4th of July Fruit Pizza

This 4th of July Fruit Pizza is a delightful dessert that combines a soft sugar cookie crust with creamy cheesecake topping and vibrant fresh berries. Perfect for your Independence Day celebration or any summer gathering, this recipe is easy to make and visually stunning. The colorful fruit not only adds flavor but also makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this dessert.
• Versatile Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal fruits for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This festive dessert is ideal for the 4th of July, birthdays, or family gatherings.
• No Baking Required for Topping: The cream cheese topping requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on the fun part—decorating!
• Great Texture: The contrast between the soft cookie crust and creamy filling creates a delightful bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your cream cheese mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the cookie crust, ensuring it cooks uniformly.

Ingredients

This 4th of July Fruit Pizza has an easy sugar cookie crust, cheesecake topping, and berries on top.

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour or for gluten-free, see notes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (I used 1/2 teaspoon fine Himalayan pink salt)
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 1 large egg (50 grams, out of shell) (room temp)

For the Cheesecake Topping

• 8 oz (225 grams) cream cheese (room temp)
• 1 1/3 cups (160 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream (cold)

For the Fruit Topping

• 1 pound (453 grams) strawberries – about 20-26 small or medium strawberries, which is 11oz / 312 grams
• 6 oz (170 grams) blueberries – about 52-57 blueberries, which is 155 grams / 5.4 oz

How to Make 4th of July Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
3. Add lemon zest, lemon extract, and egg to the butter mixture; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until incorporated.
5. Spread the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to form a large circle.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding toppings.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; mix well.
3. In another bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

1. Once the cookie crust has cooled completely, spread the cheesecake topping evenly over it.
2. Arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries on top in a festive pattern.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Enjoy your beautiful 4th of July Fruit Pizza as a refreshing treat!

How to Serve 4th of July Fruit Pizza

This vibrant and festive 4th of July Fruit Pizza is a delightful treat perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of a sweet sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake topping, and fresh berries makes it an ideal dessert for celebrating the holiday.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a colorful plate to enhance the festive atmosphere.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

With Ice Cream

• Pair slices with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Consider offering different ice cream flavors for variety.

As a Centerpiece

• Arrange the fruit pizza on a decorative platter as a centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Surround it with fresh fruits like additional strawberries or blueberries for a stunning display.

With Fresh Mint

• Garnish each slice with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.
• This adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall experience.

For Kids’ Parties

• Cut the pizza into fun shapes using cookie cutters for kid-friendly servings.
• Offer toppings like sprinkles or chocolate drizzle for added fun!

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How to Perfect 4th of July Fruit Pizza

Creating the ultimate 4th of July Fruit Pizza is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert is a hit.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth cheesecake topping that spreads easily.
• Chill before serving: Letting the pizza chill in the fridge will enhance its flavors and make it easier to cut into neat slices.
• Mix berries creatively: Consider using raspberries or blackberries along with strawberries and blueberries for added color and flavor.
• Keep crust thickness even: When spreading the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
• Decorate just before serving: To maintain freshness, add fresh berries right before you serve it.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Fruit Pizza

To complement your 4th of July Fruit Pizza, consider these delicious side dishes that will complete your festive meal. Each option brings something special to the table.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and grilled until charred; it’s a classic summer favorite.
2. Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze; easy to assemble and refreshing.
3. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad made with mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs; perfect for picnics and BBQs.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad: Juicy watermelon cubes tossed with feta cheese and mint; it’s light and hydrating.
5. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs spiced up with paprika or bacon bits; these are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
6. BBQ Chicken Wings: Savory wings coated in barbecue sauce; great finger food that pairs well with dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a 4th of July Fruit Pizza can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling time: This can affect the texture of your crust and topping. Always chill your dough before baking for best results.
• Overbaking the crust: A crispy crust is great, but too much baking can lead to a dry pizza. Keep an eye on it and bake until just golden.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese will not mix well, leading to lumps. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Ignoring the balance of flavors: Too much sweetness can overwhelm the fruit. Taste as you go and adjust your sugar levels in the topping if needed.
• Forgetting about decoration: Presentation matters! Arrange your fruits in a festive pattern to enhance visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing 4th of July Fruit Pizza

• Duration: It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating 4th of July Fruit Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this delightful dessert.

What is 4th of July Fruit Pizza?

This dessert features a sugar cookie crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh berries, perfect for celebrating Independence Day.

Can I use different fruits on my 4th of July Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits like kiwi or raspberries for added color and flavor.

How do I prevent my crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust fully before adding toppings. Allow it to cool completely before spreading on the cream cheese layer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version of this festive dessert.

How should I serve the 4th of July Fruit Pizza?

Slice it into wedges and serve chilled for the best taste. It’s perfect for gatherings and barbecues!

Final Thoughts

This 4th of July Fruit Pizza is not only visually stunning but also deliciously refreshing. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family gathering, this colorful dessert is sure to impress everyone at your celebration!