Fruit Pizza Recipe

This Fruit Pizza recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and refreshing. A soft and chewy brown sugar cookie crust, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, and adorned with a variety of fresh fruits — it’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a casual family gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this fruit pizza will be the star of the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fruit pizza is a delightful twist on traditional fruit salad or cake. The brown sugar cookie crust adds a comforting sweetness and chewiness that complements the cream cheese frosting perfectly. The fresh fruit topping brings a burst of color, flavor, and freshness, making every bite a refreshing treat. Plus, this dessert is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits and toppings. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress at any gathering!

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese

• 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (or 1 cup powdered sugar)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of fine sea salt

Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries (or other berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.)

• Optional fresh honey, for drizzling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Cookie Crust: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.

3. Press the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the low-fat cream cheese, maple syrup or honey (or powdered sugar), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

5. Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

6. Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the frosting. If desired, drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.

7. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Choices: Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. Try kiwi, mango, pineapple, or grapes for variety.

• Crust Variations: If you want a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also try a shortbread crust for a different flavor and texture.

• Frosting Options: Use flavored cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese to give the frosting a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fruit pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.

• Reheating: Reheat the crust separately if desired, but avoid reheating the entire pizza, as the fresh fruits may not hold up well to heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought cookie dough for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought cookie dough for the homemade crust if you’re short on time. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package for baking.

2. Can I make the fruit pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the crust and frosting ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the fruit pizza just before serving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

3. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make this dessert dairy-free.

4. What other toppings can I add to the fruit pizza?

Other great topping options include shredded coconut, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or a sprinkle of granola for some crunch.

5. Can I freeze fruit pizza?

While the fruit pizza is best served fresh, you can freeze the crust and frosting separately, then assemble it when you’re ready to serve. Avoid freezing the fresh fruit as it may lose its texture.

6. Can I use a different sweetener in the frosting?

Absolutely! You can use powdered sugar, maple syrup, or honey depending on your preference and desired level of sweetness.

7. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit?

Fresh fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen fruit if fresh options are not available. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture.

8. How do I make sure the dough doesn’t stick while pressing it into the pan?

To prevent sticking, keep your fingers wet while pressing the dough into the pan, or use parchment paper to line the baking pan.

9. Can I make the crust thicker or thinner?

Yes, you can adjust the thickness of the crust by altering the amount of dough you press into the pan. For a thinner crust, divide the dough and use a smaller pan.

10. Is it possible to make the fruit pizza without almond extract?

Yes, almond extract can be omitted if you’re not a fan of its flavor. You can increase the vanilla extract or use other flavorings like orange zest.

Conclusion

This Fruit Pizza recipe is a fun and delicious dessert that combines a sweet, chewy brown sugar cookie crust with a creamy frosting and fresh fruit topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, and you can customize it with your favorite fruits and toppings. Whether served at a family gathering or a special celebration, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!