Ultimate Sugar Cookie Crusted Fruit Pizza: A Patriotic Red, White & Blue Dessert for Every Celebration
There’s something truly special about classic desserts that evoke a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and exciting. The 4th of July, Independence Day, is a time when culinary creativity soars, often inspired by the vibrant colors of our flag: red, white, and blue. What better way to celebrate than with a dessert that embodies both patriotic spirit and timeless retro charm? Our Sugar Cookie Crusted Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a delightful journey back to simpler times, perfect for satisfying both festive themes and a craving for something truly delicious.
Do you remember the 1970s? That golden decade for food enthusiasts when culinary trends were all about communal dining and innovative homemade treats. If you were a young foodie in your 20s like me, or perhaps just a glimmer in your parents’ eyes, you might recall the immense popularity of fruit dessert pizza. Alongside fondue, crepes, and crockpot creations, fruit pizza was a household favorite, gracing potlucks and family gatherings with its colorful presence. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal that this classic dessert is once again popping up on foodie blogs and kitchen tables everywhere, proving that some trends are truly timeless.
The Enduring Appeal of Homemade Fruit Pizza
This isn’t just any fruit pizza recipe; it’s *the* recipe, carefully preserved from my earliest days of cooking in the 70s. My original recipe card, stained with fingerprints and well-worn from countless uses, is proof of its age and cherished status in my family. It’s a recipe that has brought joy to generations, and I’m thrilled to share its secrets with you. It’s truly a good thing that fruit pizza is experiencing a resurgence, because it means more people can discover the magic of this particular rendition.
Just look at this stunning rendition below! My son baked this very recipe recently, and the results are simply gorgeous, with the same incredible flavor that has captivated our family for decades. It’s a dish that continues to inspire and delight, bridging generations with its irresistible taste and festive presentation.
What Makes This Fruit Pizza Recipe the Best?
Our Sugar Cookie Crusted Fruit Pizza stands out from the rest due to its three incredible components, each contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a harmonious blend of a perfectly tender crust, a rich, creamy filling, and a glistening, sweet glaze that binds it all together.
The “Wow” Factor: A Perfectly Baked Sugar Cookie Crust
The primary “wow” factor of this dessert undoubtedly comes from its foundation: a luscious sugar cookie crust. Made with a delightful combination of butter and vegetable shortening, this crust bakes up with a unique texture that’s both chewy and tender. I assure you, you’ll be tempted to eat the dough straight out of the bowl! It’s incredibly flavorful and forms the perfect base, providing a buttery sweetness that complements the fresh fruit beautifully. Unlike a typical pastry crust, this sugar cookie base adds an irresistible sweetness and soft chewiness that elevates the entire dessert, making every bite a pure delight.
The Creamy & Sweet Mascarpone Cheese Filling
Layered atop the cooled sugar cookie crust is a heavenly, sweet mascarpone cheese filling. This Italian cream cheese, known for its rich and velvety texture, brings a luxurious smoothness to the fruit pizza. It’s subtly sweet, perfectly balanced by a hint of fruit juice, creating a creamy white layer that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, contributing to our patriotic color scheme. This filling acts as a gentle cushion for the fruit, adding a sophisticated touch without overpowering the natural flavors.
The Irresistible Fruity Glaze
The final, magical touch is a vibrant, fruity sugar glaze. This homemade glaze is what truly takes this fruit pizza to sweet heaven! Crafted from the drained juice of canned fruit, thickened with cornstarch and sweetened to perfection, it creates a beautiful sheen and intensifies the fruit flavors. Drizzled generously over the arranged fruit, it adds a burst of sweetness and a glossy finish, making the fruit shine and enhancing the overall appeal. It seals in the freshness of the fruit and provides an extra layer of sweetness that ties all the elements together into one spectacular dessert.
The sweet fruit juicy glaze to drizzle on top!
We like to make the cookie crust thick and chewy, but you can make it as thin as you like.
Sugar Cookie Crusted Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza Recipe
Here is the cherished family recipe for this spectacular dessert. This recipe has been refined over decades to ensure perfect results every time. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping fruit pizza that will be the highlight of your next gathering.
