Did you know that National Aviation Day is more than just about planes? It’s a chance to honor the pioneers of flight while enjoying some sky-themed fun with friends and family. One year, my friends and I hosted a little get-together where we made cloud-shaped cookies and sipped on “jet fuel” smoothies, and it turned out to be the highlight of our summer.
This day isn’t just for aviation enthusiasts, it’s for anyone who loves to mix creativity with celebration. Whipping up themed snacks can bring everyone together, whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just want to add a twist to your daily meals. From fluffy pancakes that look like clouds to propeller-shaped appetizers, the possibilities are endless.
Get ready because in this post, you’ll discover 10 easy and fun recipes that will make your National Aviation Day celebration truly take off.
1. Airborne Apple Hand Pies – golden, flaky, and filled with spiced apple goodness!
Ingredients:
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
2 cups apple pie filling
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Honey or caramel glaze for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut puff pastry sheets into equal rectangles.
Spoon a small amount of apple pie filling onto the center of half the rectangles.
Place the remaining rectangles on top and seal edges with a fork.
Beat the egg with water, then brush over the tops of the pies.
Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the pies.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and flaky.
Drizzle with honey or caramel glaze before serving.
Decoration Tips:
Brush with an extra layer of glaze right before serving for a glossy finish.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a bakery-style presentation.
Happy Baking
2. Cloud Nine Vanilla Cream Puffs – light, airy, and filled with luscious vanilla cream!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, bring butter, water, and salt to a boil. Add flour and stir until mixture forms a ball.
Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool completely.
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Slice puffs in half, fill with vanilla cream, and replace tops.
Decoration Tips:
Generously dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a touch of sweetness.
Serve with fresh berries on the side for a beautiful presentation.
Happy Baking
3. First-Class Strawberry Cheesecake Jars – creamy, fruity, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 cup strawberry jam
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press into the bottom of small jars.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each jar.
Add a layer of strawberry jam followed by fresh strawberry slices.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Decoration Tips:
Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a halved strawberry for a beautiful finish.
Drizzle with extra strawberry sauce for added color.
Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh, elegant touch.
Happy Baking
4. Flight Deck Shrimp Skewers – smoky, zesty, and grilled to perfection!
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chopped parsley
Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cook skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Decoration Tips:
Serve skewers on a platter with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of garlic butter for added flavor.
Pair with a side of grilled vegetables for a colorful presentation.
Happy Baking
5. Jet-Stream Lemon Meringue Cupcakes – zesty lemon cupcakes topped with fluffy toasted meringue!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup lemon curd
For the meringue:
3 egg whites
¾ cup sugar
¼ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, milk, lemon juice, and zest until combined.
Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
Core each cupcake and fill with lemon curd.
For the meringue, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy, then mix in vanilla.
Pipe meringue onto cupcakes and toast with a kitchen torch until golden.
Decoration Tips:
Create tall swirls with the meringue for a dramatic look.
Lightly torch the tips to achieve a perfect golden-brown finish.
Garnish with a small lemon slice or zest curls for extra appeal.
Happy Baking
6. Runway Red Velvet Cake Rolls – rich, velvety, and swirled with creamy frosting!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
2 tbsp red food coloring
1/3 cup buttermilk
For the filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Mix in oil, vanilla, vinegar, food coloring, and buttermilk.
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 12-14 minutes.
While warm, roll the cake with parchment and let cool completely.
Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy.
Unroll the cake, spread filling, and roll back up. Slice into mini rolls.
Decoration Tips:
Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Pipe extra cream cheese frosting on top for a decorative swirl.
Garnish with red velvet crumbs for added texture and color.
Happy Baking
7. Pilot’s Favorite Chicken Wings – crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken wings
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup hot sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Arrange wings on the baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
In a saucepan, mix hot sauce, honey, and melted butter. Heat until combined.
Toss baked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
Return wings to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Decoration Tips:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
For a glossy look, brush extra sauce on the wings right before serving.
Happy Baking
8. Propeller Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip – soft, golden, and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
1 packet active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 oz unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
Coarse salt for topping
For the cheese dip:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt, flour, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil.
Roll dough into ropes, cut into bite-size pieces. Boil pieces for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
For cheese dip, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until smooth. Stir in cheese, salt, and garlic powder until melted.
Decoration Tips:
Serve bites warm with the cheese dip swirled in a bowl.
Sprinkle extra coarse salt right after baking for added crunch.
Garnish the cheese dip with a drizzle of melted butter or a pinch of paprika for color.
Happy Baking
9. Sky-High Blueberry Pie Bars – bursting with juicy blueberries and buttery crumble!
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter with sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
In a bowl, toss blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread over crust.
Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture evenly on top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool completely before slicing.
Decoration Tips:
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.
Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with a few fresh blueberries on top for a vibrant presentation.
Happy Baking
10. Turbine Twirl Cinnamon Rolls – soft, gooey, and topped with sweet glaze!
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup water
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix warm milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and egg. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up tightly, slice into rolls, and place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Decoration Tips:
Add an extra drizzle of glaze just before serving for a glossy finish.
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve warm with a swirl of cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style presentation.
Happy Baking
