Fruit Pizza

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! With a delicious brown sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and a colorful array of fresh fruits, it makes for an eye-catching dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or celebrating a birthday, this dessert pizza is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The Fruit Pizza comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic last-minute dessert option.
• Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite fruits or whatever is in season to create a unique flavor combo every time.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with. They’ll enjoy decorating their own slices!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12-16 servings, it’s ideal for parties or gatherings where you want to feed a crowd.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of sweet cookie crust and rich cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the fresh fruit topping.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Fruit Pizza effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (quarter sheet, 9 x 13-inch dish, or 12-inch round pizza pan)
• Wire cooling rack
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for both the cookie crust and frosting.
• Baking pan: Choosing the right size ensures even baking and prevents the dough from overflowing.
• Wire cooling rack: Cooling on a rack allows air circulation, preventing sogginess in your crust.

Ingredients

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is made with my favorite brown sugar cookie crust, spread with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, and then topped with your favorite combination of fruit!

For the Cookie Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (or 1 cup powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of fine sea salt

For Topping

• Fresh strawberries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit that sounds good!)
• Optional fresh honey, for drizzling

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease either a quarter sheet pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Using either a stand mixer (with the blade attachment) or hand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined.
3. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Base

1. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan.
2. Use a fork to poke several holes in the dough to prevent bubbling during baking.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While cooling:
1. In another bowl, whisk together all frosting ingredients until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

Once cooled:
1. Spread frosting evenly over the baked cookie crust.
2. Top with your choice of fresh fruits.
3. Drizzle with honey if desired.
4. Slice into pieces and serve!

Enjoy your deliciously colorful Fruit Pizza!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it creatively enhances the experience and makes it suitable for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on its own plate for a more formal presentation.
• A dollop of whipped cream or yogurt can be added for extra creaminess.

Family Style

• Place the entire fruit pizza on a large serving platter.
• Allow guests to cut their own slices, creating a communal and fun atmosphere.

With Ice Cream

• Pair slices of fruit pizza with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
• This adds a creamy contrast to the sweet fruit toppings and cookie crust.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Serve small slices as a light breakfast option.
• Top with additional fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

For Picnics

• Cut into smaller squares for easy transport.
• Pack in individual containers for an on-the-go treat that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Fruit Pizza

Creating the ideal fruit pizza takes a bit of practice. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose Fresh Fruits: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. Berries, kiwi, and peaches work wonderfully.
• Cool the Crust Completely: Let the cookie crust cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth frosting.
• Slice Just Before Serving: Cut the fruit pizza right before serving to keep it looking fresh and appealing.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix different fruits or add nuts for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Pizza

Pairing your fruit pizza with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pizza.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with fruit pizza.
3. Chilled Lemonade
   A refreshing glass of lemonade will enhance the fruity flavors while adding a zesty twist.
4. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess pairs well with sweet desserts.
5. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
   Crisp veggies like carrots and bell peppers provide a crunchy counterpoint to the sweetness of fruit pizza.
6. Mini Muffins
   Serve an assortment of mini muffins—like blueberry or lemon—for another sweet option that kids love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fruit Pizza can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven. Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking and a soggy crust.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make the crust tough. Combine ingredients just until they come together for a tender texture.
• Ignoring the Cooling Time: Letting the crust cool is essential before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a perfect fruit topping.
• Using Overripe Fruit: Choose fresh, firm fruits for your topping. Overripe fruit can release excess moisture, making the pizza soggy.
• Skipping the Poking Step: Forgetting to poke holes in the dough can cause it to bubble up. This step is crucial for an even bake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Fruit Pizza in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fruit Pizza

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fruit Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices individually on high for 30-45 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Fruit Pizza that you might find helpful.

Can I use different types of fruit on my Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match any fruits you like. Berries, kiwis, and peaches all work wonderfully.

How do I make my Fruit Pizza healthier?

You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use less sugar in your frosting. Adding more fruit increases nutritional value as well.

Can I make Fruit Pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie crust and frosting in advance. Just assemble it right before serving for best results.

What type of crust works best for Fruit Pizza?

While this recipe uses a brown sugar cookie crust, you could also try shortbread or graham cracker crusts for a different flavor.

Final Thoughts

This easy Fruit Pizza recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a summer treat. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dessert!