The Better Baker: "Lightened" Strawberry Pizza

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

"Lightened" Strawberry Pizza

I'm happy to be sharing this delightful summer dessert, and wanted to be sure I shared it before summer comes to an end.

In my humble opinion, fresh summer strawberries can't be beat! Add cream cheese, and a crunchy crust and you've got a real winner!

The dear friend I received this recipe from, always chooses to share this recipe whenever she gets an email recipe exchange request.

(Thank you Kristal!)

It's easy enough to put together and will be gone quickly, so make sure you have the ingredients to make another....pronto!

{It was good enough to add to my cookbook too.}

Changes I made: I cut the butter by 1 Tb. for the called amount. Not that it makes much difference, except it isn't as sticky when pressing into the pan. Instead of the block of cream cheese, I found an 8 oz. tub of strawberry cream cheese spread - 1/3 reduced fat - hiding out in my fridge.

Because it was already sweetened, I didn't add the powdered sugar. (You can always substitute splenda if you need to watch the sugar intake). I also used the sugar free glaze.

It is so delicious. I ate my first piece for breakfast - right after I made it. And another piece for lunch.

You get the idea I'm sure.

STRAWBERRY PIZZA

1-1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 c. cold butter, cut into chunks

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. chopped pecans

1 - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 - 8 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed

4 c. cleaned, sliced fresh strawberries

1 - 16 oz. pkg. strawberry glaze

Preheat oven to 350. In lg. bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar and nuts. Spread on 14" pizza pan or 10" X 15" X 1" cookie sheet.

Bake 12 - 15 minutes until browned. Cool.

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set up.

In large bowl, combine fresh strawberries and glaze until coated. Spread out over cream cheese filling, then top with dollops of Cool Whip to serve. Keep leftovers refrigerated.

Enjoy every tasty bite!!!!