Red, White, and Blue Sourdough Fruit Pizza

There are few things more fun (or delicious) than a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. This Red, White, and Blue Sourdough Fruit Pizza is the perfect showstopper for summer picnics, Fourth of July barbecues, Memorial Day get-togethers, or just when you’re feeling a little extra patriotic. With a buttery sourdough sugar cookie crust, a smooth cream cheese frosting, and juicy red and blue berries arranged in a festive pattern, this treat hits every note: sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy.

It’s easy to make, impressive to look at, and an ideal way to use up a bit of sourdough discard. So let’s dive into how to make this star-spangled dessert your new summer tradition.

The Inspiration Behind This Sourdough Fruit Pizza

This recipe was born from the intersection of classic fruit pizzas and the versatility of sourdough discard. I’ve always loved the nostalgic vibe of fruit pizza. The sugar cookie base, the tangy frosting, the colorful toppings—what's not to love? But add a sourdough twist, and suddenly you've got something extra special: depth of flavor, a touch of tang, and a slightly chewier crust that holds up beautifully under frosting and fruit.

I’ve adapted this version from some of my favorite online inspirations and a few vintage cookbooks I inherited from my grandmother. The result is a dessert that honors tradition but gives it a refreshingly modern, probiotic-powered spin.

Let’s break down the layers of this festive treat.

The Sourdough Sugar Cookie Crust

This is not your average sugar cookie. Thanks to the addition of sourdough starter or discard, the base of this fruit pizza has a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and makes every bite more interesting.

Ingredients:

• 105 g unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 180 g granulated sugar

• 55 g sourdough starter (active or discard)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 205 g all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

2. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, then add the sourdough starter and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough.

4. Chill and prepare the crust: Press the dough into a greased 9-10″ pizza pan or baking sheet. You can use your hands or a small rolling pin to smooth it out. Chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 17-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool the crust completely before adding frosting.

The Cream Cheese Frosting

This creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy layer is the “white” of your red, white, and blue theme. It's simple to whip up and pairs perfectly with the sourdough cookie crust and vibrant fruit toppings.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 Tbsp butter (room temperature)

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat the ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add sugar and vanilla: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

3. Spread it on: Once your crust is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the entire surface.

The Fruit Toppings: Red and Blue Berries

The final touch to your patriotic masterpiece: the fruit! You can go classic with stripes and stars, or create your own edible art. Choose fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and visual appeal.

Red Fruit Options:

• Strawberries (sliced)

• Raspberries

• Cherries (pitted and halved)

• Pomegranate seeds

Blue Fruit Options:

• Blueberries

• Blackberries (for a slightly deeper hue)

How to Decorate:

• For a flag design: Create a blue field in the top left corner using blueberries. Then, make alternating stripes with red fruit (strawberries, raspberries) across the remaining surface.

• For a starburst: Arrange the berries in concentric circles or a spiral starting from the center.

• For a minimalist look: Scatter the berries evenly and top with mint leaves or edible flowers.

Once decorated, place the fruit pizza in the fridge for 1-2 hours to chill and set.

Why Use Sourdough Discard in Dessert?

You might be wondering why you’d want sourdough in a sweet treat like fruit pizza. Here’s why it works:

1. Reduces waste: Instead of tossing your excess sourdough starter, you’re repurposing it into something delicious.

2. Adds depth: Sourdough’s tangy flavor balances the sweetness in desserts.

3. Improves texture: The acidity of the starter helps create a slightly chewier, sturdier cookie base.

4. Probiotic benefit: While most of the live cultures bake off, you still get some nutritional perks like improved digestibility.

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough before baking for a more uniform crust and cleaner edges.

• Cool completely before frosting to avoid a melted mess.

• Use a sharp knife for slicing to avoid dragging through the fruit.

• Make it ahead: This pizza keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Keep it colorful: Try to use fresh, vibrant fruit that contrasts well with the white frosting.

Variations on This Recipe

Want to try something a little different? Here are a few easy ways to adapt this recipe:

• Mini Fruit Pizzas: Press dough into muffin tins for individual cookie cups.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives.

• Tropical Twist: Replace berries with pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a fruity explosion.

• Chocolate Base: Add 2 Tbsp cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate cookie crust.

Make It a Family Tradition

Kids love helping decorate this dessert. Make it a yearly tradition where everyone picks a topping and contributes to the design. It’s also a great way to talk about the meaning behind the holiday while sharing something sweet together.

Bring it to your family picnic, serve it after your neighborhood fireworks show, or make it your contribution to the potluck. Either way, it’s going to be the dish everyone talks about.

And if there are leftovers? Store them covered in the fridge and enjoy a chilled slice with your morning coffee. You’re welcome.

Final Thoughts

Red, White, and Blue Sourdough Fruit Pizza is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s beautiful, festive, and just the right amount of indulgent. With the added bonus of using up your sourdough discard, it’s as practical as it is pretty.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to bake something special with the kids, this fruit pizza is the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition. Bookmark it. Share it. Bake it. Celebrate with it.