Fruit Pizza

 

Fruit Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Fresh & Sweet Treat

Serves: 8-12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours (including chilling)

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Introduction

Fruit pizza is a beloved dessert that combines the best of a cookie crust, creamy sweet topping, and vibrant, fresh fruit arranged beautifully on top — making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. It’s a popular dessert for warm weather, holidays, parties, or anytime you want a refreshing, colorful treat that feels indulgent but not overly heavy.

The concept is simple but brilliant: a large, soft sugar cookie base, spread with a smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, and piled high with fresh, seasonal fruit. The result is a balance of textures and flavors — sweet, tart, creamy, and crisp — that everyone loves.

This recipe will guide you through making the crust from scratch, preparing a luscious cream cheese topping, and selecting and arranging fruit for maximum impact. Plus, I’ll include tips on substitutions, storage, and some fun variations.

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Ingredients

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For the Cookie Crust (Sugar Cookie Base):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for a lighter, fluffier topping)

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For the Fruit Topping:

Use about 3 to 4 cups of fresh fruit total. Choose a variety for color, flavor, and texture. Some great options include:

• Strawberries, sliced

• Kiwi, peeled and sliced or diced

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Blackberries

• Mandarin orange segments

• Pineapple chunks

• Grapes, halved

• Mango, diced

• Peaches or nectarines, sliced

• Bananas (add just before serving to prevent browning)

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Equipment Needed:

• 12-inch round pizza pan or large baking sheet

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spatula and whisk

• Knife and cutting board

• Plastic wrap or foil for chilling

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Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. The dough will be soft but workable.

6. Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or line it with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, flat surface. Try to get the edges slightly raised but not too thick.

7. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but not browned. It will firm up more as it cools.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth.

3. For a lighter, fluffier frosting, gradually add the heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form. This step is optional but highly recommended for that classic “pizza sauce” texture that’s creamy and spreadable.

4. Chill the frosting slightly if it feels too soft before spreading on the cookie crust.

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Step 3: Assemble the Fruit Pizza

1. Once the cookie crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula.

2. Wash, dry, and prepare your fruit by slicing or chopping as needed. Pat the fruit dry if it’s very juicy to prevent sogginess.

3. Arrange the fruit in colorful patterns or randomly scatter them over the frosting. Some ideas: concentric circles, stripes, or a rainbow pattern with colors grouped together.

4. Press fruit lightly into the frosting to ensure it sticks but don’t mash the cream cheese layer.

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Step 4: Chill Before Serving

1. Cover the fruit pizza loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up.

2. If using bananas or other fruits that brown quickly, add them just before serving.

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Tips for the Best Fruit Pizza

• Use fresh, ripe fruit: This is key for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft or watery fruit.

• Dry your fruit well: Pat fruit dry to prevent the crust from getting soggy.

• Chill before serving: Helps flavors develop and makes slicing easier.

• Use a serrated knife: For clean slices without dragging the fruit.

• Make ahead: The cookie crust and frosting can be made a day ahead and stored separately. Assemble fruit just before serving.

• Glaze option: For a shiny finish, brush fruit lightly with warmed apricot preserves or a simple glaze made from 1/4 cup apricot jam mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

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Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust: Substitute the sugar cookie crust with your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough for a chocolaty twist.

• Brown Sugar Cookie Crust: Add ¼ cup brown sugar to the dough for a deeper caramel flavor.

• Yogurt or Whipped Cream Topping: Replace cream cheese frosting with vanilla Greek yogurt or lightly sweetened whipped cream for a lighter option.

• Tart Glaze Layer: Spread a thin layer of lemon curd or lime curd on the cookie base before the cream cheese frosting for a citrusy zing.

• Nutty Crust: Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra crunch.

• Seasonal Fruit Themes:

  • Summer: berries, peaches, nectarines

  • Fall: apples, pears, figs

  • Winter: citrus segments, pomegranate seeds

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Nutritional Information (approximate per serving, assuming 12 servings)

• Calories: 250-300

• Fat: 12-15g

• Carbohydrates: 30-35g

• Protein: 3-4g

• Sugar: 18-22g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

• Serve as a fresh dessert after heavy meals like barbecue or fried chicken.

• Pair with a light, fruity white wine or sparkling water with lemon for an elegant touch.

• Great addition to brunch or afternoon tea.

• Decorate with edible flowers for a festive look at showers or celebrations.

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Storage

• Fruit pizza is best eaten the day it’s made for freshest flavor and best texture.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. The crust may soften over time due to fruit moisture.

• To keep the crust crisp longer, store the cookie base and cream cheese frosting separately from the fruit, then assemble just before serving.

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A Little History and Fun Facts

Fruit pizza isn’t actually a traditional pizza but a dessert inspired by the concept of a flat, round “pizza” pie. The cookie crust replaces the dough, and the cream cheese frosting acts as a “sauce,” while the fresh fruit mimics pizza toppings.

It has become a popular American dessert, especially in the summer months when fresh berries and other fruits are abundant. It’s also favored at potlucks and celebrations because it looks impressive but is relatively easy to make.

The colorful presentation makes fruit pizza especially fun for kids and great for festive occasions.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookie crust too soft: Make sure to bake the crust fully until it’s just set and edges turn golden. Let cool completely before adding frosting.

• Frosting too runny: Chill the cream cheese frosting or add whipped cream slowly until the desired consistency is reached.

• Fruit sliding off: Pat fruit dry and press gently into the frosting. Add fruit just before serving if the pizza will be transported.

• Soggy crust: Avoid overly juicy fruits or add a thin barrier layer like melted white chocolate or lemon curd under the frosting to protect the crust.

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Step-by-Step Summary

1. Prepare and bake sugar cookie crust; cool completely.

2. Make cream cheese frosting, chill if needed.

3. Spread frosting over crust.

4. Arrange prepared fruit on top.

5. Chill assembled pizza for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

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Final Thoughts

Fruit pizza is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh, seasonal fruit in a fun and creative format. It balances indulgence with freshness, making it ideal for any occasion from casual family dessert to elegant party centerpiece.

Feel free to experiment with different fruits, crusts, and toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours. Its vibrant appearance and delightful flavors never fail to impress.

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