Fruit Pizza Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Fruit pizza is the perfect dessert for any summer gathering, combining a delicious brown sugar cookie crust, a creamy frosting, and vibrant fresh fruit. This dessert is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite fruits to top the pizza. Whether you’re preparing for a picnic, holiday gathering, or just a family treat, this fruit pizza is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza stands out because of its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The rich, soft brown sugar cookie crust serves as a sturdy base, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet, juicy fruits. The beauty of fruit pizza lies in its simplicity – it’s easy to make, yet always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase seasonal fruits and add a colorful touch to any table.

Ingredients for Fruit Pizza

To make a delicious fruit pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Brown Sugar Cookie Crust

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookie crust.
• Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly for a tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the crust.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Light brown sugar: Gives the crust its signature sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the dough set.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a classic warm flavor.
• Almond extract: A hint of almond flavor gives a lovely depth.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Low-fat cream cheese: The creamy base of the frosting with a tangy flavor.
• Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the frosting (or use powdered sugar for a more traditional option).
• Vanilla extract: Complements the cream cheese with a soft, aromatic flavor.
• Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Fruit Toppings

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, or bananas: Choose your favorite fruits to add a burst of color and flavor.
• Optional honey glaze: Drizzle a little honey over the fruit for extra sweetness and shine.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you prefer to make this fruit pizza dairy-free, simply swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative, and use maple syrup for sweetness. You can also make a healthier version by replacing the cream cheese frosting with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Fruit Pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a quarter sheet pan, 9×13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
3. Shape the dough: Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, using wet fingers to prevent sticking. Optionally, chill the dough for about 10 minutes before pressing for easier handling.
4. Bake the crust: Bake the cookie dough for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let the crust cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the frosting: While the crust cools, whisk together the cream cheese, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the fruit pizza: Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cookie base. Top with your choice of fresh fruit, arranging it however you like. Optionally, drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice the fruit pizza into pieces and serve immediately. For best results, enjoy it fresh, as the crust may become soggy after a few hours.

Tips & Tricks for Making the Perfect Fruit Pizza

• Prevent sogginess: If you plan to make the fruit pizza ahead of time, keep the frosting and fruit toppings separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the crust.
• Flavor variation: You can customize the frosting by adding a bit of lemon zest for a tangy twist or mixing in a little cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Healthy swaps: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for the frosting. You can also substitute the cookie crust with a gluten-free option if needed.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Fruit pizza is a versatile dessert that pairs well with various other dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled meats for a well-rounded meal. It’s also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Fun Variations

• 4th of July Fruit Pizza: Decorate with red strawberries, blueberries, and bananas for a patriotic look.
• Valentine’s Day Fruit Pizza: Slice strawberries into heart shapes for a sweet twist.
• Holiday Fruit Pizza: Top with kiwi, strawberries, and fresh mint for a festive touch.

Make-ahead Tips

While fruit pizza is best served fresh, you can prepare the cookie crust and frosting in advance. Keep the components stored separately in the fridge, and assemble them just before serving.

Why Fruit Pizza is the Ultimate Summer Dessert

Fruit pizza combines everything that makes summer desserts so appealing: fresh, colorful fruit, a rich yet light base, and a creamy topping. It’s also incredibly customizable, so you can cater to different tastes or dietary preferences with ease. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday celebration, or just looking for a fun dessert, this fruit pizza is always a hit.

With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, fruit pizza is a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion: A Fun and Delicious Dessert for All

Fruit pizza is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, and flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, enjoying a family gathering, or simply indulging in a refreshing treat on a warm day, this easy fruit pizza recipe is sure to shine. With its customizable toppings and simple steps, it’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Plus, the combination of the rich brown sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and vibrant fruits makes this dessert a visual and gastronomic delight. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and enjoy the endless variations of this fun recipe.

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