If there’s one thing I want to find Independence from on a hot summer day, it’s my oven. Luckily this year, we’re celebrating Independence Day (and the beginning of Ice Cream Month) with some refreshingly easy ice cream treats. 

From cakes to sundaes, incorporating red, white and blue (and some hidden veggies) into dessert has never been so easy! Read on to see some of my favorite recipes that scream stars and stripes, without the sweat and stains. 

Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Cake 

Some people will go all-American with apple pies and strawberry shortcakes but really you can’t find a dessert that’s more appropriate for the 4th of July than ice cream. To please the whole family, I say celebrate the holiday and all its colors with an ice cream cake. 

Ingredients

• 1 pint Peekaboo Vanilla (with Hidden Zucchini) 
• 1 pint Peekaboo Strawberry (with Hidden Carrot) 
• 1 pint Blueberry Sorbet  
• 3/4 cup cookie crumbs 
• > 7 Newman’s Own Organic O’s — creamy fillings and all — finely ground in the food processor
• Freshly whipped cream, fresh berries, sprinkles, and sprigs of mint, for serving

Assembly 

1. Freeze one 9” springform pan at least 1 hour until very cold. 
2. Spread strawberry ice cream in the pan into 1 inch high layer. 
3. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cookie crumbs and then freeze until firm. 
4. Repeat process with vanilla ice cream and then blueberry sorbet. 
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until set, at least two hours or overnight.
6. Chill a serving plate or cake stand in the freezer and use to serve. 
7. Top with fresh whipped cream, a mix of fresh berries, and sprinkles (if that’s your thing)  

Pro Tip: eat this quickly and in one sitting, it is best served fresh. 

Red Velvet Brownies with Ice Cream 

When I first came across this recipe, I felt a kindred spirit. Veggies? Check. Hidden veggies in dessert? Check and check. This red velvet brownie recipe serves up a double dose of hidden veggies – beets and zucchini – tastes amazing, and earns its stripes as a new American classic.

Ingredients 

• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, optional
• 5oz unsalted butter
• 5oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped
• 5oz cooked beets
• 5oz brown sugar
• 5oz almond or hazelnut meal
• 1 pint Peekaboo Vanilla (with Hidden Zucchini) 
• Red, White and Blue sprinkles optional 

Assembly 

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking pan with wax paper.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and add chocolate. Let it cool out. 
3. Meanwhile, whizz beets in a food processor until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, sugar and nut meal.  Whizz again until thoroughly mixed.
4. Add melted butter and chocolate to the mix and whizz once more until combined.
5. Use a spatula and spread mixture over the base of the pan, bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm on the top. Insert a toothpick to check that the middle is still a bit soft.  
6. Let cool and slice, serve with a scoop of Peekaboo Vanilla ice cream. 

**For true patriotism, top with red, white and blue sprinkles.  

Also, I have to add that I love this recipe because you can easily make it nut-free and egg free by replacing the nut meal with all-purpose flour and replacing the egg with 1 large mashed ripe banana. 

Stars and Stripes Granola Sundaes

This recipe may be more for the adults than the kids, blending ice cream with fresh berries and balsamic vinegar to create a deliciously simple treat. I know, balsamic vinegar on ice cream sounds out there, but your friends will take one bite and think you went to culinary school. And, with only two steps, this recipe is so, so easy. 

Ingredients 

• 4 cups fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 pint Peekaboo Vanilla (with Hidden Zucchini) 
• 1 pint Peekaboo Strawberry (with Hidden Carrot) 
• 1- 2 cups granola

Assembly

Step One: Wash and dry the berries and place them in a bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar and toss well. Let berries sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the berries can macerate and release their juices.

Step Two: When ready to serve, scoop a spoonful of the berries and syrup in the bottom of a dessert cup and top with one scoop of ice cream. Repeat. Top with granola and serve! 

Ready for more of Peekaboo? 

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Where to Try Peekaboo

Peekaboo’s five flavors are available online as well as major stores, groceries and local shops throughout the country. Click here to purchase your favorite flavors now.