Old Glory Dessert: A Patriotic Cheesecake Delight
This Old Glory Dessert is a delicious and visually appealing cheesecake-like treat, ideal for celebrating any red, white, and blue holiday. This recipe not only brings a festive touch to your table but is also a fantastic project for kids to assist with in the kitchen. The combination of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and blueberries creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings or large groups. With a preparation and cook time of just 30 minutes, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Package of cream cheese |
| 11 | Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar |
| 3/4 | Tablespoon lemon juice |
| 4 1/2 | Cups fresh blueberries |
| 1/2 | Cup fresh strawberries |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 237.7 |
| Total Fat | 13.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.7 mg |
| Sodium | 192.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 13.8 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and reaches the perfect golden-brown color.
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Prepare the Crust: Take a greased jelly roll pan, measuring 15×10 inches, and press the cookie dough into the bottom, ensuring it forms an even layer across the entire surface. This will be the delicious base for your dessert.
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Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely, allowing the crust to firm up, which will make assembly easier.
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Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon juice using a mixer. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a delightful brightness that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
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Reserve a Portion: Carefully set aside 1/4 cup of this creamy mixture. This reserved portion will be used later to create the decorative piping for your dessert.
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Spread the Mixture: Once the crust has cooled, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cookie crust. Use a spatula to ensure it is smooth and covers every inch.
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Arrange the Strawberries: Take the fresh strawberries and slice them if desired. Arrange the strawberries in horizontal rows on top of the cream cheese layer to resemble the stripes of the American flag. Leave enough space for the blueberries to create the star field.
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Add the Blueberries: In the upper left corner of your dessert, place fresh blueberries to form the stars of the flag. Be sure to leave small gaps between the blueberries to allow for piping the reserved cream cheese.
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Pipe the Stars: Take the reserved 1/4 cup of cream cheese mixture and transfer it to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, or you can use a small Ziploc bag with a corner cut off. Beginning in one corner, pipe little stars in the spaces between the blueberries, mimicking the design of the flag.
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Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the Old Glory Dessert until you’re ready to serve. This chilling step not only allows the flavors to meld but also helps the cream cheese mixture set up for easier slicing.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice the dessert into squares and serve. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also refreshing and satisfying, making it a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
Conclusion
The Old Glory Dessert is an easy-to-make treat that delights both kids and adults alike, thanks to its delightful flavor and charming presentation. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any other festive occasion that calls for a touch of patriotism, this dessert will be a hit at your gathering. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it is a fantastic choice for baking with children, offering them a fun way to engage in the kitchen while creating a deliciously sweet centerpiece for your holiday table. Enjoy the burst of flavor from the fresh fruits paired with the rich creaminess of the cheesecake layer, making every bite a moment to cherish.
