Description
This Ultimate Fruit Pizza Recipe is a vibrant and delicious dessert perfect for sharing with a crowd. Featuring a soft sugar cookie crust topped with creamy vanilla-lemon cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh, colorful fruits, this fruit pizza offers both visual appeal and delightful flavors. Finished with an optional apricot glaze for a glossy finish, it’s an easy-to-make summer dessert that’ll impress guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Fruit Topping
- Assorted fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, blackberries, grapes, or raspberries (about 3 to 4 cups total)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or orange marmalade
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet, press and spread the sugar cookie dough into an even circle approximately 1/4-inch thick. Ensure the dough is evenly spread to achieve uniform baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the cookie crust for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown around the edges. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding to the next step to prevent melting the cream cheese topping.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. This creates a sweet and slightly tangy base that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Assemble the Fruit Pizza: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust using a spatula. Start arranging the sliced fresh fruits on top in decorative patterns, beginning at the center and working outward for an attractive presentation that highlights the variety of fruits.
- Apply the Glaze (Optional): To give the fruit a shiny finish, warm apricot jam or orange marmalade with water until smooth. Then, gently brush this glaze over the arranged fruit. This step helps preserve the freshness and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the cream cheese topping and enhance the flavors. Slice into 12 pieces and serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use any combination of seasonal fruits according to your preference or availability for a customizable fruit pizza.
- To prevent fruits like bananas or apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the pizza.
- This dessert is best enjoyed the same day it’s assembled to maintain freshness and texture.
- Make sure the cookie crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese to avoid melting and sliding toppings.
