Fruit Pizza Recipe

If there’s one dessert I can never say no to, it’s Fruit Pizza! With its soft, chewy brown sugar cookie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a vibrant mosaic of fresh fruit, you get all the best elements of a summer treat in every blissful bite. Not only is it as gorgeous as it is delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a birthday party, or just craving berries and something sweet, this Fruit Pizza brightens any table and puts a big smile on everyone’s face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of pantry staples and seasonal fruit to create something truly memorable. Each ingredient in this Fruit Pizza adds a layer of flavor, color, or texture that brings the whole dessert together and makes every bite special.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie crust, making it sturdy enough to hold all those toppings but soft and tender when you bite in.
• Baking powder: Gives the crust a gentle lift, so it bakes up light rather than dense or heavy.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors and keeps things from tasting overly sweet.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that feels indulgent but never greasy.
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and extra moisture, making the cookie crust chewier and beautifully golden.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds a subtle richness to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: A must for warmth and depth in both the crust and frosting — don’t skip it!
• Almond extract: Just a splash elevates the flavor profile, making the crust extra aromatic.
• Low-fat cream cheese: The base for our silky frosting; using low-fat keeps things lighter without losing the creamy texture.
• Maple syrup or honey (or powdered sugar): Sweetens the frosting naturally and adds a hint of extra flavor (you can pick your favorite).
• Fine sea salt: Balances all that sweetness in the frosting, letting the fruit and cheese flavors shine.
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.): The star of the show — go wild with whatever is bright and ripe!
• Optional honey, for drizzling: Adds shine, a touch of sweetness, and makes the fruit glisten beautifully on top.
• Cooking spray: Ensures your cookie crust pops right out of the pan with no fuss.

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Give your chosen pan—be it a quarter sheet, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a classic 12-inch round pizza pan—a generous coating of cooking spray. This step keeps the Fruit Pizza crust from sticking and makes removing those gorgeous slices a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures the crust will rise evenly and have great texture throughout. Set this mixture aside while you take care of the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar on medium speed for about two minutes. You’re looking for a fluffy, airy mixture—that means more flavor and a perfectly chewy crust in your finished Fruit Pizza.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter-sugar blend, add your egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well, making sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed. This ensures every bite of your Fruit Pizza crust has all the right flavors from top to bottom.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dough

Now it’s time to gently add your dry ingredients to the wet. Beat on low speed until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, which can make the crust tough. You’re aiming for a soft dough that’s easy to press into the pan.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Crust

Carefully press the dough into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough to avoid air bubbles as it bakes. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, until it’s just turning golden and those cookie aromas fill your kitchen. Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before adding any toppings.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the crust cools, beat together the cream cheese, your choice of maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of fine sea salt. The result? A dreamy, tangy frosting that’s the perfect canvas for your fruit art.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cookie crust, then get creative with your sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or any fruit you love. Finish it all with a delicate honey drizzle for extra shine and flavor. Slice into wedges or squares and enjoy your homemade Fruit Pizza!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Garnishes

If you want to dress your Fruit Pizza up a little more, try a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few lemon or orange zest curls over the top. These small touches add bursts of color and flavor, making each slice pop visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

Fruit Pizza is light and refreshing, so it pairs beautifully with other spring or summer favorites. Serve alongside a yogurt parfait, a crisp glass of lemonade, or even a plate of savory tea sandwiches for a celebratory brunch spread that everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider making mini individual Fruit Pizzas by dividing the cookie dough into smaller rounds. Or cut the finished pizza into fun shapes using cookie cutters—hearts, stars, or even letters for a personalized touch. Let guests add their own toppings for a hands-on dessert experience that’s fun and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Fruit Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust will stay pleasantly chewy and the fruit will remain fresh for up to two days, though the sooner you enjoy those leftovers, the better the texture remains.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the undecorated cookie crust rather than the fully assembled Fruit Pizza. Just cool the baked crust, wrap it well, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw, frost, and top with fresh fruit for instant dessert magic.

Reheating

Fruit Pizza is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If your crust feels a bit firm from the fridge, let the pizza sit out for 10-15 minutes—this brings the flavors back to life and ensures the frosting is lusciously soft.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough for Fruit Pizza?

Yes, you can absolutely use a roll of store-bought sugar cookie dough if you’re short on time. Just roll it out in your chosen pan, bake per the package directions, and proceed with frosting and fruit as described above.

What fruits work best on Fruit Pizza?

Any fruit that’s fresh, ripe, and not overly juicy is perfect. Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, mandarin oranges, and sliced grapes are all favorites. Drier fruits hold up better, keeping the dessert neat and colorful.

Can I make Fruit Pizza ahead of time?

You can bake the cookie crust a day in advance and even mix up the frosting ahead of time; just store separately. Assemble with fruit right before serving for the freshest look and taste.

How do I keep the fruit on top from turning soggy?

Pat your fruit dry after washing and add it to the frosting just before serving. If you’re prepping further in advance, you can also brush fruit slices with a little warmed apricot jam to preserve their shine and freshness.

Is there a gluten-free option for Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the crust. Just watch the texture—some gluten-free blends may need an extra tablespoon or two of moisture to come together smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Fruit Pizza is one of those whimsical treats that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you keep it classic or mix up your favorite fruits, it’s guaranteed to charm a crowd and make any occasion a little more special. Don’t wait for a party—get creative with your toppings and enjoy a slice of happiness today!

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