Today, I’m bringing you a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat—Fruit Pizza. Picture this: a buttery, golden sugar cookie crust topped with a velvety layer of cream cheese frosting and adorned with a vibrant mosaic of fresh, juicy fruits. It’s like a party on a plate! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to brighten up your family’s day, this fruit pizza is the perfect treat.
What I love about this dessert is how customizable it is. You can let your creativity run wild, arranging the fruit in beautiful patterns or letting everyone add their own toppings. The combination of the soft, sweet cookie base with the creamy frosting and the refreshing burst of fruit is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one that brings people together. Whether you’re making it with your kids or serving it to friends, it’s bound to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, grab your favorite fruits, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some edible art!
Recipe Summary in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style
Fruit Pizza is a fun and delicious dessert that combines a soft sugar cookie crust with a rich cream cheese frosting, topped with a colorful array of fresh fruits. This versatile treat is perfect for any occasion, allowing you to customize the toppings with your favorite seasonal fruits. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat!
Exciting Story
In our home, Fruit Pizza has become a go-to dessert for family celebrations. My kids love helping out, especially when it comes to arranging the fruit. They each get a section of the “pizza” to decorate, and it’s always a joy to see their unique creations. One of my fondest memories is from last summer when we made a giant fruit pizza for a family picnic. The look of amazement on everyone’s faces when we unveiled it was priceless. Now, it’s a tradition that we look forward to every year—each time with a new twist based on the fruits of the season.
Why This Fruit Pizza?
Selling Points
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of fresh fruit make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.
- Customizable: Use your favorite fruits or whatever’s in season to make it your own.
- Easy and Fun: Simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process make this a great dessert to prepare with kids.
- Refreshing and Light: The combination of fresh fruit and creamy frosting on a soft cookie base makes for a light and refreshing treat.
How to Make Fruit Pizza: A Colorful, Fresh, and Fun Dessert
- Make the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or a rectangular baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the crust is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract. Once the crust is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with Fruit: Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the frosting in any pattern you like. You can create a colorful spiral, a rainbow, or any design that strikes your fancy.
- Optional Glaze: To give the fruit a shiny finish, warm the apricot preserves in the microwave until melted. Brush lightly over the fruit with a pastry brush.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious creation!
Tips
- Choose Ripe Fruit: Fresh, ripe fruit will yield the best flavor and texture for your pizza.
- Use a Pizza Cutter: A pizza cutter works well for slicing the fruit pizza cleanly without disturbing the toppings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie crust and frosting a day ahead, then assemble the pizza with fresh fruit just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and cream cheese in the frosting, and choose a plant-based egg substitute for the crust.
- Different Crust: Try using a graham cracker crust or a brownie base for a different twist.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia in the cookie crust and frosting to lower the sugar content.
- Whole Wheat Crust: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Lighter Frosting: Swap out some of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style
And there you have it—Fruit Pizza: A Colorful, Fresh, and Fun Dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests or just want a fun activity to do with the kids, this fruit pizza is the perfect choice. Be sure to share your creations with us, and don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more sweet inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, but fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent sogginess.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften over time, but it will still taste delicious.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the crust and prepare the frosting ahead of time, but it’s best to add the fruit toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
- What other fruits work well on this pizza? Almost any fruit works well on this pizza. Try using mango, grapes, peaches, or pomegranate seeds for variety.
- Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free? Yes, substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based milk in the crust if needed.
- Can I use a different type of crust? Absolutely! A brownie or graham cracker crust would make for a delicious variation.
Enjoy making and sharing this Fruit Pizza with your loved ones! Let me know if you need more recipes or assistance with anything else.
Fruit Pizza: A Colorful, Fresh, and Fun Dessert!
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutes1
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup 3/4 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 baking powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz 8 cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup 1/4 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 powdered sugar
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
1 cup 1 strawberries, sliced
1 cup 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup 1/2 blueberries
1/2 cup 1/2 raspberries
1/2 cup 1/2 pineapple, diced
1/4 cup 1/4 apricot preserves (optional, for glaze)
Directions
- Make the Cookie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or a rectangular baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the crust is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract. Once the crust is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with Fruit: Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the frosting in any pattern you like. You can create a colorful spiral, a rainbow, or any design that strikes your fancy.
- Optional Glaze: To give the fruit a shiny finish, warm the apricot preserves in the microwave until melted. Brush lightly over the fruit with a pastry brush.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious creation!
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