Fruit pizza is a fun and colorful dessert that brings together a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With a soft cookie crust topped with a creamy frosting and an array of fresh fruits, it’s an inviting treat that’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or just as a sweet snack at home. This dessert is not only visually appealing but is also a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits, making it an irresistible choice for fruit lovers.
Why We Love This Fruit Pizza Recipe
This fruit pizza recipe holds a special place in the hearts of many, and it’s easy to see why. First, it balances sweetness with the tartness of fresh fruit, ensuring that each bite is refreshing and satisfying. The creamy layer of frosting, combined with the luscious fruit toppings, creates a textural contrast that is simply irresistible. Moreover, you can customize it according to your favorite fruits or what’s in season, making it versatile and adaptable. Whether you are serving it during a hot summer day, for a festive occasion, or just as a fun afternoon treat, this fruit pizza is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients about Fruit Pizza
To whip up this delightful fruit pizza, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and bananas)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
How to Make Fruit Pizza Directions
Making fruit pizza is a straightforward process that you’ll love. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well incorporated.
Next, in a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a soft, pliable dough.
Now it’s time to spread the dough onto a non-stick baking sheet or a greased pizza pan. Use your hands or a spatula to form an even layer, shaping it into a pizza crust with a slight edge around the perimeter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, allow the cookie crust to cool completely before assembling.
While the crust cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the milk and almond extract (or vanilla extract), mixing until you achieve a creamy consistency. Gently fold in the brown sugar, tasting as you go to ensure it’s sweetened to your liking.
When the cookie crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Now comes the fun part: arranging the fresh fruit! Slice your chosen fruits and place them artfully on top of the frosting, creating a vibrant display. You can go for a random pattern or create a more polished look by sectioning off different fruits.
If you’d like to add a bit of crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds over your fruit pizza. Finally, drizzle a touch of honey over the fruits for added sweetness and shine. Cut into slices like you would a regular pizza and serve. Your colorful fruit pizza is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Fruit Pizza
Serving fruit pizza is easy and fun. This dessert can be sliced like a traditional pizza, making it a perfect addition to casual gatherings, potlucks, or birthday parties. When you’re ready to serve, place your fruit pizza on a large, colorful plate or a cutting board to highlight the vibrant colors of the fruits.
Consider offering options for people to customize their slices. You can provide additional toppings like shredded coconut, granola, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for those who want something a bit different. Pair your fruit pizza with a refreshing drink, like lemonade or iced tea, for a complete summer experience.
If you’re serving this for a special occasion, think about a creative setup. You could incorporate some edible flowers or a decorative centerpiece that matches the colorful fruit. No matter how you choose to serve it, your fruit pizza will surely be a showstopper!
Expert Tips: Fruit Pizza
Creating the perfect fruit pizza involves a few expert tips that can elevate your dessert game. First, make sure your cookie crust is completely cooled before adding the frosting. This step is crucial; if the crust is warm, the frosting can melt and slide off, creating a messy presentation.
When selecting fresh fruit, opt for what’s in season for the best flavor and vibrancy. Varieties such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches make great choices, but feel free to explore your favorites. For an added twist, consider using fruits with different textures, such as crunchy apples or juicy watermelon.
If you want to make the assembly simpler, prepare your components ahead of time. You can bake the cookie crust a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped until you’re ready to add the frosting and fruits. Additionally, if you’re making this for a crowd, consider preparing smaller, individual-sized portions in small tart pans or off on cookie rounds.
Lastly, finish your fruit pizza with a light glaze. You can prepare a glaze using apricot preserves, warmed slightly and thinned with a splash of water. Brush it over the fruits to enhance their shine and keep them fresher longer.
How to Store Fruit Pizza
Storing fruit pizza properly is essential to maintaining its freshness. If you have leftovers, cover the fruit pizza with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the crust might get due to the moisture from the fruit and frosting. For the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first couple of days. If you know you won’t finish it right away, consider storing the cookie crust and frosting separately from the fruit. Spread the frosting on the crust just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
If you’re planning to serve fruit pizza at a later date, you can also freeze the cookie crust on its own. Wrap it well in plastic, then foil, to avoid freezer burn, and store it for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the refrigerator and top it as instructed.
Variation of Fruit Pizza
There are endless possibilities when it comes to experimenting with variations of fruit pizza. This dessert is highly adaptable, allowing you to get creative with flavors and textures. For a healthier version, consider using a whole wheat cookie crust. Simply substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch out the cream cheese frosting for a yogurt-based topping. Using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey or maple syrup can provide a tangy flavor that’s refreshing and lighter. You might also think about adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the yogurt for an extra zing.
Don’t hesitate to play around with your fruit toppings as well. Try tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or papaya for a sunny twist. For a decadent version, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate or white chocolate over your fruit for added flavor richness. You can even create themed fruit pizzas based on the season or holiday—think berries around the Fourth of July or citrus fruits during winter.
FAQ
What is fruit pizza?
Fruit pizza is a dessert that features a cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh fruits. It’s colorful, fun, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
How long does fruit pizza last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, fruit pizza can last for about 2-3 days. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first couple of days.
What types of fruit can I use on fruit pizza?
You can use a wide variety of fruits on fruit pizza, including strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, and peaches. Feel free to get creative and use seasonal fruits or your personal favorites!
Can I make fruit pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie crust and frosting in advance. Store the crust tightly wrapped and add the frosting and fruit toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
Is there a healthier version of fruit pizza?
Absolutely! You can make a healthier fruit pizza by using whole wheat flour for the crust and opting for a yogurt-based topping instead of cream cheese frosting.
Fruit Pizza
Ingredients
For the cookie crust
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting and toppings
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar adjust to taste
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and bananas) choose seasonal fruits
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional) for added crunch
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together, being careful not to over-mix.
- Spread the dough onto a non-stick baking sheet or greased pizza pan, forming an even layer and shaping it into a pizza crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the milk and almond extract (or vanilla extract) until creamy.
- Gently fold in the brown sugar to taste.
- Once the cookie crust is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the crust.
- Slice and arrange the chosen fresh fruits artfully on top of the frosting.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the fruit if desired, then drizzle honey on top.
- Cut into slices and serve.
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