Fruit Pizza Dessert: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Fruit Pizza Dessert: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and delicious treat that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds! Imagine a giant sugar cookie crust, slathered with a sweet cream cheese frosting, and then artistically adorned with a rainbow of fresh, juicy fruits. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an edible masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

While the exact origins of Fruit Pizza Dessert are a bit hazy, its popularity exploded in the late 20th century, becoming a staple at potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings across America. It’s a modern twist on classic fruit tarts, offering a playful and approachable way to enjoy seasonal produce. The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility – you can customize the fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preferences, making it a truly unique creation every time.

What makes this dessert so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The soft, chewy cookie crust provides a sturdy base, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the bright, refreshing fruits. It’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s easy to make, visually stunning, and undeniably delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra fruit, making it a dessert you can feel good about serving. So, let’s dive in and create this show-stopping dessert together!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
• For the Fruit Toppings:
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 pint blueberries
• 1 pint raspberries
• 2 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• ½ cup green grapes, halved
• ½ cup red grapes, halved
• (Optional) Other fruits like blackberries, pineapple chunks, or sliced peaches
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• ½ cup apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Crust:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc. This helps it chill more evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial because it prevents the crust from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper is highly recommended as it prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the crust after baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter. The thickness should be about ¼ inch. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to the surface.
8. Transfer Dough to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet. You can use a rolling pin to help you lift and transfer the dough.
9. Bake the Crust: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
10. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crust cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. This is important because the frosting will melt if applied to a warm crust.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable.

Assembling the Fruit Pizza:

1. Frost the Crust: Once the sugar cookie crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the crust.
2. Arrange the Fruit: Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, mandarin oranges, and grapes (or any other fruits you’re using) in a decorative pattern on top of the frosting. Get creative with your design! You can arrange the fruit in concentric circles, stripes, or any other pattern you like.
3. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves and water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the preserves are melted and smooth.
4. Brush with Glaze (Optional): Brush the fruit with the apricot glaze to give it a shiny appearance and help prevent it from drying out. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch to the finished fruit pizza.
5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
6. Slice and Serve: Slice the fruit pizza into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Fruit Pizza Dessert isn’t just another recipe; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation, and here’s why: the combination of the sweet, buttery sugar cookie crust, the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, and the burst of fresh, juicy fruit is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and crisp, making every bite a delightful experience.

But beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different fruits depending on what’s in season or what your family loves. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes – the possibilities are endless! You could even create a themed pizza with specific color palettes for holidays or special occasions. Imagine a red, white, and blue fruit pizza for the Fourth of July, or a spooky orange and black one for Halloween!

And don’t feel limited to just the fruits I’ve suggested. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist, or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. For a more sophisticated flavor profile, you could even incorporate some edible flowers.

Serving suggestions are just as flexible. This Fruit Pizza Dessert is perfect as a show-stopping centerpiece for a summer barbecue, a delightful treat for a birthday party, or even just a fun and easy dessert to make with the kids on a weekend afternoon. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, as the crust and frosting can be prepared in advance, leaving you with just the fun part of arranging the fruit before serving.

For a truly decadent experience, try serving individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Or, for a lighter option, pair it with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s one that you’ll be proud to share.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece! I’m so excited for you to try this Fruit Pizza Dessert and experience the joy of creating something truly special.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What fruits did you use? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your beautiful fruit pizzas! Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions along the way. I’m here to help you succeed in creating the perfect dessert. Enjoy!