Time and time again, you’ve seen me talk about how much I ADORE my Grandma Metzger’s No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert.
And while I typically just top the cheesecake base with cherries, I like to take it to a whole new level for the Fourth of July with what I call my Patriotic Cake!
![Patriotic Cake finished](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-29-at-9.35.47-AM-1024x677.png)
It may look more complicated than the classic. But I’m telling you, it’s just as easy. And still NO-BAKE!
Just like my classic Cherry Cheesecake Dessert, you’ll start by making the graham cracker crumb base.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup white sugar
Prepare the crust by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and white sugar together in a bowl.
![crust](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/106589046_555634895110986_4217328339634580876_n-1024x683.jpg)
Then, simply press it into a rectangular pan or pie dish! Don’t quote me, but I believe this one is 11″ x 7″.
I like to pop mine in the fridge for a bit to help it set. If you’re pressed on time, 20 minutes should do!
The next step is to move on to creating the cheesecake filling. Here are the ingredients:
- An 8-ounce package of cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
- Mini marshmallows
Prepare the filling by whipping the heavy cream until it thickens and it forms small peaks (but be sure not to over-beat or it will start to turn to butter!).
Then, in a separate bowl, cream the cream cheese and sugar.
Fold in the heavy cream by hand and gently combine.
![pie filling](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/106588342_555635318444277_1851817935893160481_n-1024x683.jpg)
When fully incorporated, scoop the mixture into your graham cracker crust and spread it evenly over the top.
Now comes the fun part… decorating!
![Patriotic Cake blueberries](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/107099272_555635455110930_8028230042747955249_n-1024x683.jpg)
Open your can of blueberry pie filling and form a small square in the upper left corner of your dish. Just like the blue background of the flag!
*you don’t have to use the whole can… just as much as you need to make your square!
![Patriotic Cake cherries](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/107003769_555635605110915_4914859200700646145_n-1024x683.jpg)
Next, move on to the stripes!
With your cherry pie filling open, use a spoon to create red stripes starting from the top. Since the cherries sometimes spread out a bit, I find that just three stripes work best!
![Patriotic Cake marshmallows](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/106924714_555635788444230_3812972371506139292_n-1024x683.jpg)
Finish it off by dropping some mini marshmallows on the blueberry square you made earlier. These look like the stars on our flag!
![Patriotic Cake finished by pool](https://justjill.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/107285956_555636191777523_678942472995467638_n-1024x1024.jpg)
And there you have it. A simple and festive dessert for the Fourth of July.
Plus, if you need to make it ahead of time so that you can prepare other dishes for a backyard barbecue, you can pop it in the fridge for a day (just make sure it’s covered!).
And before I forget! If you’d like to make one of the original recipes of this dessert instead of turning it into a patriotic cake, you can find the classic recipes BELOW:
Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert
Super Simple No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
Enjoy!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it out HERE!