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Sugar Cookie Crusted Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza
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5 from 39 reviews
Author: Roz
Prep Time: 0 hours
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Ingredients
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For the Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1–3/4 cups sugar
- 2 jumbo eggs
- 2–3/4 cups flour
- 2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
For the Filling
- 4 Tbsp. fruit juice drained from a LARGE can of fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.)
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
- 3/4 cup sugar
For the Glaze
- Remaining fruit juice from a LARGE can of fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.)
- 2 Tbsp. corn starch
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (sweeten it to your preference level).
Instructions
Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
- Mix all of the crust ingredients together until well combined and a soft dough forms. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and a consistent texture.
- Spray a medium-sized pizza pan (approximately 12-14 inches) with a non-stick cooking spray. You can also press the dough into a rectangular baking sheet for a different shape.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pizza pan, forming a uniform crust. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 – 20 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook; a slightly soft crust is perfectly acceptable and will result in a chewier texture. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding. Rushing this step can cause the filling to melt or become watery.
Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the fruit juice, softened mascarpone cheese, and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and well combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Glaze
- Pour ALL of the remaining fruit juice from the LARGE can of fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.) into a small saucepan. This juice forms the flavorful base of our glaze.
- Whisk in the corn starch until no lumps remain. The cornstarch is essential for thickening the glaze to the right consistency.
- Cook the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and becomes clear. Do not boil vigorously.
- Stir in the sugar, adjusting the amount from 1/2 to 3/4 cup based on your sweetness preference. Continue to cook for another minute until the sugar is dissolved. If you desire more glaze, you can add a small amount of water to thin it, ensuring it retains its flavor. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Fruit Pizza
- Once the cookie crust has cooled completely, evenly spread the prepared mascarpone cheese filling over the entire surface of the crust.
- Arrange the fresh fruit of your choice artistically on top of the cheese filling. For the classic red, white, and blue patriotic theme, we recommend using sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for red and blue, and sliced bananas or peaches for white (add bananas last to prevent browning).
- (For specifically red, white & blue colors, make sure to use a generous selection of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. For a touch of white, sliced bananas or even peeled, sliced peaches work wonderfully.)
- Generously drizzle the cooled glaze all over the top of the fruit and fruit pizza. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor and shine.
- Chill the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least several hours (ideally 2-4 hours) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the crust to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This fruit pizza is incredibly versatile. While it’s a showstopper for the 4th of July, you can easily adapt it for any occasion by simply changing the fruit topping. For a springtime brunch, consider kiwis, mandarins, and grapes. In the fall, thinly sliced apples and pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon would be delightful. Always aim for fresh, seasonal fruits for the best flavor and vibrant presentation.
For a lighter alternative, you could experiment with a graham cracker crust or even a gluten-free cookie crust. The mascarpone filling is already rich, but for an even more decadent experience, a thin layer of cream cheese frosting mixed with a touch of whipped cream could be an indulgent variation. The glaze can also be customized; try using different fruit juices like cranberry or cherry for a distinct flavor profile.
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Pizza
- Cool the Crust Completely: This is a critical step. A warm crust will melt the mascarpone filling, leading to a soggy dessert. Patience is key here!
- Choose Your Fruit Wisely: For the best aesthetic and taste, select ripe, firm fruits. If using very juicy fruits like watermelon, consider patting them dry lightly before placing them on the pizza to prevent excess moisture.
- Arrangement Matters: Have fun with the fruit arrangement! A circular pattern, stripes, or even a free-form mosaic can make your fruit pizza a visual masterpiece.
- Prevent Browning: If using fruits like bananas or apples that tend to brown, toss them lightly in a small amount of lemon juice before arranging. Or, simply add them as the very last step just before serving.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the fruit pizza to chill for at least a few hours (or even overnight) lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, and the crust and filling set perfectly.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delicious.
I genuinely hope that you enjoy my cherished family recipe for Sugar Cookie Crusted Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza. It’s truly special to us, a labor of love passed down through generations, and a source of countless happy memories.
Happy 4th of July!!