Fruit Pizza Recipe

This dessert consists of a cookie crust, usually made from sugar or shortbread dough, which is baked and then topped with a sweet, creamy base. The base is often made of cream cheese or whipped topping, providing a smooth texture.

Fruit pizza is an easy way to enjoy the refreshing taste of fruit in a new, exciting form. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to eating healthy while indulging in something sweet. For a summer barbecue or a family gathering, fruit pizza will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic pizza. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

• Sweet and Savory: It combines the sweet taste of fresh fruit with the creamy texture of the base, creating a balanced, satisfying, and refreshing flavor.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fruit, this pizza is a healthy treat, offering vitamins and antioxidants that are great for your body.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or a summer barbecue, fruit pizza adds a fun and colorful touch to your meal.
• Easy to Make: It’s simple to prepare, especially if you use pre-made dough or a cookie base, and it’s a fun activity to do with kids or friends.

Ingredients for a Fruit Pizza

Making a fruit pizza is simple and fun! Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to prepare this sweet treat:

• The dough is the base of your fruit pizza. You can use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. The dough is usually soft and slightly sweet, providing the perfect foundation for your toppings.
• All-purpose flour: This is used to make the dough. It gives the pizza the right texture and structure, helping it hold all the delicious toppings without getting soggy.
• Cream cheese: This creamy base layer adds richness and a slight tang to the pizza. It also helps bind the toppings, making each bite smooth and flavorful.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer, giving it a smooth, sugary taste that complements the fruit on top. Adjust the sweetness to your liking!
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture. It enhances the overall taste, giving the pizza a hint of vanilla that pairs well with the fresh fruit.
• Fruit is the star of the show! You can use any fruit you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, bananas, or peaches. Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and color to your pizza, making it delicious and visually appealing.

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Ingredients

For the cookie crust:

• 1 package of sugar cookie dough (or homemade dough)
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour (for dusting)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)

For the fruit topping:

• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the sugar cookie dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the dough cools, make the frosting. Combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Fruit Pizza: Once the cookie crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, leaving a small border around the edges for a neat look.

Add the Fresh Fruit: Arrange your fresh fruits on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern. Be creative with your fruit combinations—use berries, citrus, or even tropical fruits like mango for variety!

Serve and Enjoy: Once your pizza is assembled, cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy the balance of sweetness from the fruits and the creamy frosting on a soft, crisp cookie base.

Fruit Pizza Variation

The beauty of pizza is its versatility. You can change the toppings to match the season or your personal preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

• Classic Fruit Pizza: The original pizza features a sugar cookie crust, topped with a cream cheese frosting, and decorated with various colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple.
• Chocolate Fruit Pizza: For chocolate lovers, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the fruit or use a chocolate spread as the base instead of cream cheese frosting.
• Berry Blast Fruit Pizza: Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a berry-packed pizza. You can even add a sprinkle of mint for a refreshing touch.
• Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza: For gluten-free options, substitute the regular dough with a gluten-free crust made from almond flour or a gluten-free sugar cookie mix.

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert, especially in warmer weather. Here’s how to serve it:

Slice it like a pizza: After assembling your pizza, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges.

Serve immediately or after chilling: pizza is best when eaten soon after it’s made, but if you need to prepare it in advance, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Individual slices: If you’re serving at a party, consider cutting smaller individual slices to make it easier for guests to grab and go.

Pair with drinks: Serve alongside refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade for a complete summer experience.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store your pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days, as the fruit may lose its freshness. You can also make the dough in advance and freeze it, allowing you to prepare the pizza quickly when you’re ready to serve. Avoid storing fruit pizza with the fruit already on it for long periods, as the moisture from the fruit may make the crust soggy. Instead, store the crust and the fruit separately and assemble them before serving for the best texture.

FAQs About Fruit Pizza