Buttery Shortbread Patriotic Fruit Pizza Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly onto a 12-inch pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a solid circle. Prick all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth using an electric mixer.
6. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Once the shortbread crust is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
8. Decorate the pizza by arranging the fruit into patriotic sections: sliced strawberries for red, banana slices for white, and blueberries for blue.
9. Refrigerate the finished Patriotic Fruit Pizza for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.