The Most Popular 4th of July Recipe in Each U.S. State
Find out what your neighbors are eating and cooking on Independence Day.
The 4th of July is almost here, and with it comes all of the classic American treats, grilled greats, and red, white, and blue-themed food we love so much. Our friends over at Betty Crocker gave us the scoop about what recipes people like to make the most for the Fourth of July in each U.S. state—and don't worry D.C., we didn't leave you out. From s’mores brownies to Independence Day cake, fruit salads to BBQ chicken, discover what your neighbors will be cooking and eating on America’s birthday.
Courtesy of Betty Crocker
Alabama: Chocolate Cupcakes
There is nothing quite like chocolate cupcakes. Found at nearly every gathering next to the sugar cookies and lemonade, this ultimate party food never disappoints. Super moist, rich, and easy to make, you can dress this cupcake up with our favorite Chocolate Ganache frosting and festive sprinkles for Independence Day.
Alaska: Icebox Cake
While Alaska actually loves a S’mores Icebox Cake according to Betty Crocker, the beauty of this simple, no-bake dessert is that you can customize it to your taste. Replace the traditional wafer cookies with graham crackers, swap some marshmallows and chocolate for the almonds, and you have yourself a delicious variation.
Arizona: Honey Lime Fruit Salad
With the heat in this state, we understand the urge to eat something refreshing. Filled with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and finished with lime juice, honey, and pine nuts, this bowl makes for a delicious treat under the Arizona sun.
Arkansas: S'mores Cheesecake
Bring this to the party and everyone will thank you. S'mores baking pieces, marshmallows, and chocolate chips rest atop a rich cheesecake baked atop a layer of brownies. No campfire needed.
California: Mini Vanilla Cupcakes
These cupcakes offer the perfect canvas to create a Fourth of July-inspired dessert. Play with different food colorings or icings, arrange the finished product in the shape of an American flag. The Betty Crocker version also includes popping rock candies to create a fireworks-inspired dessert.
Colorado: Luscious Slush Punch
Packed with lime, lemon, and orange juice as well as strawberry Jell-O mix, this is “a perfect punch for kids and adults alike," says recipe creator Valerie Cain Cuff. They continue, "This is without a doubt the best punch I've ever had."
Connecticut: Chocolate Raspberry Chia Parfaits
Almond Breeze
Parfait literally translates to perfect, and that is how we feel about this dessert. A maple-infused chia pudding is combined with a decadent chocolate-banana mousse. The finishing touch? Smashed raspberries.
Delaware: Raspberry Peach Crumble
Yoly
Raspberries and peaches—the essence of a peach melba—are a sweet dessert pairing to indulge in during summer. This crumble takes the treat to another level. “Serve with vanilla ice cream to make it a perfect dessert,” says recipe creator MCBEALE11.
District of Columbia: Buttermilk Biscuits
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This sometimes savory, sometimes sweet biscuit is a tradition for holiday meals. The trick to flaky, moist, and tender biscuits? "Ice-cold butter and some extra dough folding are key to having lots of flaky layers in each golden brown buttermilk biscuit,” says Chef John.
Florida: American Flag Cake
This cake is a show-stopper. While this patriotic dessert has more steps than some other cakes, it is still easy to make, and the "oohs" and "ahhs" you’ll receive from your friends and family will make it all worth it. "My guests were so impressed that they didn't want to cut into it, but they did and the taste was superb," says reviewer minaayindra. "Moist, colorful and just extraordinary for a patriotic holiday."
Georgia: Fruit "Cake"
Georgia loves their fruit and this fruit “cake” is the perfect way to show that off. This recipe calls for watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple stacked in layers, but you can include whatever fruits you like.
Hawaii: S'mores Brownies
What do we love more than brownies? S’mores brownies. What do we love more than s’mores brownies? S’mores brownies on the 4th of July. Thankfully, this delicious recipe has all our bases covered.
Idaho: Red, White, and Blue Ice-Cream Cake
Raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream meet pound cake and whipped cream. This patriotic ice cream cake is a sweet salute that everyone will enjoy.
Illinois: Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Here's a cookie bar recipe that is one for the history books. With over 1,500 reviews, this creation is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your party. One reviewer writes, “This recipe is one of my all time favorites. I don't change a thing. My son and grandson eat them BEFORE our dinners.”
Indiana: Berry Shortcakes
“You don't need a food processor, pastry cutter, rolling pin or cookie cutter to make these sweet biscuits. This shortcake recipe I've developed yields a simple, foolproof biscuit that's crisp yet delicate,” says recipe creator Pam Anderson.
