There are a few treats that instantly transport you back to childhood summers, and the classic Bomb Pop is high on that list. Whether you remember chasing the ice cream truck through the neighborhood or enjoying one after a long afternoon at the pool, there’s something about those bright red, white and blue layers that simply says “summer.”
As we wrap up our Fourth of July Cook’s Corner series, we’re bringing that same nostalgic flavor to two recipes that are just as fun for Independence Day as they are for any backyard barbecue, lake weekend or pool party throughout the summer.
The best part? Both recipes are simple enough to make in a pinch and look right at home beside a plate of burgers, fresh fruit and sparklers. Even better, the signature drink includes both a cocktail and family-friendly mocktail version so everyone can join in the celebration.
Bomb Pop Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
• Crust
• 2 cups crushed Golden Oreos
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups whipped topping
Topping
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• White chocolate curls or white chocolate chips
• Red, white and blue sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and press firmly into a 9x9-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
2. Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in the whipped topping.
4. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
5. Top with rows of strawberries, white chocolate curls and blueberries to create a colorful red, white and blue pattern.
6. Chill for at least four hours before slicing into bars.
For an extra Bomb Pop-inspired touch, shape the crust into the signature bomb pop shape & freeze the bars for about 30 minutes before serving for a firmer, ice cream-like texture.
Bomb Pop Sparkler Cocktail
Ingredients
• Ice
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce blue curaçao
• 3 ounces lemonade
• 1 ounce grenadine
• Splash of lemon-lime soda
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the grenadine first.
3. Slowly add the lemonade mixed with vodka.
4. Gently pour the blue curaçao over the back of a spoon to create the blue top layer.
5. Finish with a splash of lemon-lime soda and garnish with fresh berries.
Mocktail Version
Replace the vodka with additional lemonade and substitute a blue sports drink or blue raspberry lemonade for the blue curaçao. Layer the drink the same way and finish with lemon-lime soda for a colorful, kid-friendly version that’s just as festive.
Whether you choose the cocktail or mocktail, serve with a striped paper straw or fresh fruit skewer for an extra pop of summer color.
There’s something special about recipes that bring people together, and these do exactly that. They’re festive enough for Fourth of July fireworks, yet simple enough to become part of your regular summer rotation long after the holiday has passed. So gather your favorite people, turn on the music, watch the kids catch lightning bugs and enjoy one more sweet taste of summer before the fireworks light up the sky.
From all of us at Spartan Weekly, we hope you have a safe, joyful and delicious Fourth of July!
Have a recipe worth sharing? The Cook’s Corner welcomes submissions from home cooks, local residents, chefs, and restaurants throughout our community. Selected contributors may be contacted for a brief interview so we can share the story behind the dish. To submit a recipe or inquire about a collaboration, email thekitchencorrespondent87@gmail.com.
