Description
This American Flag Fruit Pizza is a festive and colorful dessert featuring a sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture, decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries arranged to resemble the American flag. Finished with a glossy fruit glaze, this patriotic treat is perfect for summer celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (16.5 oz) package sugar cookie dough
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz Cool Whip topping, thawed
Topping
- 3 to 4 cups fresh sliced fruit (strawberries and blueberries)
- ½ cup apple jelly or apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven according to the sugar cookie dough package directions to ensure proper baking temperature for the crust.
- Form Crust: Press the sugar cookie dough evenly onto a greased or parchment-lined large pizza pan or baking sheet, creating a 12-inch circle to form the base of your fruit pizza.
- Bake Crust: Bake the cookie crust as directed on the package until it is golden and set. Once baked, allow the crust to cool completely before adding any toppings.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring a lump-free filling base.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until combined and fluffy, creating a light and airy topping.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the completely cooled cookie crust to create a smooth layer for the fruit.
- Arrange Fruit: Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top to resemble the American flag, placing blueberry “canton” in the upper left corner and strawberries forming the stripes.
- Glaze Fruit: Warm the apple jelly or apricot preserves slightly by microwaving for about 15 seconds, then gently brush over the fruit to add a shiny glaze and enhance flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza for at least 1 hour to allow the topping to set and for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese mixture to prevent melting or runoff.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for the best flavor and vibrant colors.
- The glaze adds shine and helps preserve the freshness of the fruit.
- For easier slicing, chill well and use a sharp knife.
- This dessert can be assembled a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
