Fruit Pizza Recipe: A Colorful Delight for All Occasions

Fruit Pizza is a fun and delicious treat that brings together a sweet, buttery crust, a creamy, smooth frosting, and a vibrant array of fresh fruits. This easy-to-make dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday celebration, or a casual family gathering. The combination of textures, from the soft brown sugar cookie base to the creamy cream cheese frosting, topped with fresh fruits, creates a delightful sensory experience. The sweetness of the fruits pairs perfectly with the rich frosting and the slight crunch of the cookie crust, offering a balanced flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this Fruit Pizza will quickly become a family favorite.

Print

Why You Should Make Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is an incredibly versatile dessert. It offers an opportunity to showcase your favorite fruits, whether you love berries, tropical fruits, or stone fruits. The base is made with a brown sugar cookie dough that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor, providing a wonderful contrast to the tangy cream cheese frosting. This dessert is also customizable to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences. The pizza format makes it easy to serve, and the colorful, fresh fruit topping is visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for special occasions.

Moreover, the beauty of Fruit Pizza lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require any complicated steps, and all the ingredients are easy to find. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will be a breeze to prepare. Plus, it’s a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen, allowing them to help decorate the pizza with their favorite fruits.

Ingredients for Fruit Pizza

To create this colorful, sweet masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients for the crust, frosting, and toppings:

Brown Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
• 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (or 1 cup powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit that sounds good!)
• Optional: Fresh honey for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Fruit Pizza

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease either a quarter sheet pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray. This will prevent the cookie crust from sticking and ensure easy removal once baked.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Next, add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful not to over-mix the dough. Over-mixing can result in a tough crust, so stop once everything is blended together.

3. Press the Dough into the Pan

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan or dish. You may want to chill the dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Additionally, wetting your fingers with a little water helps keep the dough from sticking as you press it into the pan. Once the dough is pressed into the pan, use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough. This will prevent it from bubbling up while baking.

4. Bake the Crust

Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookie dough is lightly golden brown. The crust should be firm to the touch but not overly crisp. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool on a wire baking rack for about 20 minutes. This cooling step is important as it helps the crust firm up, making it easier to spread the frosting later.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the crust cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the low-fat cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the maple syrup or honey (depending on your preference for sweetness), vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Continue to beat until everything is well combined. The frosting should be light, smooth, and creamy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add powdered sugar instead of maple syrup or honey.

6. Assemble the Fruit Pizza

Once the cookie crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This frosting layer should be smooth and creamy, creating the perfect base for the fresh fruit.

Next, add your fruit toppings. You can use any combination of fresh fruits that you like. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all great choices, but feel free to get creative. Mango slices, kiwi, or even peaches can be used to add a tropical twist to the pizza. Arrange the fruit in a decorative pattern or simply scatter them across the surface for a more rustic look.

7. Optional Step: Drizzle with Honey

If you’d like to add an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some fresh honey over the fruit. This step is optional, but it adds a nice glaze to the fruit and enhances the overall flavor of the pizza. The honey will complement the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting and the brown sugar cookie crust.

8. Slice and Serve

Once the fruit is arranged to your liking, slice the fruit pizza into 12-16 servings, depending on how large you want each piece to be. The pizza can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up the frosting and make it easier to cut.

Tips and Variations for Fruit Pizza

1. Cookie Crust Variations: While the brown sugar cookie crust is delicious, you can also experiment with other crusts. A traditional sugar cookie crust or even a graham cracker crust could work well. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Fruit Combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix and match fruits based on the season. Summer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are great choices, but fall fruits like apples, pears, and figs could add a wonderful twist.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute it with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a lighter, less tangy topping.
4. Serving Suggestions: Fruit Pizza is perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a fun brunch treat. Serve it alongside refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for a complete dessert experience.
5. Make-Ahead: If you want to prepare the pizza ahead of time, you can make the crust and frosting the day before. Simply store the crust and frosting separately in the fridge, and assemble the pizza with fresh fruit just before serving.

Conclusion

Fruit Pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit paired with a sweet, buttery crust and creamy frosting. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized for any occasion and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just as a treat for yourself, this dessert will never disappoint. With its colorful presentation and delicious flavors, Fruit Pizza is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your favorite fruits, whip up this simple yet impressive dessert, and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven!