Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the richness of a cream cheese frosting, all atop a soft and buttery sugar cookie crust. It’s a visually appealing and delicious treat, perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, refreshing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sugar cookie crust provides a tender and slightly crisp base, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the fresh fruits. The vibrant colors of the assorted fruits not only make the pizza look appealing but also add a variety of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with family, Fruit Pizza is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, mandarin oranges)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray.

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pizza pan, forming a 12-inch circle. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Frosting:

   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

   • Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until well combined and smooth.

   • Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie crust.

3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:

   • Arrange the fresh fruits on top of the cream cheese frosting in a decorative pattern of your choice.

   • For added shine and sweetness, you can drizzle a bit of honey over the fruit.

4. Serve:

   • Slice the fruit pizza into wedges or squares and serve immediately.

   • If not serving immediately, refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 16–18 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the crust.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter for the crust.

• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute in both the crust and frosting to make a sugar-free version.

• Mini Fruit Pizzas: Instead of a large pizza, make individual-sized fruit pizzas by pressing the dough into muffin tins.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover fruit pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust may soften over time due to the moisture from the fruits.

• Reheating: It’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you prefer to warm it slightly, place individual slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as a shortcut. Just press it into the pan and bake according to the package instructions.

How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese frosting. Additionally, pat the fresh fruits dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the crust a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the fruit pizza.

What fruits are best for fruit pizza?

Fruits that hold up well and add vibrant color are ideal. Consider using strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, and mandarin oranges. Avoid fruits like bananas and apples, as they can brown quickly.

Can I freeze fruit pizza?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled fruit pizza, as the fruits can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the baked and cooled crust for up to 1 month. Thaw before adding the frosting and fruits.

Conclusion

Fruit Pizza is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the richness of cream cheese frosting, all atop a soft sugar cookie crust. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a fun dessert to make with the family, Fruit Pizza is sure to impress.