This fun dessert pizza is the perfect treat for your July 4th celebrations! With a sweet sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and bright red and blue fruits, it’s sure to make everyone smile.
As soon as you slice into it, you’ll see those lovely colors pop! I love to enjoy a slice with friends while watching fireworks—it makes every bite feel like a party. 🎆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sugar Cookie Dough: Pre-made dough saves time, but making it from scratch can add a personal touch. If you’re short on time, the store-bought version works great! For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cookie mix.
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich, tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or whipped topping instead. Just remember it will change the taste a bit!
Blueberries and Raspberries: These are perfect for the patriotic colors! If they’re out of season, feel free to use strawberries or sliced bananas. You could even try canned pie filling in a pinch, but fresh fruits add a nice crunch.
How Do I Get the Cookie Crust Just Right?
Making a great cookie crust is crucial for this dessert pizza. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Roll your dough evenly to avoid uneven baking. The thickness should be around 1/4 inch.
- Keep an eye on the edges while baking. They should turn lightly golden, while the center stays a bit soft.
- Let it cool fully before adding frosting; this prevents melting and helps the frosting stay fluffy.
Taking these steps will help you make a sturdy yet tender base for all those delicious toppings! Enjoy your pizza and the holiday spirit! 🎉
Easy Patriotic July 4th Dessert Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made sugar cookie dough (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert pizza takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. It’s quick to assemble, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookie crust bakes evenly and comes out deliciously golden.
2. Prepare the Cookie Crust:
Take your pre-made (or homemade) sugar cookie dough and roll it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. This will help create a nice base for your dessert pizza!
3. Bake the Crust:
Place the cookie crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cookie cools, whip up your frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until it’s nice and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until it’s light and fluffy.
5. Frost the Cookie Crust:
Once your cookie crust has cooled, spread an even layer of your cream cheese frosting over the entire surface. Be generous—it’s the best part!
6. Arrange the Fruit:
Now comes the fun part! Arrange the blueberries in a rectangular block on the top left corner of the pizza to represent the blue field of the American flag. Next, create alternating stripes using the raspberries and piped cream cheese frosting. This mimics the red and white stripes beautifully!
7. Chill:
For the final touch, chill your festive dessert pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, take your delicious patriotic dessert pizza out, slice it up, and enjoy with family and friends! It’s the perfect sweet treat for your July 4th celebration!
Have a fantastic holiday, and happy baking! 🎆
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough for the Crust?
Absolutely! While sugar cookie dough works great, you can also use a premade shortbread dough or even a graham cracker crust for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust baking times if needed, especially with cooler doughs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover dessert pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the fruit may release some moisture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible!
Can I Make the Frosting Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance! Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a good mix before spreading it on the cooled cookie crust.
What Other Fruits Can I Use?
You can definitely mix it up! Strawberries, blackberries, or even chopped kiwi would all make great additions. Just try to stick with red, white, and blue fruits to keep the patriotic theme intact!
