This fun July 4th Dessert Pizza is a sweet treat that looks like a flag! With a soft cookie base, topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruits, it’s perfect for summer celebrations.
Who doesn’t love a pizza that’s all about dessert? It’s easy to make and always a hit at parties. I love using strawberries and blueberries to make it extra festive! 🎆
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sugar Cookie Dough: The base of this dessert pizza is a sugar cookie dough, which is so easy to work with. If you prefer a homemade option, you can substitute with your favorite sugar cookie recipe!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the frosting a rich flavor. For a lighter version, you can swap it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. You get a similar creaminess but with a bit of tang.
Powdered Sugar: This is used to sweeten the cream cheese. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup, just adjust the amount to taste since they’re liquid sweeteners.
Fresh Berries: Blueberries and raspberries are my go-tos for the patriotic theme, but strawberries would work well too for the red stripes. You can use any fresh berries you like or even use canned fruit if fresh isn’t available!
How Do You Ensure a Smooth Cream Cheese Frosting?
Getting that smooth, fluffy frosting is key for your dessert pizza. Start with softened cream cheese; this means it should be at room temperature for easy blending. Follow these steps:
- Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the cream cheese first until it’s creamy.
- Slowly add in the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugary cloud.
- Add vanilla extract for flavor, and whip it until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- For extra creaminess, ensure there are no lumps by mixing thoroughly. You can also use a sifter for the powdered sugar!
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a perfect frosting for your pizza! Enjoy making it your own! 🎉
How to Make Easy Patriotic July 4th Dessert Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive dessert pizza takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving, bringing the total time to about 1 hour. Perfect for a fun summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your cookie base.
2. Prepare the Cookie Base:
Roll out the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into a rectangular shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This will be your pizza crust!
3. Bake the Cookie:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookie dough according to the package instructions, typically for 12-15 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden around the edges. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat everything together until it’s smooth and fluffy. This is the delicious frosting that will top your pizza!
5. Frost the Cookie:
Once your cookie base is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface using a spatula. Get it nice and smooth for a beautiful finish.
6. Create the Flag Design:
Start decorating! Arrange blueberries in the top left corner to form the blue area of the flag. Next, make red and white stripes by alternating rows of raspberries with piped cream cheese frosting, or simply spread the frosting in stripes and place raspberries in between. Be creative!
7. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the dessert pizza and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
8. Slice and Enjoy!
After chilling, take it out and slice into pieces. Enjoy your delicious, festive July 4th dessert pizza with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Homemade Cookie Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it instead of store-bought dough. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness for even baking!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a lighter alternative. Just beat it well with powdered sugar and vanilla for a similar frosting texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Dessert Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness. Just note that the berries may soften a bit over time!
Can I Make This Dessert Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie base and the frosting a day in advance. Just assemble the pizza and add the berries on the day you plan to serve it for the best freshness. Enjoy!
