When I need a quick holiday dessert that looks festive without turning my kitchen into a full baking project, this 3-ingredient oven baked Independence Day treat is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for. It starts with whole vanilla wafer cookies layered right into a casserole dish, then gets transformed with two simple pantry staples into a warm, sweet, scoopable dessert that feels nostalgic and fun for a Fourth of July table. It is especially handy for busy weeknights, cookouts, or last-minute potlucks when you want something easy but still homemade.
Serve this warm with whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and if you want to lean into the red, white, and blue theme, add fresh strawberries and blueberries on the side or spooned over the top. It also pairs well with coffee after dinner or with iced tea and lemonade at a summer gathering, and because it is rich and sweet, small portions go a long way next to grilled favorites and picnic sides.
3-Ingredient Oven Baked Independence Day Treat
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 box whole vanilla wafer cookies, about 11 ounces
1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces
1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe ceramic casserole dish.
2. Arrange the whole uncrushed vanilla wafer cookies in an even layer across the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cookies, making sure most of the surface is lightly coated.
4. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top and spread it gently so the cookies stay mostly in place.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cookies underneath have softened into a pudding-like layer.
6. Let the dessert cool for 10 minutes before serving so it can thicken slightly, then scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Berry boost: For a more patriotic look, scatter fresh blueberries over each serving or add sliced strawberries right before serving. This keeps the dessert at three main baked ingredients while giving it a brighter holiday presentation.
Make it creamier: If you like a softer, more custardy texture, let the dessert rest a little longer after baking. The cookies will continue absorbing moisture from the condensed milk and fruit filling as it sits.
Try a different filling: Blueberry or strawberry pie filling also works well here if you want to switch up the flavor. Just keep the same quantity and bake the dessert the same way.
Potluck tip: This is easiest to transport right in the casserole dish. I like to bake it, cool it slightly, cover it, and bring whipped topping or ice cream separately so everything stays neat and easy to serve.