Red, White, And Blueberry: Patriotic Berry Desserts (Slideshow)

A twist on strawberry shortcake, mixed berry shortcakes take advantage of summer berries and looks festive on your Fourth of July table. 

Rustic, homemade pie is always a summertime hit. Give your favorite fruit pie recipe a patriotic twist by using red or blue berries.  

Layered fresh berries, whipped cream, and pieces of cake make a dessert that is as delicious to eat as it is to look at.  If you don't have a trifle dish, try making individual versions in mason jars or glasses.

This extra-large, baked meringue is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Top it with brightly-colored berries for the 4th of July. Be sure to store your meringue in an air-tight container until you're ready to serve it; humidity can cause meringues to get sticky.

Fruit tarts are an easy way to get creative with the design of your dessert. Fill a precooked tart shell with vanilla custard then arrange fresh berries on top. The possibilities are endless!

Patriotic ice pops are easy.  Purée fresh berries (keeping each color separate) and add sugar to taste.  Pour one of the colors into the popsicle mold, filling it partially, and freeze. Then repeat until each color and flavor has been used and your popsicle molds are full.

An easy way to dress up plain cheesecake for the Fourth? Top it with fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a decadent treat.  Try dipping them in white chocolate and rolling them in blue sprinkles or blue sanding sugar for a simple, July Fourth-themed dessert.