Summer Berry Basket Cake: Fourth of July Dessert

Nothing says summer like a basket of freshly picked ripe berries!

 And when the basket is really a cookie covered confection, it adds even more sweetness to your next seasonal party or Fourth of July celebration. 

For this easy DIY dessert you can use a homemade cake recipe, box mix, or even store-bought cake depending on time and baking skills (mine are marginal so I opted for help from Betty Crocker)

You'll Need

Your favorite flavor cake in appropriate size/shape
 (I used round but a square basket would be great too)

Pirouette cookies or any rolled cookie with open center

Any flavor and color frosting thick enough to secure cookies
 (I used a quick homemade butter icing)

Assorted fresh berries

Lightweight bendable wire or cut coat hanger

Mint leaves for garnish
melted jam if desired

Frost sides and top of cakes. Using a serrated knife, trim cookies to desired size. 

Save cut ends to use as basket handle

Arrange pirouette cookies pressing firmly into frosting

Rinse and dry berries thoroughly on paper towel.

 I tied a ribbon accent around cake for added flair and to help secure cookies

 Thread leftover cut cookie ends onto wire to form basket handle. 

Insert ends of wire into cake.

Arrange berries on top (I filled the hole in cake center with berries to level surface) Add mint leaves if desired.

 Berries can be brushed with melted jam if desired to preserve freshness or can be served immediately as is.

Display with festive accents and serve with ice cream

PennyWise Tip

This cake can be adapted to a variety of occasions.

For summer birthdays add a fun scrapbook birthday banner or for a floral version great for a tea party or Mother's Day, in place of fruit, simply pipe frosting roses or add sugar flowers to basket.

 For more July fourth ideas check out our fun Patriotic Candy Cones and healthy and sweet Watermelon cake from our A red, white and blue birthday post

Wishing our U.S. readers a very 

Happy July Fourth

&

to our friends across the pond

Happy Summer!