Strawberry Pizza

Strawberry Pizza is a fun and imaginative dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a rich cream cheese layer, all beautifully presented atop a delicious sugar cookie crust. This dish is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. With a base that is both soft and chewy from the sugar cookie dough and a creamy topping that gives way to the juicy, fresh strawberries, Strawberry Pizza is a treat for the taste buds and the eyes alike.

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What You’ll Need for Strawberry Pizza

Complete Ingredients List

• 2 (16 oz) tubes store-bought sugar cookie dough
• 2 lbs strawberries, sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 (3 oz) packet strawberry jello mix
• 2 (8 oz) blocks softened cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to replace the traditional cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the sugar cookie dough with gluten-free cookie dough or make your dough using gluten-free flour.
• Reduced Sugar: For a healthier option, you can use less sugar in both the cookie dough and the cream cheese filling or opt for sugar alternatives.
• Flavor Variations: You can add a layer of chocolate drizzle, or use other fruit varieties such as blueberries or raspberries to create a mixed berry pizza.

How to Make Strawberry Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Begin by cutting the logs of store-bought cookie dough into one-inch rounds. Place these cookie dough rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press them down gently to form a crust. Be sure to maintain a consistent thickness, as this will ensure even baking. Bake the cookie crust for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Glaze

While the cookie crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the delicious strawberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk the two dry ingredients until well combined. Gradually pour in 1 cup of cold water while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously as the mixture begins to heat. Keep stirring until it thickens; this should take about 5 minutes. Once your mixture has thickened properly, pour in the packet of strawberry jello mix, whisking until the glaze is smooth and well mixed. Allow it to cool down while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 (8 oz) blocks of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Pizza

Now that all your components are prepared and cooled, it’s time to assemble your Strawberry Pizza. Start by spreading an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled sugar cookie base. Next, drizzle the thick strawberry glaze generously over the cream cheese layer. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze to use later. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in an aesthetically pleasing manner, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Finally, take the reserved glaze and brush it over the strawberries to give them a beautiful shine. This step not only elevates the look but also adds another layer of flavor. Chill your Strawberry Pizza in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Pizza

How to Serve Strawberry Pizza

Strawberry Pizza is best served chilled, as the cold temperature accentuates the flavors of the strawberries and the cream cheese. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the pizza into squares. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve the Strawberry Pizza on a platter, garnished with a few fresh strawberries for an eye-catching presentation.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

While Strawberry Pizza is delightful on its own, you can elevate the dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For some added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or a few chocolate shavings on top. A sprig of mint can also add a beautiful finishing touch.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Pizza

Best Storage Methods

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Strawberry Pizza in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container or cover it well with plastic wrap. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. However, due to the nature of the strawberries and the cream cheese, it’s not recommended to leave it at room temperature for long periods.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

Since Strawberry Pizza is meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. If you want to preserve it for a longer duration, you can freeze individual squares. To do this, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Keep in mind that the texture of the strawberries may change once frozen, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pizza Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One common mistake is not allowing the cookie crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture, which can lead to a soupy consistency. Another issue could be overbaking the cookie crust; watch closely to ensure the edges are golden without becoming too hard.

Helpful Tricks for Success

To save time, consider using a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of baking a cookie base from scratch. You can also prepare the cream cheese mixture and glaze a day in advance to save time when you’re ready to assemble the Strawberry Pizza. For optimal flavor, ensure your strawberries are at peak ripeness—this makes all the difference!

Fun Variations of Strawberry Pizza

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Feel free to experiment with your Strawberry Pizza by adding different fruits or flavors. Consider a mix of berries, or try adding sliced bananas or kiwi for added color and flavor. You could even incorporate a chocolate layer beneath the cream cheese for a rich chocolatey twist.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To make this dessert vegan, replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, you can use a vegan cookie dough or even make a crust from blended nuts that aligns with your dietary needs. For a sugar-free version, consider using sugar substitutes in the crust and filling.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Pizza Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your Strawberry Pizza ends up too dry or crumbly, it might be a sign that the cookie crust was overbaked. Make sure to monitor the baking time closely and make adjustments as necessary. If the glaze is too runny, ensure you’ve thickened it properly on the stove by allowing it to mix well with the cornstarch and sugar before adding the strawberry jello.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie crust and cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store each component separately. Assemble the pizza a few hours before serving. This gives it time for flavors to develop while avoiding sogginess.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you’re having difficulty finding fresh strawberries, look for frozen strawberries or other berries in season. Cream cheese can also be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but note that it may alter the flavor slightly.

In conclusion, Strawberry Pizza is a delightful dessert that caters to diverse palates, bringing a wave of freshness and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, following these tips and variations can help you create the perfect Strawberry Pizza every time. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures as you slice into this berry-infused treat!

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