Independence Day is right around the corner this weekend. Do you get as excited for the 4th of July as we do? With all the parties, BBQs, picnics and fireworks happening, everyone is all smiles as they come together with friends and family to commemorate the nation’s independence. When it comes to food, we always try to celebrate the 4th of July in style by including a little red, white and blue in our spread. And what could be more patriotic than an American Flag Pie to celebrate the 4th of July? We can’t think of many other things. After all, if there’s ever a time to have pie, then July 4th is definitely it. This fruit and cream pie is the quintessential All-American dessert and is incredibly easy to put together.
When it comes to creating our recipes, we believe that the little details matter. The perfect strawberry is candy-sweet, luscious and floral. This excellence in flavor and quality can be found in the strawberries from Harry’s Berries. Harry’s Berries is a California family farm that was founded in Oxnard in 1967. There, you can find extraordinary specialty varieties of strawberries, fruits and vegetables. For this American Flag Pie recipe, we recommend taking advantage of the exceptional berries that Harry’s Berries has to offer and guarantee you’ll taste the difference.
July 4th: American Flag Pie
Yields: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of Harry’s Berries Strawberries, halved
- 4 cups of Manzano Bananas, sliced
- 3 cups of blueberries
For the crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 to 5 tablespoons of water, ice cold
For the filling
- 1 package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can of condensed milk
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt and stir together. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to mix it into the rest of the dry ingredients. The mixture should be crumbly.
2. Add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough is formed into loose clumps but make sure not to over mix.
3. With your hands, form the dough into a flat disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill it for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator or overnight, if to be used later.
4. Place the crust into a pie dish and press firmly, removing any excess crust. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat for 375 degrees and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Cool the crust at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
5. While the crust bakes, beat together the cream cheese and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. On a low speed, slowly add in the condensed milk. Once mixed, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
6. Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
7. Just before serving, arrange your strawberries, blueberries and bananas in the shape of the American flag. Use the top picture as a reference.
What are your thoughts on this American Flag Pie? Share with us your favorite red, white and blue recipes for Independence Day!