baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Then, whip up the cream cheese, extracts, and sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, then top with fresh berries in your desired pattern. Refrigerate until you’re ready to slice and serve.
The above is simply a quick summary of this crowd favorite recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making This 4th of July Dessert
For an extra lemony zing, add the zest of one lemon into the cream cheese mixture. Don’t add more lemon extract, as it can easily overpower a dish.
Also make sure you’re using real homemade whipped cream. The stuff in a can isn’t good enough! To make whipped cream, just whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Arrange the fruit however you like – you can mix the fresh blueberries and raspberries up like I have in the photos, arrange them in colored stripes, or you can even arrange the berries in an American Flag design – perfect for a patriotic party!
Lastly, you must let the crust cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture over top. If you try to top it while warm, the frosting will slide right off.
4th of July Dessert FAQs
Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I Make This 4th of July Dessert in Advance?
You can bake the crust up to a day ahead of time, but the rest of this dessert is best the day it’s made.
Wait to prep the toppings and assemble this red, white, and blue dessert until just before you’re ready to eat it.
Can I Use Different Fruit?
Definitely! You don’t have to keep things red, white, and blue when making this fresh fruit dessert.
Many different summer fruits would work well in this fruit pizza recipe: fresh Strawberries, Blackberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Kiwi, etc.
When to Serve this Festive Dessert
- Patriotic Holidays – Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran’s Day
- Summer Backyard Barbecue
- Labor Day
- Summer Picnic
Try this Easy Recipe for July 4th!
Next time you’re looking for an easy dessert with patriotic colors for a fourth of July celebration, give these delicious red, white, and blue dessert bites a try!
Was this simple recipe a huge hit with the whole family? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this sweet treat.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of fun red, white and blue dessert!
More 4th of July Desserts:
4th of July BBQs and fireworks are something that the kids look forward to all summer. Here are our top favorite recipes for drinks, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and desserts – 25 4th of July Recipes. There is something for everyone here!
Fresh Strawberry Galette showcases the strawberries’ naturally delicious flavor; it emphasizes the strawberries without much added sugar. Best served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Black Cherry Pomegranate Cobbler will remind you of summer camp cherry pie dump cake without the canned pie filling and box mixes. It features sweet black cherries with a hint of pomegranate and a generous helping of crunchy, golden brown, buttery cobbler topping.
Red, White, and Blue Berry Almond Frozen Yogurt Bites are a simple and healthy cold treat for this 4th of July.
Ricotta Cheesecake and Fruit Lollipops are a fun way to serve bites of cheesecake paired with fruit. Instead of strawberries and pineapple, try strawberries and blueberries.
Popsicles, like these bright red Fruit Punch Popsicles with Coconut Water, are always a hit with kids on a hot summer day! Bonus: they’re nice and hydrating!
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How are you celebrating the 4th?
Red White and Blue Berry Dessert Bites
Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert Bites are the summery dessert for any 4th of July BBQ! Fresh red raspberries, blueberries, and a sweet and tangy cream cheese spread layer on top of a simple crust.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Fruit
- 1 cup Raspberries, or more if needed
- 1 cup Blueberries, or more if needed
Optional Garnish
- Fresh Mint or Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Making the Crust
- Unroll crescent dough onto 15x10x1-inch sheet pan (alternatively, use a similarly sized pizza pan for a round shape).
- Press perforations to seal.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely on wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Layer
- Combine the cold heavy cream and vanilla or vanilla paste in a chilled non-reactive bowl.
- Whisk by hand or using an electric mixture until the cream holds a loose peak. A soft peak will hold a lazy curve when the beater or whisk is held upside down.
- Then, sprinkle the sugar on top of the whipped cream and continue beating until stiff peaks are formed. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners' sugar lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth.
- Gently stir in whipped cream.
Assembling the Dessert
- Spread evenly in a thin layer over cooled crust.
- Top with berries.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves.
Notes
Make ahead tips: the crust can be baked up to a day ahead of time. The remainder of the dessert is best prepared the day of serving
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g
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