Iowa: Ginger Lemonade
A great twist on lemonade. Refreshing and tangy, your friends will be asking for the recipe. “The ginger smooths the edges of the tart lemon juice and adds a wonderful dimension to an old favorite,” says one reviewer.
Kansas: Barbecue Chicken
What is more exciting about the Fourth of July: the actual holiday or the BBQ we always find ourselves cooking up? Chef John’s recipe offers plenty of tips on achieving the perfect barbecue glaze, so a seasoned cook or a novice can tackle the perfect barbecue chicken.
Kentucky: Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing
“This burger delivers the bold flavors of Buffalo wings minus the mess,” says recipe creator Melissa Sweet. Hot sauce, celery salt, poultry seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper all mix together with the chicken to create a spicy, Buffalo seasoning. And don’t forget the blue cheese dressing.
Louisiana: Watermelon Cake
With decorative buttercream frosting and a hint of watermelon flavoring, this moist layer cake will wow guests. Plus, the watermelon "seeds" are actually chocolate chips, so what’s not to love?
Maine: Potato Salad
“This best-ever potato salad is the creamiest, richest potato salad you will ever try. The secret is in the homemade dressing. I get nothing but raves every time I make this,” says recipe creator Kaye Lynn.
Maryland: Parmesan Puff Pastry Stars
These cheesy puff pastries can be made in any form, but for the Fourth of July, a tower of stars is the perfect shape. Add herbs or spices and brush with butter as one reviewer recommends, and you have yourself a savory holiday treat.
Massachusetts: Cake Pops
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"This cake pop recipe is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, weddings, or any special occasion where sweet treats are needed!," says recipe creator Miss Amy. "Everyone loves cake pops and this versatile recipe is simple to make with any flavor cake mix or frosting."
Michigan: Sweetheart Cupcakes
“You can change the colors for any holiday. Shades of green for St. Patrick's Day, pastel colors for Easter, red white and blue for the 4th of July,” says recipe creator Celeste. Decorate the cupcakes with stars sprinkles, and watch as you win over your guests' hearts.
Minnesota: Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic summertime treat, and this recipe utilizes the traditional biscuits, only bigger. Layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream—or almond-flavored whipped cream, as is the case with Betty Crocker's most popular recipe—and you have a dessert that delights.
Mississippi: Raspberry Lemonade
Lemonade lovers will find this recipe a great option when they're looking for something a little more fruity. Reviewer rhowgo says, "I've made this three times now, and each time it was gone almost immediately. My only change—double the batch!"
Missouri: White Chocolate Snack Mix
While other types of cereals and salty snacks can be switched in, this mix includes pretzels, toasted oat cereal, crispy corn cereal, salted peanuts, and M&Ms. We could munch on this snack mix all day long.
Montana: Berry Crumb Bars
Whether you want to make these crumble bars with just raspberries or a mix of your favorite berries, you'll be baking this light, fruity treat all summer long.
Nebraska: S'mores Ice Cream Pie
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Ice cream pie is amazing. S’mores ice cream pie takes it to another level, though. With a buttery graham cracker crust, chocolate ice cream as the filling, and marshmallows on top, this recipe has us singing.
Nevada: Berry Almond Pie
Since we don’t have a raspberry almond pie recipe on our website—Nevada’s true choice of pie—this strawberry almond pie is a very close second. Feel free to substitute in raspberries and make extra pie dough to decorate the top with a flag pattern or stars.
New Hampshire: S'mores in a Cup
“These s'mores cups stem from a craving: I wanted s'mores one evening, but I didn't want to build a fire,” says recipe creator Katie Rose. “This is now one of my favorite recipes. It takes a little more time, but it's not messy and great for little kids.”
New Jersey: Surprise Inside Independence Cake
Technically, Betty Crocker found that New Jersey likes their independence in cupcake form, but this red, white, and blue layer cake is an excellent alternative that might just outshine the fireworks display. The buttercream icing and extra moist texture will keep you coming back for more.
New Mexico: Vanilla Cupcakes
“This is a great recipe!” says reviewer Megan. “Very quick to whip up and they come out with a wonderful texture and flavor. Don't over mix the flour with the other ingredients and it comes out great.” Make sure to pair with our Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing.
New York: Jicama and Tropical Fruit Salad
Jicama, a crunchy, mild root vegetable from Mexico and South America, serves as the base for this recipe. That being said, mango, pineapple, and kiwi really dress up this fruit salad. Finish with lime juice and zest, mint leaves, and honey.
