Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza

My favorite holiday is Independence Day, I simply love the 4th of July!
I love there are no gifts to purchase.  I love the attire for the day is bathing suits, shorts, tank tops and flip flops.  I love you can show up to a party with only a watermelon and look like a rock star.   I love this holiday because it is stress free.  Everyone is happy, kids can run wild, the food is simple, the drinks are cold and best of all the weather is perfect for "skinny and tan."

Cheers to summer, the 4th of July 

 and making the perfect

Red, White and Blue dessert!

This fruit pizza has a "not too sweet" 

cookie-like crust, 

cream cheese icing 

and lots of fresh fruit. 

If you are used to reading my blog, you know you

can follow along with the pictures, or
Click here for a printable version

First make the crust:
1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (pecans work too)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a stand mixer, food processor or by hand,
beat butter and sugar until combined
Add flour, oats and nuts
Mixture will be crumbly at first but will press nicely in a cookie sheet.
Press (with your hands) into a greased (cooking spray is fine) 11 x 17 cookie sheet

Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes however start checking around
13 minutes...you want edges brown but don't want crust to burn

In stand mixer, or with hand beaters cream together 16oz softened cream cheese,
2/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla

Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust and top with fruit.
Think Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries for Red, White and Blue

For any other holidays or occasions get creative with kiwi, peaches and mango.