Independence Day is one of the most important holidays in the USA. It is celebrated on the 4th of July, and then people meet up with friends and family, have a barbecue in the garden and enjoy the sun. Fireworks are also a highlight of the evening. Food also plays a central role on this day. A good barbecue is a must, but desserts are also part of it. Two Independence Day desserts have particularly fond memories for me: chocolate cake and summery pavlova.
We asked Executive Chef Amber from Food, Fire + Knives to share her recipes for these Independence Day desserts.
Independence Day Desserts
On Independence Day, desserts are a highlight of the celebrations, with chocolate cake and pavlova being particularly popular. Families gather, enjoy the sweet delicacies and tell stories.
chocolate cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate (semi-sweet or dark)
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1,5 cups granulated sugar
- 6 eggs
- Vanilla to taste
- A pinch of espresso powder
Preparation
- preparations:
- Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F)
- Prepare 25 cm (10 inch) springform pan with oil and baking paper
- Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in the food processor
- Melt chocolate, butter and salt
- Sift cocoa powder and espresso powder into the egg mixture and mix
- Slowly add the chocolate, butter and salt mixture
- Mix the mixture thoroughly
- Pour the dough into the prepared pan and bake
- Let the cake cool
- Decorate and serve cake
Suggestions
- Cut cake cold for clean pieces
- Coarse salt as a fine topping
Pavlova
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) lemon juice
- 1,5 teaspoons (tsp) cornstarch
- 6 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1,5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (tsp) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- For the topping: whipped cream and various fresh fruits
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 95 °C (200 °F)
- Mix lemon juice and cornstarch
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form
- Add the cornstarch, vanilla and salt mixture and beat
- Spread meringue mixture on baking paper
- Bake meringue and let cool
- Decorate and serve meringue
Note
- Best results at low humidity
How do they celebrate Independence Day in the USA?
Independence Day is celebrated in the USA with many activities. Traditionally, there are parades, fireworks and barbecues. Families and friends come together to celebrate. BBQ and Independence Day desserts play a big role. Parades also move through the cities and delight the spectators. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky.
There are special traditions in different regions. New York celebrates the day with the famous Macy's fireworks. In Washington DC, a large celebration takes place on the National Mall instead. In smaller towns, barbecues and local parades are popular.
Important symbols are the American flag and decorations in red, white and blue. Houses and gardens are often decorated with flags, banners and fairy lights. The smell of grilled meat and fresh desserts is in the air.
Food plays a big role. A good barbecue is a must. But desserts are also a highlight. Popular Independence Day desserts include chocolate cake and Pavlova.
Author of Independence Day Dessert Recipes
Amber Cate is the author of these delicious Independence Day desserts. She is an experienced cook who shares her passion for cooking with others. Amber loves to bring people together through food and create special moments. You can find out more about Amber on her author page.
Her Independence Day dessert recipes are inspired by traditional family celebrations and the joy of shared enjoyment. Amber places great importance on quality and uses only the best ingredients. Her philosophy is simple: food should bring joy and bring people together.
She recommends chocolate cake and pavlova as Independence Day desserts. The chocolate cake is rich and perfect for chocolate lovers. The pavlova, on the other hand, is light and fruity, ideal for hot summer days. Both recipes are also easy to make and will delight guests.
And finally ...
Food plays a central role on Independence Day. It brings families and friends together. Traditional dishes like barbecue are essential, but Independence Day desserts are the icing on the cake. Chocolate cake and pavlova are particularly popular. These desserts are not only delicious, but also easy to prepare. Try the recipes. And above all: enjoy them.
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Source Independence Day Desserts: own research on site and the recipes from Chef Amber. Our opinions remain our own.
Text Independence Day Desserts: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Chef Amber and Unsplash
