Strawberry Dessert Pizza
A light, fruity dessert pizza featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy topping, and fresh strawberries, perfect for summer gatherings and sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a pan to form the crust.
- In a bowl, mix Cool Whip, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the crust.
- In a saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil and cook until thick and clear, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add strawberry jello, stirring until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool until it thickens slightly, then pour over the topping layer.
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top to cover the surface.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a firmer crust, consider using a mix of graham cracker crumbs and finely crushed nuts. You can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure to let the jello mixture cool before pouring it over the cream layer to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Dessert Pizza is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with Aunt Ruth's Peanut Butter Cups (Dream Bars). Serve it alongside a light salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the strawberries, consider adding them just before serving. The dessert can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, making it a refreshing treat on warm days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Dessert Pizza contains roughly 617 calories, with 2g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jello for the topping?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries to create a more natural topping. Simply slice the strawberries and arrange them on top of the cream layer. If you prefer, you can make a fruit glaze with sugar and cornstarch to help them hold their shape.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a suitable alternative like almond flour mixed with melted butter for the crust. Check the labels on the Cool Whip and cream cheese to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and creamy layer a day ahead and assemble the dessert the day of serving. Just make sure to keep the jello mixture refrigerated until you're ready to pour it over the cream layer to maintain its consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).