Every summer growing up, my nonna loved making colorful desserts for family picnics. 🇺🇸 On Fourth of July, while fireworks lit up the night sky, her kitchen would explode with the colors of red, white, and blue. One of the brightest stars of the celebration? Her American Flag Fruit Pizza!
This sweet, festive treat captures the spirit of summer with juicy berries, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a soft sugar cookie crust. Perfect for patriotic gatherings or any summer party, this fruit pizza is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration on a plate. 🎆🍓🫐
Today, I’m sharing my own spin on her classic recipe — it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and will wow your guests!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This American Flag Fruit Pizza
🌟 Festive and Patriotic: Perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day.
🍪 Soft Sugar Cookie Crust: Buttery, sweet, and tender.
🍓 Fresh and Fruity: Strawberries and blueberries add natural sweetness and color.
❄️ Cool and Refreshing: Ideal for hot summer days.
🧒 Family-Friendly: Kids love decorating it!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: extra powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan or sheet
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula
- Parchment paper (optional but helpful!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sugar Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan.
Tip: Slightly dampen your fingers with water to help press the sticky dough into the pan smoothly!
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Let it cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting!
3. Assemble the Flag Design
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie base.
In the upper left corner, arrange the blueberries to represent the “stars.”
Line the strawberries in horizontal rows to create the “stripes.”
Continue until your “flag” is complete!
4. Serve and Celebrate!
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cut into 16 squares for easy serving.
Enjoy your edible artwork with friends and family! 🎉
Tips for the Best American Flag Fruit Pizza
- Fresh is Best: Use ripe, firm berries for vibrant color and the best texture.
- Keep It Cool: Always refrigerate until serving to maintain a firm frosting.
- Customize It: Swap in raspberries for strawberries or blackberries for blueberries if needed!
- Make Ahead: Bake the cookie crust a day early and frost just before serving.
Creative Variations
- Mini Fruit Pizzas: Use a muffin tin for individual-sized flag pizzas.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix or flour blend.
- Healthier Version: Swap frosting for a yogurt and honey mixture for a lighter topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes! For a shortcut, use pre-made sugar cookie dough. Just press it into your pan and bake according to package instructions.
How long does fruit pizza last?
It’s best eaten the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze fruit pizza?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the frosting and fruit don’t thaw well.
More Delicious Summer Recipes You’ll Love
- Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Easy Homemade Lemon Bars
- Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
- Classic No-Bake Cheesecake
Conclusion: The Perfect Patriotic Treat 🎆
If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing summer dessert, this American Flag Fruit Pizza is a star-spangled showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a big barbecue or a simple family get-together, this sweet pizza will have everyone asking for seconds — and maybe thirds! 🍓🇺🇸
Go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready to hear lots of “oohs” and “ahhs”!
And don’t forget — the real secret ingredient is always a little love. ❤️
American Flag Fruit Pizza: A Festive Delight
- Total Time: 35
Description
Every summer growing up, my nonna loved making colorful desserts for family picnics. 🇺🇸 On Fourth of July, while fireworks lit up the night sky, her kitchen would explode with the colors of red, white, and blue.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan.
Tip: Slightly dampen your fingers with water to help press the sticky dough into the pan smoothly!
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Let it cool completely in the pan.
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Tip: For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting!
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie base.
In the upper left corner, arrange the blueberries to represent the “stars.”
Line the strawberries in horizontal rows to create the “stripes.”
Continue until your “flag” is complete!
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cut into 16 squares for easy serving.
Enjoy your edible artwork with friends and family! 🎉
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Use ripe, firm berries for vibrant color and the best texture.
- Keep It Cool: Always refrigerate until serving to maintain a firm frosting.
- Customize It: Swap in raspberries for strawberries or blackberries for blueberries if needed!
- Make Ahead: Bake the cookie crust a day early and frost just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe
