Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

This Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe is a delightful treat that combines a soft, homemade pizza crust with luscious cherry pie filling, topped with a buttery sugar crumble. It’s perfect for serving 8, making it a charming dessert for any occasion. The balance of fruity sweetness and rich textures ensures it’s a memorable dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious dessert.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cherry filling paired with the crumbly topping creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this dessert pizza fits various occasions effortlessly.
• Homemade Goodness: Using fresh or canned cherries gives you the choice of flavors while ensuring a homemade touch.
• Visually Appealing: Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pizza pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Pizza pan: Provides the ideal shape and size for your dessert pizza, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess and making it easy to manage different components.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients evenly and ensuring no lumps in your wet mixtures.

Ingredients

This Cherry Dessert Pizza is a delightful treat combining a soft, homemade pizza crust with a luscious cherry pie filling, topped with a buttery sugar crumble and finished with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for serving 8, it makes a charming dessert for any occasion with a balance of fruity sweetness and rich textures.

For the Dough

• 1 cup (237 g) water, warmed (about 105°-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup (75 g) vegetable oil, divided
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Filling

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling (or about 2 cups homemade filling)

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

How to Make Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Pour half of the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Add all-purpose flour and kosher salt to form a soft dough.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover it and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a pizza pan with parchment paper; pour remaining vegetable oil onto the pan.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Transfer risen dough onto the prepared pan. Press out evenly to edges, creating dimples on surface.

Step 6: Bake Crust

Bake dough for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare Topping Mixture

Combine melted butter and granulated sugar in a small bowl; stir until fully combined.

Step 8: Add Filling

Remove crust from oven. Brush butter-sugar mixture over crust; spread cherry pie filling evenly on top.

Step 9: Make Crumble Mixture

In another bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Pour in melted butter; stir until clumps form.

Step 10: Top with Crumble

Sprinkle crumble mixture over cherry pie filling completely covering edges.

Step 11: Final Bake

Return pizza to oven; bake for an additional 13-15 minutes until crumble topping is golden brown.

Step 12: Prepare Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and almond extract until smooth.

Step 13: Drizzle Glaze

Drizzle glaze over warm cherry dessert pizza after removing from oven.

Step 14: Cool & Serve

Allow pizza to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing to let glaze set. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

Serving Cherry Dessert Pizza is a delightful experience that enhances its sweet and fruity flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make this dessert even more enjoyable.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the tartness of the cherry filling.
• Almond Ice Cream: Adds a nutty flavor that goes well with the almond glaze.

Serve with Whipped Topping

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a creamy texture to each slice.
• Cool Whip: An easy option for a quick topping that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Their sweetness pairs beautifully with cherries, creating a vibrant plate.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A garnish that adds color and a refreshing touch to your dessert.

Drizzle Extra Glaze

• Almond Glaze: Enhance the existing flavor by drizzling more glaze over each slice before serving.
• Chocolate Sauce: For those who love chocolate, this adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Perfect Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

Perfecting your Cherry Dessert Pizza can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Selecting fresh cherries or quality canned pie filling will significantly enhance flavor.
• Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky; adjust flour as needed during mixing.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven reaches the correct temperature before baking for even cooking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the crumble topping; it should be golden brown but not burnt.
• Cool Before Serving: Allowing the pizza to cool slightly helps set the glaze and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

To complement your Cherry Dessert Pizza, consider these side dishes that add variety and flavor to your meal.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the dessert.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing combination of seasonal fruits can provide a nice contrast to the rich pizza.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch alongside the sweet dessert.
4. Roasted Nuts: Serve spiced or honey-roasted nuts for a crunchy snack that pairs well with cherry flavors.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side option that complements desserts nicely.
6. Pineapple Salsa: A zesty salsa can add brightness through its tropical flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold dough preparation: Not allowing the dough to rise properly can lead to a dense crust. Make sure to give it enough time to double in size.
• Bold measuring ingredients: Incorrectly measuring flour or sugar can affect the texture and sweetness. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Bold overbaking the crust: Baking the crust too long before adding toppings can make it too hard. Watch it closely during the initial bake.
• Bold using cold ingredients: Cold butter or milk can impact how well your crumble topping binds together. Always use room temperature ingredients.
• Bold skipping glaze: Omitting the almond glaze leaves the dessert less flavorful and visually appealing. Drizzle it on for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pizza on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds until heated through, but expect a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert pizza.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to add sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency.

How do I make homemade cherry pie filling?

To create homemade filling, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Cook until thickened, then cool before using.

Can I customize the crumble topping?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or oats to the crumble mixture for added texture and flavor.

What is the best way to serve this Cherry Dessert Pizza?

Slice it into wedges and drizzle with almond glaze just before serving for optimal presentation.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Dessert Pizza with Cherry Pie Filling and Crumble Topping is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy this sweet twist on traditional pizza!