Fruit Pizza Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive dessert that delights both the eyes and the tastebuds, Fruit Pizza is your answer! This colorful creation starts with a chewy sugar cookie crust, is smothered in a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, and topped with a glorious medley of fresh fruit. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or just a “treat yourself” kind of afternoon, Fruit Pizza is that remarkably easy, crowd-pleasing dish everyone remembers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for your Fruit Pizza is refreshingly simple, and every item serves an important purpose—each layer, from the buttery base to the juicy fruit, creates those crave-worthy flavors and textures. Here’s everything you need to bring this showstopper together.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your cookie crust, providing structure while staying soft and chewy.
• Baking powder: Gives the crust just enough lift so it’s light rather than dense.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors, especially since this is a sweet dessert.
• Unsalted butter: For irresistible richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light brown sugar: Offers subtle caramel notes that make the cookie crust extra tasty.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and adds a bit of tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for warmth and depth, both in the crust and the creamy frosting.
• Almond extract: Just half a teaspoon makes the cookie layer taste truly bakery-worthy.
• Low-fat cream cheese: Makes your frosting velvety-smooth and provides a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Maple syrup or honey (or powdered sugar): Choose your sweetener for the frosting—each brings a lovely nuance.
• Fine sea salt (frosting): A tiny pinch in the frosting keeps everything from tasting flat.
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or your favorites): The star of the show—pick a colorful assortment for maximum visual (and flavor) impact!
• Optional fresh honey, for drizzling: Adds an extra glossy sheen and hint of natural sweetness just before serving.

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. You have some flexibility here—grease a quarter sheet pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray. A round pan gives you classic “pizza” vibes, but a rectangle makes for easy slicing if you’re serving a crowd. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s well-greased to ensure your cookie crust pops out with ease.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures every bite of your Fruit Pizza has a consistent texture and even rise. Set this bowl aside—your crust is already halfway there!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab your stand mixer (fitted with the paddle) or a trusty hand mixer. Beat the softened butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until they’re fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. This is where your crust gets its rich, tender crumb. Once combined, crack in the egg, pour in both vanilla and almond extracts, and beat again until smooth and creamy. Scrape the sides of your bowl as needed so everything gets incorporated.

Step 4: Make the Dough

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the prepared dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it or your crust may turn tough. The dough should come together easily and have a light, sugar-cookie aroma. Now, press this dough evenly into your prepared pan. Use your hands or a spatula for a smooth, level surface. Don’t forget to poke a few holes with a fork; this prevents any puffing up during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Crust

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the surface is just turning golden and set. Remember, the crust will continue to firm up as it cools, so resist the urge to overbake. Once it’s done, transfer your pan to a wire rack and let the base cool for about 20 minutes—this helps the frosting spread smoothly later on.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

While the crust cools, beat together the low-fat cream cheese, maple syrup or honey (or powdered sugar if you prefer), that second dose of vanilla, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is creamy and spreadable. Taste and adjust the sweetness, remembering that the fresh fruit will add its own natural sugars on top.

Step 7: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting gently from edge to edge. Now for the fun part: arrange your fresh fruit however you like—think vibrant rows, concentric circles, or even playful patterns with different shapes and colors. Drizzle a little extra honey across the top for a glossy finish, then slice, serve, and watch your friends light up!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Garnishes

Fruit Pizza is already beautiful, but you can elevate it even further! Try scattering fresh mint leaves or delicate edible flowers over the top for a burst of color and a garden-fresh touch. A dusting of powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness and photo-worthy appeal, making every slice look utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair Fruit Pizza with a simple sparkling lemonade or iced herbal tea for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it alongside a scoop of sorbet or homemade vanilla bean ice cream—the chilled creaminess is a perfect match for the juicy fruit and rich cookie base.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic round! Try baking your Fruit Pizza as mini personal pizzas, using a muffin tin or small tart pans for individual servings. For parties, cut the large pizza into wedges, squares, or even fun shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with extra fruit scattered around for a stunning dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, cover the Fruit Pizza tightly and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delightful for up to two days—the frosting keeps the crust from drying out and the fruit remains juicy. Just note, the crust may soften slightly, but that never seems to stop anyone from reaching for seconds!

Freezing

For best results, freeze the baked (and fully cooled) cookie crust by itself, tightly wrapped. When you’re ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then add freshly whipped frosting and fruit. Freezing the assembled Fruit Pizza isn’t ideal, since the fruit texture changes and the frosting can split—save the final touches for the day you plan to wow your guests.

Reheating

Fruit Pizza is definitely at its best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, just to take off the fridge chill. Reheating in the oven isn’t recommended, since both the fruit and frosting are delicate.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the base?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made sugar cookie dough works in a pinch. Just press it into your pan, bake as directed, and continue with the frosting and toppings for a quick and easy Fruit Pizza.

What fruits work best for Fruit Pizza?

The beauty of Fruit Pizza is in its flexibility—use any combination of berries, kiwi, mango, grapes, or peaches. Choose fruits that are juicy but not overly watery, and slice them evenly for the prettiest effect.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Allow the baked cookie crust to cool completely before adding the frosting and fruit. If making ahead, wait until just before serving to layer on the fruit for maximum freshness and that perfect, crisp-chewy bite.

Can Fruit Pizza be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results are just as delicious, especially since the cookie base is so forgiving.

Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?

Definitely. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup. The frosting will still be creamy, tangy, and every bit as satisfying layered over your Fruit Pizza.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making your own Fruit Pizza, let this be the recipe that inspires you! Every bite is a burst of sunshine—bright, sweet, and finished with a touch of homemade magic. Grab your favorite fruit, round up your friends or family, and share a slice of color and joy!

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