Fruit Pizza

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe features a delicious brown sugar cookie crust topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and your favorite fresh fruits. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat, it’s a fun dessert that everyone will love. The blend of flavors and textures makes this fruit pizza a standout choice for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Fruit Pizza comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Customizable Toppings: You can use any fresh fruits you like, from strawberries to kiwi, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer barbecue, this dessert fits right in and impresses guests.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of the sweet cookie crust and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to decorate their own slices with their favorite fruits.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Fruit Pizza journey, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking pan (quarter sheet, 9 x 13-inch dish, or 12-inch round pizza pan)
• Cooking spray
• Wire baking rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a fluffy texture for your crust.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking, which is key for a perfectly cooked cookie base.

Ingredients

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is made with my favorite brown sugar cookie crust, spread with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, and then topped with your favorite combination of fruit!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– fresh strawberries, (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit that sounds good!)
– optional fresh honey, for drizzling

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease either a quarter sheet pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl either with a stand mixer (with the blade attachment) or hand mixer:
1. Beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Beat on medium speed until completely combined; scrape down the sides if needed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add in the dry ingredients:
1. Beat on low speed until just combined.
2. Avoid over-mixing the dough.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Crust

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan/dish:
1. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough to prevent bubbling.
2. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Transfer to a wire baking rack to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Meanwhile, whisk together the frosting ingredients until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

Spread the frosting evenly on the baked cookie crust:
1. Sprinkle with your favorite fruit.
2. Drizzle with honey if desired.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, serving suggestions can enhance the experience. Here are some fun ideas to serve your Fruit Pizza.

At a Party

• Slice it Up: Cut your Fruit Pizza into small squares for easy sharing at parties. This allows guests to enjoy a bite-sized piece along with other treats.
• Individual Servings: Use cupcake liners or small plates to serve individual pieces. This adds a personal touch and makes it easy for guests to grab and go.

With Ice Cream

• A La Mode: Serve warm slices of Fruit Pizza with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm cookie crust and cold ice cream is irresistible!
• Sundae Style: Create an ice cream sundae bar alongside your Fruit Pizza. Let guests choose their favorite toppings to add over their slice.

For Breakfast

• Morning Treat: Enjoy a slice of Fruit Pizza as a sweet breakfast option. It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.
• Brunch Delight: Serve it at brunch gatherings alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a colorful, healthy spread.

As Dessert

• Post-Dinner Sweetness: Present slices after dinner as a refreshing dessert option. The fruity topping cleanses the palate and satisfies sweet cravings.
• Garnish with Mint: Add fresh mint leaves on top of each slice for an elegant touch when serving as dessert.

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How to Perfect Fruit Pizza

To achieve the best results with your Fruit Pizza, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert looks beautiful and tastes amazing.

• Bold Cookie Crust: Ensure you press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking. This will prevent any uneven texture in your crust.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries not only look great but taste delicious too.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the assembled pizza to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps set the frosting and makes slicing easier.
• Use Quality Cream Cheese: Opt for high-quality cream cheese for your frosting. It elevates the overall taste and texture of your Fruit Pizza.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different fruits or even nuts on top of your pizza. Get creative with combinations that suit your taste!
• Drizzle Wisely: If using honey, drizzle it sparingly over the fruit for added sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Pizza

Pairing side dishes with your Fruit Pizza can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.

1. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience.
3. Fruit Salad: Offer a refreshing fruit salad that highlights seasonal produce, making it a light accompaniment.
4. Veggie Tray: Serve crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with hummus; this adds crunch and color to your spread.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate alongside fruit skewers as an interactive dessert option that pairs well with your pizza.
6. Cookies or Brownies: Include an assortment of cookies or brownies for those who want more sweets during dessert time.
7. Pineapple Salsa: A tropical pineapple salsa can be served on the side, adding zest and brightness that complements your pizza’s flavors.
8. Sparkling Water: Offer sparkling water infused with lemon or lime for a refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate between bites.

These side dishes will make enjoying your Fruit Pizza even more delightful!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fruit Pizza can be simple, but a few common mistakes might affect your results.

• Using cold ingredients: If your butter or cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend well. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
• Over-mixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough crust. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a tender texture.
• Not pre-baking the crust: Skipping the pre-bake may result in a soggy base. Always bake the crust until lightly golden to ensure it’s set properly.
• Choosing the wrong fruit: Some fruits release too much juice and can make your pizza soggy. Opt for firmer fruits like strawberries and blueberries for best results.
• Skipping the frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds creamy texture and flavor. Don’t leave it out; it’s essential for a tasty topping!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Fruit Pizza in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fruit Pizza

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fruit Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fruit Pizza?

Fruit Pizza is a dessert made with a sweet cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruits, making it both colorful and delicious.

How do I customize my Fruit Pizza?

You can customize your Fruit Pizza by using different cookie bases, adding flavored extracts to the frosting, or choosing various fruits according to your taste preferences.

Can I make Fruit Pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie crust and frosting ahead of time but wait to add fruit until serving time to keep it fresh.

What type of fruits work best on Fruit Pizza?

Fruits that hold their shape well are ideal. Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and bananas are popular choices that add color and flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour blends as a substitute in the cookie crust recipe to make it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe combines a delightful brown sugar crust with creamy frosting and vibrant fruits. Perfect for gatherings or dessert tables, you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Give it a try; it’s sure to be a hit!