This stunning fruit pizza combines a soft brown sugar cookie crust with creamy frosting and fresh, colorful fruits for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to create something special that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fruit pizza recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and fresh flavors while being surprisingly easy to make. The brown sugar cookie base provides a rich, chewy foundation that’s more interesting than traditional sugar cookies, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy complement to the sweet fruits. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility – you can use whatever fresh fruits are in season or match your color scheme for special occasions. Plus, it’s a dessert that actually looks as professional as it tastes, making it ideal for entertaining without requiring advanced baking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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 (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit that sounds good!)
- optional fresh honey, for drizzling
How to Make Fruit Pizza: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix. The dough should be soft but manageable.
Step 3: Roll and Bake
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a greased 12-inch pizza pan or large baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be slightly soft. Allow to cool completely on the pan.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While the crust cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add maple syrup (or honey/powdered sugar), vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until well combined and spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza
Once the cookie crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Arrange your fresh fruits in an attractive pattern over the frosting. Drizzle with honey if desired.
Helpful Tips
Temperature Matters: Make sure your cookie crust is completely cool before adding the frosting, or it will melt and slide off. Room temperature cream cheese will blend more easily and create a smoother frosting.
Fruit Selection: Choose fruits that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy. Pat berries dry with paper towels before arranging to prevent excess moisture from making the frosting watery.
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can bake the cookie crust up to two days in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before spreading.
Details
This fruit pizza serves 8-12 people depending on slice size. The combination of the brown sugar cookie base and cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s reminiscent of a giant frosted cookie but with the fresh, healthy addition of seasonal fruits. The almond extract in the crust adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements most fruits beautifully.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can replace the almond extract with additional vanilla if preferred, or try lemon extract for a citrusy twist
- Sweetener Options: The maple syrup or honey in the frosting provides natural sweetness, but powdered sugar works well for a more traditional frosting taste
- Fruit Arrangements: Popular patterns include concentric circles by color, a rainbow design, or sectioned arrangements with different fruits in each “slice”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? The cookie crust can be made 1-2 days in advance. However, it’s best to add the frosting and fruit no more than 4-6 hours before serving to prevent the fruit from releasing juices and making the crust soggy.
What’s the best way to cut fruit pizza? Use a sharp pizza cutter or large knife, wiping it clean between cuts. Cut with confidence in smooth, decisive motions to avoid dragging the toppings.
Can I use frozen fruit? Fresh fruit works best for both appearance and texture. If you must use frozen fruit, thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels before using.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet? Start with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey and taste before adding more. The natural sweetness of the fruit will add to the overall sweetness of the dessert.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover fruit pizza covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly due to moisture from the fruit and frosting, but it will still taste delicious. For best results, consume within 24 hours of assembly. Individual slices can be stored in airtight containers, but avoid stacking them.
Related Recipes
Looking for more crowd-pleasing desserts? Try these delicious options from runoflif.com:
- Classic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Berry Cream Cheese Tart
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Fresh Fruit Trifle
- Lemon Bars with Berry Topping
Conclusion
This fruit pizza recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that celebrates the beauty and flavor of fresh seasonal fruit. The brown sugar cookie crust provides the perfect sweet base, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness without overwhelming the fresh fruit flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a birthday party, or simply want to create something special for your family, this fruit pizza delivers both visual appeal and delicious taste. The recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it with your favorite fruits or whatever looks best at the market, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire that you’ll return to again and again.