Fruit Pizza Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing, fruit pizza is the perfect choice! This colorful dessert is versatile, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite fruits. The combination of a soft, sugar-cookie crust, creamy frosting, and fresh fruits is irresistible, making it a hit at any gathering. Keep reading to learn how to make the ultimate fruit pizza from scratch, including tips, variations, and presentation ideas that will wow your guests.

this Recipe

What is Fruit Pizza?

Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert made with a sugar-cookie crust as the base, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and adorned with an assortment of fresh, vibrant fruits. It’s called a pizza because it resembles a pizza in shape, but instead of savory ingredients, it’s a sweet and refreshing treat. The variety of fruits adds color, texture, and flavor, making every bite a burst of freshness.

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Ingredients List for Fruit Pizza

To make the perfect fruit pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the sugar cookie crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for a lighter texture)

For the fruit topping:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup blueberries
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup pineapple chunks
• ¼ cup raspberries
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for glaze)

Substitutions and Variations

Fruit pizza is highly customizable, allowing you to switch up ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

Crust Substitutions:

• Gluten-free crust: Swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the crust suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Brownie base: For a richer dessert, use a brownie mix instead of the sugar cookie crust.
• Store-bought crust: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough.

Frosting Variations:

• Greek yogurt: For a healthier alternative, use Greek yogurt mixed with honey instead of cream cheese frosting.
• Mascarpone cheese: For a creamier texture, substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese.

Fruit Variations:

• Feel free to use any fruits you love or have on hand. Mango, blackberries, peaches, or even grapes can make great additions to the pizza.
• During colder months, canned fruits like peaches or pears can be used when fresh fruits are harder to find.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to create a beautiful and delicious fruit pizza:

1. Prepare the sugar cookie crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a medium 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 ingredients and mix until fully combined.
   • Roll the dough into a ball and place it on a greased or parchment-lined pizza pan. Flatten and spread the dough evenly, forming a round pizza shape about ¼-inch thick.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before adding the frosting.
2. Make the cream cheese frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Add vanilla extract and heavy cream (optional) and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the pizza:
   • Once the cookie crust has cooled, spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the surface.
4. Add the fruit toppings:
   • Arrange the sliced fruits on top of the frosting, starting from the center and working your way out in a circular pattern. You can get creative with the design or simply scatter the fruits evenly.
   • Optional: Drizzle honey over the fruit to add shine and a hint of extra sweetness.

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How to Cook Fruit Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Crust:
The first step in making a fruit pizza is to create the cookie crust. This sugar-cookie dough comes together easily with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. After mixing, the dough is pressed into a pizza pan and baked until golden. Remember, the crust must cool completely before adding any toppings.

2. Making the Frosting:
While the crust is cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting. Cream cheese provides the base for a smooth and tangy frosting, which balances the sweetness of the fruit. Add vanilla extract for flavor and powdered sugar for sweetness. You can also mix in heavy cream for a softer, fluffier frosting.

3. Topping with Fresh Fruit:
Now comes the fun part—topping your pizza with an array of fresh fruit! Choose fruits that are colorful and in season for the best results. You can arrange them in rings for a symmetrical, beautiful design, or scatter them more casually for a rustic look. Both styles are sure to impress!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making fruit pizza is relatively simple, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Not cooling the crust completely: If you add frosting to a warm crust, it will melt and become runny.
• Overcooking the crust: The sugar cookie crust should be lightly golden, not browned. Overbaking will result in a hard, crunchy base.
• Using too much fruit juice: Excessively juicy fruits like pineapples or oranges can make the pizza soggy if not drained properly. Be sure to pat them dry before arranging on the pizza.
• Not spreading the frosting evenly: An uneven layer of frosting can cause the fruit to slide off.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your fruit pizza even more appealing, pay attention to how you serve and present it. Here are some ideas:

1. Slice and Serve like a Pizza:
Just like traditional pizza, slice your fruit pizza into wedges. Use a pizza cutter to ensure clean, even slices. This makes it easy for guests to grab a slice and enjoy.

2. Chill Before Serving:
Chilling the assembled fruit pizza in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving helps the frosting set and the flavors meld together. Plus, a cold fruit pizza is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

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How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is best served chilled, and it makes a fantastic dessert for summer picnics, barbecues, or parties. It’s light enough not to overwhelm but sweet enough to satisfy any dessert craving. You can serve fruit pizza as a whole or pre-sliced for convenience. Serve with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

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Presentation Ideas for Fruit Pizza

• Rainbow Theme: Arrange the fruits by color to create a rainbow effect. Start with strawberries in the center, followed by oranges, pineapples, kiwi, and blueberries.
• Floral Design: Create a flower pattern by placing a cluster of strawberries in the center and arranging kiwi slices as petals.
• Minimalist Design: For a more modern look, place a few carefully selected fruits in small, well-spaced clusters. Less is more with this design!

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Fruit Pizza Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh, In-Season Fruit: Fresh fruit not only tastes better but also makes for a more vibrant presentation.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sugar cookie crust and frosting in advance. Store them separately and assemble the pizza with fruit just before serving to keep it fresh.
• Prevent Sogginess: If you’re worried about the fruit making the pizza soggy, brush a thin layer of melted white chocolate onto the cooled cookie crust before adding the frosting. The chocolate will act as a barrier to moisture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works just as well if you're short on time or prefer convenience.

2. How long does fruit pizza last?
Fruit pizza is best eaten the day it’s made, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust may become slightly soggy after the first day.

3. Can I freeze fruit pizza?
It’s not recommended to freeze fruit pizza as the fresh fruits will lose their texture and the frosting may separate once thawed.

4. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan cookie dough recipe and swap the cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free version using coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative.

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Conclusion

Fruit pizza is a showstopping dessert that combines a delicious sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want a fun dessert to share with family, fruit pizza is a surefire hit. Give this recipe a try and watch it disappear from the plate in no time!

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