Welcome, dear food enthusiasts! If you’re in search of a dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is mouth-watering, then you’ve come to the right place. Fruit pizza combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, tangy goodness of cream cheese frosting and a soft sugar cookie crust, all topped with an explosion of colorful, fresh fruits. Ideal for summertime gatherings, holidays, and just about any celebratory occasion, this fruit pizza recipe is about to become your go-to. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this one!
What Makes This Fruit Pizza Recipe Exceptional?
You might wonder why you need another fruit pizza recipe when there are countless versions available online. Let me tell you, this is no ordinary dessert. It’s a completely from-scratch creation, yet incredibly easy to whip up. The textures in each bite will keep your palate entertained, and what’s more, kids can also lend a hand in the preparation. It’s a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds!
The Perfect Sugar Cookie Crust: Start Here
Let’s kick things off with the base of your fruit pizza: the sugar cookie crust. Forget traditional pizza dough or pie crust; this soft, buttery sugar cookie bottom is where the magic begins. You’ll need the usual suspects—flour, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Plus, there’s a secret ingredient: cornstarch, making your crust irresistibly soft. So, shall we get baking?
Chill, It’s Just Dough!
An important step in this fruit pizza recipe is chilling the dough. Once your ingredients are all mixed together, you’ll find it a bit sticky and soft. Pop it into the fridge for just 20 minutes to make it easier to handle. Trust me, it’s a small investment of time for a crust that’s both shape-holding and delectable.
Beyond Sugar Cookie: Alternative Crust Ideas
Want to mix things up a bit? You can certainly veer off the sugar cookie path. How about a chocolate chip cookie base paired with a strawberry or raspberry topping? Drizzle some melted chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a dessert masterpiece!
Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect “Sauce”
Time to talk about what coats the surface of your crust: the cream cheese frosting. This isn’t any excessively sweet, store-bought fluff. It’s a balanced blend of cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Smooth, creamy, and easy to spread, it lays the foundation for your colorful fruit topping.
Your Canvas of Fruits: Best Choices and Combinations
The crown jewel of any fruit pizza are the fruits themselves. From vibrant berries to lush tropical slices, the possibilities are endless. While traditional choices like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi are popular, feel free to get creative. Just remember to steer clear of fruits that are too watery or brown quickly, like watermelon and banana.
The Art of Decorating Your Fruit Pizza
Now comes the most fun part: decoration. Consider your crust and frosting as a blank canvas awaiting a burst of edible colors. Design concentric rings for a classic look or go patriotic with a red, white, and blue theme. The sky’s the limit!
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Can I Make this Without a Pizza Pan?
Absolutely, just form the crust into a 9–10-inch circle on a regular baking sheet, or press it into a larger rectangular pan.
Can I Double the Recipe?
You sure can! If you’re serving a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and opt for a larger pan.
What About Storing Leftovers?
Fruit pizza is best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, refrigerate them. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.
Fruit Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust
- 188 g All-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1.5 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 113 g Unsalted butter softened
- 150 g Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
For the Creamy Topping
- 226 g Full-fat brick cream cheese softened
- 43 g Unsalted butter softened
- 150 g Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- For the Fruit Garnish
- About 400g Assorted fresh fruit sliced
Instructions
Crafting the Crust
- Blend the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Utilizing either a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the butter and sugar on a medium-high setting until the texture turns creamy—this usually takes around two minutes.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla into the creamed mixture, beating until smoothly combined. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom as you go along.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly introduce the dry blend to the wet one, beating at a low speed until they harmonize into a dough. Cover this closely and let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
Baking the Base
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s heating up, coat a 12-inch pizza pan with a non-stick spray.
- Form the Crust: Remove the refrigerated dough and flatten it onto the prepared pan, aiming for a 9–10-inch circle that’s roughly 1/3-inch thick.
- Bake: Put the crust in the oven for 17–19 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges as a sign it’s done, and be wary of over-baking. Let it cool before you proceed with decoration.
Frosting & Fruit Adornment
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together at medium speed for about two minutes. Add in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, beating for another minute until you reach a creamy, well-blended consistency.
- Assemble: Smear the frosting generously over your cooled cookie crust, creating a luscious base for your fruits.
- Decorate: Finally, artistically place the sliced fruits over the frosted surface.
Serving and Storage
- Cut into slices and serve immediately. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Variations: Feel free to add a zesty twist to the frosting with 2–3 teaspoons of fresh lemon or lime juice, along with some zest. You could also include 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
