Fruit Pizza Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Dessert
This fruit pizza recipe is a fun and refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, and the customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe focuses on a simple sugar cookie crust, but feel free to experiment with different crusts, such as graham cracker crusts or shortbread cookies for a unique twist!
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Fruit Topping:
- Your favorite assortment of fresh fruits, sliced (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, etc.) Consider seasonal fruits for the best flavor and value.
Instructions:
Making the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-inch pizza pan or a large baking sheet. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Cream together the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press dough into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form a 12-inch crust. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even thickness.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Again, an electric mixer works best.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Fruit Pizza:
- Frost the cooled crust: Once the crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Arrange the fruit: Arrange your chosen fruits attractively on top of the frosting. Get creative! You can arrange them in a pattern, or simply scatter them randomly.
- Serve immediately or chill: Fruit pizza is best served immediately, but you can also chill it for a short time before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a pre-made crust: For an even easier option, use a pre-made sugar cookie crust or graham cracker crust.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce.
- Make it ahead: The crust and frosting can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the fruit pizza just before serving.
This fruit pizza is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple weeknight treat. Enjoy!