Fruit Pizza Dessert: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Fruit Pizza Dessert: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and delicious treat that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds! Imagine a giant sugar cookie crust, slathered with a sweet cream cheese frosting, and then artistically adorned with a rainbow of fresh, juicy fruits. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an edible masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

While the exact origins of Fruit Pizza Dessert are a bit hazy, its popularity exploded in the late 20th century, becoming a staple at potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. It’s a modern twist on classic fruit tarts, offering a more casual and shareable format. I remember my own mother making this for every summer barbecue, and it was always the first thing to disappear!

What makes this dessert so irresistible? Well, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, chewy cookie crust provides a satisfying base, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that complements the bright, refreshing fruits. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable! You can use your favorite fruits, arrange them in any pattern you like, and even add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts for extra flair. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to desired sweetness and consistency)
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for thinning)
• For the Fruit Toppings:
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1 pint raspberries
• 2 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained well
• 1 cup green grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
• Other fruits as desired (e.g., pineapple chunks, blackberries, star fruit)
• For the Glaze (Optional, but Recommended):
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Crust:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract really enhances the flavor, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough crust. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc. This helps it chill more evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it prevents the crust from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crust from sticking and make cleanup easier.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to your rolling surface.
8. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet. If the dough tears, simply patch it up with your fingers.
9. Bake the Crust: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
10. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crust cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. This is important because the frosting will melt if the crust is still warm.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until well combined. Sifting the powdered sugar helps prevent lumps in the frosting.
4. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want the frosting to be spreadable but not too runny.
5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste the frosting and add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired sweetness.

Assembling the Fruit Pizza:

1. Frost the Crust: Once the sugar cookie crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the crust.
2. Arrange the Fruit: Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, mandarin oranges, green grapes, and red grapes (and any other fruits you’re using) attractively over the frosting. Get creative with your arrangement! You can create patterns or simply scatter the fruit randomly.
3. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves and water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the preserves are melted and smooth.
4. Brush with Glaze (Optional): Carefully brush the glaze over the fruit. This will give the fruit a beautiful shine and help prevent it from drying out. If you don’t have apricot preserves, you can use apple jelly or even a simple syrup made from sugar and water.
5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
6. Slice and Serve: Slice the fruit pizza into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting and a well-mixed cookie dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Cookie Dough: Overmixing can result in a tough crust. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the crust from spreading too much during baking.
• Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar helps prevent lumps in the frosting.
• Get Creative with the Fruit: Use your favorite fruits and arrange them in an attractive pattern.
• Make Ahead: You can make the sugar cookie crust and cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the fruit pizza just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover fruit pizza in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly over time.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust: Substitute the sugar cookie dough with a chocolate chip cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Different Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frosting flavors, such as lemon cream cheese frosting or chocolate cream cheese frosting.
• Seasonal Fruit: Use seasonal fruits for a fresh and flavorful fruit pizza.
• Mini Fruit Pizzas: Use small sugar cookies or graham crackers as the base for individual mini fruit pizzas.

Conclusion:

This Fruit Pizza Dessert isn’t just a recipe; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. From the buttery, slightly sweet cookie crust to the creamy, dreamy filling and the dazzling array of fresh, juicy fruits, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation, and here’s why: it’s incredibly versatile, surprisingly easy to make, and always a hit, no matter the occasion.

Think of it: a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! The possibilities are truly endless. For a more decadent twist, try using a chocolate chip cookie dough for the crust. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy fruits. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using a graham cracker crust for a subtle, honeyed flavor. You can even use a pre-made sugar cookie dough to save time.

The cream cheese filling is equally adaptable. Want a hint of citrus? Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest. Craving something a little more exotic? A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom will do the trick. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious, creamy texture, while ricotta cheese provides a lighter, slightly tangy flavor.

But the real star of the show is, of course, the fruit! Feel free to get creative with your selection. Berries are always a classic choice, but don’t overlook other options like kiwi, mango, pineapple, or even starfruit. Arrange the fruit in a colorful, eye-catching pattern to make your Fruit Pizza Dessert even more visually appealing. You can create a rainbow effect, a geometric design, or simply scatter the fruit randomly for a more rustic look.

Serving suggestions? This dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, birthday parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. It’s also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help arrange the fruit or spread the cream cheese filling. They’ll love being part of the process, and they’ll be even more excited to eat the finished product.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider drizzling the fruit pizza with a light glaze. A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk works perfectly, or you can get fancy with a homemade fruit glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also adds a nice finishing touch.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What fruits did you use? How did your family and friends react? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your adventures in the kitchen. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy making this delicious and beautiful Fruit Pizza Dessert as much as I do! Let me know what you think!