If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with patriotic flair, this American Flag Fruit Pizza is it. Imagine a chewy sugar cookie base, slathered with sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting, then topped with rows of juicy strawberries, creamy bananas, and bright blueberries in a festive flag design. It’s always a conversation piece at Fourth of July gatherings, and you won’t believe how quickly it vanishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list is deliciously straightforward but each ingredient really matters, balancing flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. You may already have most of these at home, and together, they create the perfect American Flag Fruit Pizza centerpiece for your summer celebration.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: The easiest way to get a chewy, sweet crust without fussing with homemade dough.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings rich creaminess and helps the toppings stick to the crust.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to that dreamy cream cheese layer.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic boost to the frosting – don’t skip it!
- Fresh blueberries: These create the blue “stars” portion of our flag and add a juicy pop.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: For those bold red stripes and classic berry flavor everyone loves.
- Banana, sliced: Provides the creamy “white” in our stripes; a lovely contrast to the berries.
- Lemon juice: Just a quick brush keeps those banana slices bright and beautiful.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures effortless removal, so every slice comes out picture-perfect.
How to Make American Flag Fruit Pizza
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking sheet or pan with nonstick cooking spray. Then, press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom, making sure it stretches all the way to the corners—this will form that signature pizza “crust.” Getting an even layer now means every bite later is perfectly balanced!
Step 2: Bake and Cool the Crust
Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the cookie crust is golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack—don’t rush this part, or your topping might melt and slide off.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
While the crust cools, use a medium bowl to beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, silky consistency. This luscious layer adds a creamy tang and binds the fruit—it’s secretly my favorite part of American Flag Fruit Pizza!
Step 4: Frost the Crust
Once your crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for the smoothest results. Take your time—a generous, even layer makes the fruit mosaic really pop.
Step 5: Arrange the Fruit Flag
Now it’s time for the fun: creating the American flag design. Start by placing the fresh blueberries in the top left corner of the pan to represent the stars. Next, alternate rows of sliced strawberries and banana slices across the remaining space for the stripes. Brush a little lemon juice over the bananas to keep them bright and fresh.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Move your assembled American Flag Fruit Pizza to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This helps the cream cheese layer firm up and meld flavors. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice into squares and enjoy every patriotic bite!
How to Serve American Flag Fruit Pizza
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a little extra flourish! Try a sprinkling of lemon zest over the banana stripes for color and zing, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish. Mint leaves on the side make the colors pop and add a summery aroma.
Side Dishes
If you’re bringing out American Flag Fruit Pizza at a barbecue or picnic, pair it with tangy lemonade, a simple fruit salad, or even vanilla ice cream. The sweet, creamy crust and bright fruit flavors play nicely with all sorts of classic summer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza whole on a big platter for a wow-worthy centerpiece, or cut into individual flag bars for easy, portable portions. For extra sparkle, arrange mini flag pizzas using round sugar cookies as a base—perfect for party trays or kids’ hands!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where your American Flag Fruit Pizza will keep for up to 2 days. The cookie crust may soften slightly, but the flavors stay fantastic.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal once the fruit is on top, as the texture of the berries and bananas can suffer. However, you can bake and cool the sugar cookie crust in advance and freeze it (well-wrapped), then thaw and finish assembling with cream cheese and fruit the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
American Flag Fruit Pizza is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it! In fact, the chill helps all those flavors pop and keeps the frosting set. Simply slice straight from the fridge and you’re good to go.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it for the base. Just be sure to bake it in a thin, even layer to mimic the classic American Flag Fruit Pizza texture.
What’s the best way to keep the fruit looking fresh?
Assemble the fruit topping as close to serving time as possible, and always brush bananas (or apples, if using) lightly with lemon juice. This prevents browning and keeps the flag looking vibrant all party long.
Can I make American Flag Fruit Pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie dough, and check all your ingredient labels. The cream cheese and fruit are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
What other fruits work well for the flag design?
Feel free to get creative—raspberries, apple slices, or even cherries can be swapped in for strawberries and bananas. Blueberries shine as the “star” section, but blackberries also work for a twist.
Can I assemble this dessert in advance?
You can bake the crust and prep the cream cheese layer a day in advance. For best color and texture, add the fruit topping the day of serving. This way your American Flag Fruit Pizza looks and tastes its very freshest.
Final Thoughts
Give this American Flag Fruit Pizza a try and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved summer staple in my kitchen. It’s bright, playful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays or everyday celebrations. Your guests will swoon over every bite, and you’ll love showing off this edible work of art. Enjoy!
Print
American Flag Fruit Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the 4th of July with this festive American Flag Fruit Pizza! A sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese and fresh fruit in the colors of the American flag.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent banana browning)
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking sheet or pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the crust: Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the pan to form a crust. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, then let it cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Add the fruit: Arrange blueberries in the top left corner to represent the stars of the flag. Use sliced strawberries and bananas to create alternating red and white stripes across the rest of the pizza. Brush the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Chill and serve: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. Slice into squares and serve cold.
Notes
- For best results, assemble the fruit topping close to serving time to keep the fruit looking fresh.
- You can substitute other fruits like raspberries or apples if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
