Nothing captures the spirit of Memorial Day or July 4th than this American Flag Fruit Cookie Dessert Pizza. With a little shortcut it’s super easy to make, can be modified for most dietary needs (gluten-free, with gluten, allergy-friendly) and is always the hit of a summer gathering!
Today’s recipe has been a long time in the making! I generally don’t share the ‘behind the scenes’ of all the recipes developed on Boulder Locavore but many are a result of full family brainstorming sessions. I’ll have a seed thought and run it through the family creativity mill to round out the flavor edges or approach.
Todays’ American Flag Fruit Cookie Dessert Pizza was truly born at the hands of my teen daughter who helped develop the recipe from idea through concept and execution; right down to supplying her pink metal ruler from her school backpack (still not unpacked from school’s end a month ago) for the lay out of the flag’s stripes.
The idea of a dessert pizza has popped up many times over the past year yet somehow as the idea gets talked out it ultimately doesn’t really fit. I love to make some red, white and blue recipes around July 4th and have been experimenting with a few things that just weren’t passing muster to include on Boulder Locavore.
From that my daughter brought up the dessert pizza again, suggesting a sugar cookie base topped with red, white and blue fruits. I found myself awake at 3 in the morning thinking of it (one cannot control the insomniac wiles of one’s muse) and thinking instead of a round pizza, what about making it into a rectangle flag? It seems a stroke of serendipity.
When all was said and done we looked at each other and said ‘this is such an easy dessert!’ And it is. Holiday weeks are usually jam-packed and to make this even quicker I used a sugar cookie mix. It whips up in a flash, with perfect results; a chewy cookie crust that’s moist, supple and easy to cut. The frosting (or ‘sauce’) is a mixture of cream cheese, whipped topping and a small amount of confectioner’s sugar, making a balances sweet topping to hold the fruit without being too sweet.
Topping with ripe fruit not only gives the flag a life but brings a natural sweetness to the dessert all will love. This would make a great addition to any patriotic celebration; July 4th, Memorial Day, military celebrations, Flag day (do people celebrate Flag Day?!).
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
So, so pretty. What a fabulous 4th treat and I love how easy it is, too! Happy 4th Toni 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
This is just too pretty and too fun. And so easy! I’m going to make one for the Fourth! I know everyone will LOVE it!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is such a fun and festive idea. It would be perfect for our big 4th of July cookout.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Now THAT’S a dessert! I can’t wait to give this a try. Sugar cookies and fruit are a combination that can’t be beat.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This is incredible, I’m pinning, sharing, drooling, and definitely going to make one this weekend!
Kim Delatorre says
I made this last year for our festivities! Everyone loved it! Yours is much prettier than mine though!
Toni Dash says
How did you make your Kim? Since we dreamt this up without seeing one before I’m curious about other ways to make it too. Thank you for your nice compliment; I’m sure yours was just as pretty! It’s been a hit at our house and I love both how easy it is and that there is some fruit involved rather than straight sugar.
Sue Hill says
I used raspberries with blueberries two years ago to make a Union Jack for the jubilee party. It is our Carneval here on the 4th, so I must try this!
Toni Dash says
How completely fun Sue! It’s so easy to make and was gobbled up here. Love that it’s not overly sweet and has some fruit too!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I am in love with this dessert pizza! It is perfect for the 4th but I think I will find every excuse to make it!
Toni Dash says
Ashley you are the best! Thank you for your kind words!
Jeanine says
Yum! What a perfect dessert for the fourth of July! Very patriotic and looks delicious!
Kate K (My Mommy Brain) says
That looks yummy and such a cute and easy dessert.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Oh this is so cool! It is really lovely and so patriotic. Love it Toni! I bet it is tasty 🙂 Have a very happy 4th of July!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
We love fruit pizzas and veggies pizzas at our house. We always do a flag fruit pizza for patriotic holidays and I always do a Christmas tree shaped veggie pizza at Christmas. So fun, so easy, so delicious!
Debbie says
That is a sweeet looking cake. Perfect for the holiday.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
What a delicious and creative 4th of July dessert! I love any dessert with fresh fruit!
Valerie says
That is adorable and sounds delicious. It would be a huge hit at my 4th of July get together.
Tiffany C. says
I love what you’ve created. Everything is so pretty and yummy but not too over the top. Now I want some fresh strawberries.
Tracey says
I love this! It’s so festive but I love that its fairly easy to make for those inexperienced bakers like me!
Kristin says
Oh this is just lovely now isn’t it. Such a wonderful and delicious way to celebrate the 4th.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to make one for my BBQ this weekend.
Ann says
What a great looking recipe. I love blueberries and strawberries and this is something my family would love this.
Rosey says
I’ve made a cake like this and it’s been a big hit. I like the idea of using the fruit for decoration. 🙂
Toni Dash says
Cake would be a fun idea too! This is actually is not a cake but rather a dessert pizza using a sugar cookie crust, a topping and fruit. It’s super easy to slice and go and more robust than cake. Great for outings!
crystal says
It is just gorgeous. I love the simplicity of the white background as it really showcases the amazing fresh fruit.
melisasource says
This is so cute and so perfect for the holiday celebrations! I might have to try this!
Christie says
Perfectly presented and served for the holiday! I love this updated cookie pizza for 4th of July!
Krystal says
Well now I’m hungry. I’m going to need to try this for the weekend. What a fun dessert.
Rachel Ferrucci says
This is so cute and creative. I really need to start getting creative and impressing my guests. OR I can invite you to my parties and you can bring something LOL
Toni Dash says
Ha,ha! This one is VERY easy Rachel. I’m sure you could do it easily. Life is a busy prospect; it’s hard to find time to do anything outside of one’s critical path usually!
Colleen Cayes says
I love the idea and especially the photo! Now I am totally in the mood for July 4 festivities. I especially love the little star cups with the blueberries and strawberries. Bravo to you and daughter 💥
Toni Dash says
Thanks my friend!