American Flag Fruit Pizza: A Sweet and Patriotic Showstopper
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious, this American Flag Fruit Pizza is it. A soft sugar cookie crust topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting and fresh red, white, and blue fruit arranged to resemble the American flag—it’s the perfect blend of sweet, fresh, and festive.
Look, I love fireworks and backyard burgers as much as the next person—but if there’s one thing that really brings people together on the 4th of July, it’s dessert. And this fruit pizza? It’s always the star of the spread.
This dessert is a total crowd-pleaser. The soft cookie base is like a sugar cookie and shortbread had a delicious baby. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy touch. And the fresh fruit? It’s juicy, naturally sweet, and turns this treat into an edible work of art.
Bonus: It’s easy enough for kids to help decorate, and trust me—they will love placing those “stars” and “stripes.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun – It’s shaped like the American flag. Need we say more?
- Fresh and fruity – Strawberries and blueberries make it feel light and summery.
- Great for crowds – Slice it into squares or wedges for easy serving.
- Customizable – Swap the fruit, add flavor to the frosting, or make it gluten-free.
- A memory-maker – Perfect for getting the family or kids involved in decorating.
And let’s be honest—it’s kind of impossible not to smile while eating a flag-shaped dessert.
Ingredients (with fun notes!)
For the cookie crust:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
(Shortcut: You can totally use a tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough if you’re short on time—no judgment here.)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for spreading)
For the flag design (fruit toppings):
- ¾ cup blueberries
- 1½ cups sliced strawberries
- Mini marshmallows or banana slices for the white stripes (optional)
Instructions
Make the cookie crust:
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
Shape and bake:
Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan (or shape it into a rectangle or oval on a baking sheet). Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting:
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy, adding a tablespoon of milk if needed to thin it out. Chill the frosting briefly if it gets too soft.
Frost the crust:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Try not to eat too much with a spoon (or do—you deserve it).
Decorate with fruit:
In the top-left corner, make a square of blueberries to represent the stars section.
Arrange alternating rows of strawberry slices and mini marshmallows or banana slices across the rest of the pizza to mimic the red and white stripes.
Keep it casual or go full precision mode—it’s fun either way.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the frosting set and makes it easier to cut into clean squares.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and frost the crust a day ahead, then decorate with fruit right before serving for the freshest look.
Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?
You can, but whipped cream doesn’t hold up as well if you’re making this in advance or serving it outside. The cream cheese frosting is sturdier (and tastier, IMO).
Q: Can I use other fruits?
Of course! Raspberries, blackberries, cherries, or even red grapes work great. Just keep the color scheme in mind.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. The fruit may get a little juicy, but it still tastes delicious.
Tips To Make This Recipe Stand Out
- Chill your frosting before spreading if it’s too soft—especially on a hot day.
- Use a piping bag for cleaner fruit lines if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- Brush banana slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add a citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the frosting for a flavor boost.
- Make mini versions – Use sugar cookie dough in muffin tins for individual flag bites!
American Flag Fruit Pizza
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Shortcut: 1 tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tbsp milk as needed
- For Topping Flag Design:
- ¾ cup blueberries
- 1½ cups strawberries sliced
- Mini marshmallows or banana slices for white stripes, optional
Instructions
- Make Crust: Cream butter & sugar. Add egg & vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake: Press into greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 15–18 mins. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese & butter. Add sugar & vanilla. Add milk if needed.
- Assemble: Spread frosting on cooled crust.
- Decorate:
- Blueberries in top-left corner for stars
- Alternate rows of strawberries and marshmallows/bananas for stripes
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing & serving.
