Fruit Pizza

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is a delightful dessert that brings together a sweet brown sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and vibrant fresh fruit. It’s perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to summer barbecues. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Fruit Pizza comes together in just one hour, making it a simple dessert choice for busy days.
• Customizable Toppings: You can use any fruit you like, allowing you to create your perfect mix of flavors.
• Deliciously Sweet: The brown sugar cookie base paired with cream cheese frosting offers a unique taste that’s sure to please.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12-16 servings, this dessert is ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful fruit on top creates an impressive visual display that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful Fruit Pizza, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Quarter sheet pan or 9 x 13-inch baking dish or 12-inch round pizza pan
• Whisk
• Fork
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy—an important step for texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using different-sized bowls helps keep ingredients organized while preparing your Fruit Pizza.

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

First, heat your 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: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl using either a stand mixer (with the blade attachment) or hand mixer:
1. Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—this should take about 2 minutes.
2. Add in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts. Beat again until fully combined.
3. Gradually add in the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing the dough.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan/dish:
* Use a fork to poke several holes in the dough to prevent bubbling.
* Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
* Once done, transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While your crust cools:
1. In another bowl, whisk together all frosting ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cookie crust:
* Top with fresh fruit of your choice.
* Drizzle with honey if you desire additional sweetness.
Slice into pieces and enjoy!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it for a party, a family gathering, or just as a sweet snack, there are many creative ways to present this colorful dessert.

Individual Slices

• Serve fruit pizza in individual slices for easy serving. This way, guests can grab their piece and enjoy it without needing plates or utensils.

Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by cutting the fruit pizza into bite-sized squares. This makes it perfect for sharing at potlucks or picnics.

With Ice Cream

• Pair fruit pizza with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the fruity topping perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Breakfast Option

• Serve small slices of fruit pizza as a fun breakfast option alongside coffee or tea. It’s a great way to start the day with something sweet and fruity.

How to Perfect Fruit Pizza

To achieve the best Fruit Pizza, consider these tips that will elevate your dessert game.

• Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruits not only look appealing but also provide the best flavor. Choose seasonal fruits for optimal taste.

• Chill Before Serving: Letting your fruit pizza chill in the fridge for a while enhances its flavors and makes it more refreshing when served cold.

• Avoid Over-Mixing: When preparing the cookie crust, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can result in tough dough rather than a tender crust.

• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits and toppings like nuts or granola for added texture and flavor.

• Choose the Right Pan: Using the right size pan ensures even baking. A quarter sheet pan is ideal for thicker cookies, while a round pizza pan gives it that classic shape.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza pairs well with several side dishes that enhance its sweetness and freshness. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: A small bowl of plain Greek yogurt offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit pizza and adds protein.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixed fruit salad can complement your dessert beautifully by adding more variety and freshness on the table.

3. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide savory bites that balance out the sweetness of the fruit pizza.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These are always a hit! The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with fresh strawberries from your fruit pizza topping.

5. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix brings texture and healthy fats that contrast nicely with the creamy frosting on your dessert.

6. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea make excellent pairings, enhancing the lightness of the fruit pizza experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Fruit Pizza can be simple, but there are a few common missteps that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to a tough crust instead of a soft cookie base. Mix just until combined for the best outcome.

• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the crust to cool prevents the frosting from melting into it. Be patient; it’s worth the wait!

• Using too much frosting: While cream cheese frosting is delicious, too much can overpower the fruit and make it overly sweet. Spread a thin, even layer for balance.

• Selecting fruit with high water content: Fruits like watermelon may make your pizza soggy. Choose firmer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi for better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Fruit Pizza in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it covered to prevent the crust from becoming stale.

Freezing Fruit Pizza

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy storage.
• Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Fruit Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, add fresh fruit after thawing.

Reheating Fruit Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each slice in 15-20 second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fruit Pizza?

Fruit Pizza is a delightful dessert made with a cookie crust, cream cheese frosting, and various fresh fruits on top. It’s customizable and perfect for any occasion!

Can I use different types of fruit on my Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite fruits like bananas, kiwi, or peaches. Just remember to choose fruits that won’t make the crust soggy.

How do I make my Fruit Pizza healthier?

You can substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use honey instead of sugar in the frosting. Opting for whole grain flour in the crust is another great choice!

Can I prepare Fruit Pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookie crust and prepare the frosting beforehand. Assemble it with fresh fruit just before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I prevent my Fruit Pizza from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, ensure your crust is completely cooled before adding frosting and fruit. Using fruits with lower water content also helps maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. The combination of sweet cookie crust and fresh toppings creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or adjust the frosting sweetness to suit your taste. Give this vibrant dessert a try—you won’t regret it!