Fruit Pizza is a giant sugar cookie topped with a variety of fresh fruit that is the perfect summer dessert

Sweet pizza is a fun way to take a favorite Italian American dish and add a fun twist to it. The best dessert pizza for a hot summer day is an easy fruit pizza It's delicious, light and refreshing and a great way to end a BBQ

This fruit pizza recipe is great for hot days because the cool fruit helps cool you down, and the sugar cookie crust isn't heavy enough to make your stomach rumble.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 package of pre-made sugar cookie dough
1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, and pineapple)
1/4 cup of apricot preserves or fruit jelly for glaze

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the sugar cookie dough package.
Take the sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into a greased pizza pan or a baking sheet, forming the crust. Make sure the crust is about 1/4 inch thick.
Bake the sugar cookie crust in the preheated oven according to the package instructions, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Once the cookie crust has cooled down, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Wash and prepare your fresh fruits. Slice the larger fruits like strawberries and kiwi into thin slices. You can also leave smaller fruits like blueberries and grapes whole.
Arrange the sliced and whole fruits on top of the cream cheese layer, creating a colorful pattern. Get creative with your fruit arrangement!
In a small saucepan, heat the apricot preserves or fruit jelly over low heat until it becomes smooth and liquid.
Using a pastry brush, gently brush the glaze over the fruits, which will help keep them fresh and add a nice shine.
Once the glaze has set, refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
Cut the fruit pizza into slices and serve chilled. Enjoy!

This recipe is customizable, so feel free to use your favorite fruits or adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste.

If desired, you can add some additional toppings to your fruit pizza. Consider sprinkling shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the fruit.
Serve the fruit pizza as a dessert at parties, barbecues, or any gathering. It's a refreshing and colorful treat that everyone will love.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it's best to consume the fruit pizza soon after making it to enjoy the freshness of the fruits.
You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Feel free to get creative with the shape of your fruit pizza. Instead of a traditional round pizza, you can make a rectangular or heart-shaped pizza using a baking sheet or a different pan.
If you prefer a homemade sugar cookie crust instead of pre-made dough, you can make your own from scratch using a simple sugar cookie recipe. Roll out the dough and follow the same baking instructions as mentioned earlier.
Remember to wash the fruits thoroughly before using them, and ensure they are ripe and fresh for the best taste and texture.

That's it! Enjoy your delicious and vibrant fruit pizza. It's a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the freshness of assorted fruits.

Tips:

To make it even easier, you can use a store-bought pizza crust or a pre-made cookie crust instead of making your own or using pre-made dough.
If you prefer a lighter and healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped cream instead of cream cheese for the topping. Just sweeten it with a little honey or powdered sugar to taste.
If you're serving the fruit pizza at a picnic or outdoor event, consider bringing the cream cheese mixture and the fruit toppings separately and assembling them just before serving to keep the crust from getting soggy.
For an added touch of sweetness and crunch, you can sprinkle some granola or crushed graham crackers over the cream cheese layer before adding the fruit.

Variations:

Chocolate Fruit Pizza: Instead of a sugar cookie crust, use a chocolate cookie crust or even a brownie base. Top it with a layer of chocolate ganache or Nutella before arranging the fruits.
Tropical Fruit Pizza: Use a coconut-flavored cookie crust and top it with tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, passion fruit, and toasted coconut flakes.
Berry Delight Pizza: Use a mix of your favorite berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. You can also add a drizzle of raspberry or strawberry sauce for extra berry flavor.
Creamy Fruit Pizza: Mix a little fruit jam or preserves into the cream cheese mixture to add more fruity flavor. You can also try flavored cream cheese like strawberry or pineapple.
Mini Fruit Pizzas: Instead of making one large pizza, you can make individual-sized fruit pizzas using smaller cookie crusts or sugar cookies as the base. Each person can then personalize their own with their choice of fruits.

Remember, the beauty of a fruit pizza is that you can get creative and tailor it to your preferences. Have fun experimenting with different fruits, flavors, and presentations to make a fruit pizza that's perfect for you. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Pizza

Q: Can I make the fruit pizza ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the fruit pizza ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble and add the fresh fruit toppings shortly before serving to ensure the fruits stay fresh and don't release excess juices that could make the crust soggy.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit for the fruit pizza?

A: While fresh fruits are recommended for the best taste and texture, you can use frozen fruits in a pinch. Thaw the fruits and pat them dry before adding them to the pizza. Keep in mind that frozen fruits may release more liquid, so it's important to drain them well.

Q: How long can I store leftover fruit pizza?

A: Leftover fruit pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the crust may become softer as time goes on, so it's best to consume it within the first day or two for optimal taste and texture.

Q: Can I use a gluten-free crust for the fruit pizza?

A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free crust such as a gluten-free sugar cookie dough or a gluten-free cookie or graham cracker crust. Ensure that all the ingredients used, including the cream cheese and fruit glaze, are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Q: Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese for the topping?

A: Yes, you can substitute whipped cream for the cream cheese. Simply sweeten the whipped cream with a little powdered sugar or another sweetener of your choice. Keep in mind that whipped cream may not hold up as well for longer periods, so it's best to add it just before serving.

Q: Can I use canned fruit for the pizza?

A: While fresh fruit is recommended for the best taste and texture, you can use canned fruit in a pinch. Drain the canned fruit well before adding it to the pizza to avoid excess liquid. However, keep in mind that canned fruit may be softer in texture compared to fresh fruit.

Q: Can I make a vegan fruit pizza?

A: Yes, you can make a vegan fruit pizza by using vegan-friendly substitutes. Look for vegan sugar cookie dough or make your own using plant-based ingredients. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or make a cashew-based cream cheese substitute. Choose fruits and glazes that are vegan-friendly, and you'll have a delicious vegan fruit pizza.

Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?

A: Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in place of granulated sugar. Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your taste preferences. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may affect the texture of the cream cheese mixture, so make adjustments accordingly.

Remember to adjust the recipe and ingredients to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. Enjoy your fruit pizza creation!

In conclusion

Fruit pizza is a delicious and versatile dessert that combines the sweetness of a sugar cookie crust with the freshness of assorted fruits. It's a treat that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer a classic cream cheese topping or opt for alternatives like whipped cream or vegan substitutes, fruit pizza offers a colorful and refreshing dessert option. By following the recipe and tips provided, you can create a delightful fruit pizza that will be enjoyed by everyone. So get creative, choose your favorite fruits, and enjoy this tasty and visually appealing dessert!

Fruit Pizza |

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Ingredients:

- 1 package of pre-made sugar cookie dough

- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, pineapple, grapes)

- 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot preserves

- 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the sugar cookie dough package.
2. Press the sugar cookie dough evenly onto a greased or parchment-lined pizza pan or baking sheet.
3. Bake the sugar cookie crust according to the package instructions, until it's golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Once the sugar cookie crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Wash and prepare the fresh fruits by slicing or cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
7. Arrange the assorted fresh fruits on top of the cream cheese layer, creating an attractive pattern or design.
8. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot preserves and water over low heat until the preserves are melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
9. Gently brush the apricot glaze over the fresh fruits, ensuring they are well coated.
10. Refrigerate the fruit pizza for about 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese layer to set.
11. Slice and serve the fruit pizza, and enjoy!