North Carolina: Mixed Berry Compote
Oh-so sweet and fruity, this compote made berries, brandy, and honey is the treat you need on Independence Day. Just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some sunshine.
North Dakota: Rolled Sugar Cookies
Use cookie cutters to roll these sugar cookies in the shape of stars, decorate them in red, white, and blue icing, and sit back to enjoy the fireworks. With over 8,900 reviews on Allrecipes, these might be the best sugar cookies around.
Ohio: Red Velvet Cupcakes
Some reviewers say this is their favorite cupcake recipe in general, and we believe it. These crimson cupcakes are sweet and moist, with just a hint of tanginess. And the cream cheese frosting seals the deal.
Oklahoma: All-American Flag Cake
If you want to show off your patriotism, try out this American flag cake. With vanilla flavoring, vanilla pudding, strawberry Jell-O mix, and a flag made from berries and marshmallows, this recipe is all kinds of fun.
Oregon: Glazed Orange Spice Cookies
These light, spiced cookies shine thanks to the sweet orange glaze on top. “This cookie got raves from my family and friends,” says reviewer Elena Alba. “The orange flavor, crispy/chewy texture, and tangy frosting make it a great addition to my repertoire.”
Pennsylvania: Red, White, and Blueberry Fruit Salad
“This is an easy, refreshing fruit salad recipe that's been in our family for years. We usually make it for our Fourth of July party, but it can be enjoyed all year long,” says recipe creator JoAnn Cambareri.
Rhode Island: Summer Fruit Tart
Warning: your guests may have a hard time believing this stunning fruit tart came out of your kitchen and not that of a fancy bakery. The decorative dessert can be dressed with whatever fruit you prefer, adding plenty of summertime flavor.
South Carolina: Oat Cereal Bars
Kids and adults will both love this treat. While this recipe uses a toasted oat cereal like Cheerios, you can definitely use your favorite type of cereal. Honey, peanut butter, and salted peanuts make this snack one-of-a-kind. Top with red and blue sanding sugar or sprinkles to stay on theme.
South Dakota: Fruit Pizza
“A great tip for a quick crust is to use a package of ready-made sugar cookie dough rolled out to fit a pizza pan,” says the recipe creator. “Use an assortment of fresh fruit such as bananas, peaches, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries.”
Tennessee: S'mores Snack Mix
This quick snack mix of honey cereal, graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips is just the fix for a holiday party on the Fourth of July. Make a large batch and leave in the center of the table.
Texas: Grilled S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
This twist on s'mores you didn’t know you needed until now. “We made this at a family get together. I didn't make any changes to the recipe and everyone loved it. Using the grill gave the graham cracker a really good flavor,” says Allrecipes Allstar stormybeach.
Utah: Strawberry Graham Cracker Bites
Everything about these five-ingredient, bite-sized snacks has us saying "yes." Fresh strawberries and blueberries, whipped cream, Nutella, and mini graham crackers make a sweet concoction for a festive Fourth of July.
Vermont: Mini No-Bake Cheesecakes
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We love no-bake recipes, and this one is no exception. A decadent cream cheese filling sits atop a base of brown sugar graham cracker crumbs, then gets garnished with your choice of fruit. What’s not to love?
Virginia: Vanilla Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream
With a light Swiss meringue buttercream frosting, these treats can be decorated to fit the Fourth of July. Moist and fluffy, these cupcakes will disappear quickly, so make sure to bring enough for everyone.
Washington: Chocolate-Peanut Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
With this recipe, the humble ice cream sandwich gets a major upgrade. Peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and whipped topping transform the childhood staple into a totally new dish.
West Virginia: S'mores Pie
“I searched for a s'mores variation of Mississippi mud pie, but wanted it to have equal parts graham cracker and chocolate,” says recipe creator Erin Brocklehurst. “The taste is a great balance where all the flavors stand out!”
Wisconsin: Easy S'mores Bars
This dessert is easy to make if you need something sweet in a pinch. With only five ingredients—graham crackers, brown sugar, butter, chocolate chips, and marshmallows—you end up with a scrumptious s’mores-inspired dessert that everyone will love.
Wyoming: Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Is there anything quite as American as a stack of good old-fashioned pancakes? Forget Apple Pie—this classic breakfast is a staple any day, so why not enjoy them on America's birthday? Top with red raspberries and blueberries for extra fun.
