Introduction
Indulging in a delicious dessert can be a delightful experience, especially when it combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the freshness of fruits. This easy-to-make fruit pizza is perfect for any occasion, turning a simple treat into a stunning centerpiece. With a soft sugar cookie base, creamy cream cheese frosting, and an array of fresh berries, this fruit pizza is not only visually appealing but also irresistible in taste.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Topping:
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup fresh blueberries
½ cup white baking chips (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15-18 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling and setting time)
Yield
Serves 10-12
Directions
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly onto a greased or parchment-lined 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet to form a crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Arrange the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern.
4. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white baking chips in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the fruit-topped pizza.
5. Serve:
Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Press the dough evenly onto a greased or parchment-lined 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet to form a crust.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and spreadable.
Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
1. Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface.
2. Arrange the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern.
Optional White Chocolate Drizzle:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white baking chips in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
2. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the fruit-topped pizza.
Serve:
1. Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set.
2. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Cookie Base Tips:
– Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
Frosting Consistency:
– If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to reach desired spreadability.
Fruit Arrangement:
– Feel free to use other fruits like kiwi or raspberries for variety.
Storage:
– The fruit pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.
Cook techniques
Creaving Butter and Sugar
Creaming butter and sugar together is essential for creating a light and fluffy texture in cookies. Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Incorporating Eggs
When adding the egg to the creamed butter and sugar, ensure it is at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification and consistency in your dough.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt separately before incorporating them into the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, promoting uniform texture.
Pressing Dough Evenly
When pressing the cookie dough into the pan, use your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for even baking.
Baking to Perfection
Keep an eye on the cookie base while baking; it’s ready when the edges are lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve a smooth cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely free of lumps before adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream.
Assembling the Fruit Pizza
When spreading the frosting over the cooled cookie base, use an offset spatula for easy and even spreading.
Drizzling White Chocolate
Melt white baking chips in small increments to avoid burning. Stir well after each interval for a smooth drizzle.
Chilling Before Serving
Refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza for at least an hour. This helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but it’s advisable to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese can be used as alternatives, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How can I make this cookie base gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it contains xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I freeze the fruit pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie base and frosting separately. Assemble and add fresh fruit only before serving for the best taste and texture.
What other fruits can I use on top?
Feel free to use any fresh fruit, such as kiwis, raspberries, or peaches, to customize the toppings to your liking.
Conclusion
The fruit pizza made with a sugar cookie base and cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert, perfect for various occasions. The combination of fresh strawberries and blueberries not only adds vibrant color but also a refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookie and frosting. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings, parties, or simply a sweet treat at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookie Fruit Pizza
Swap the sugar cookie base for a chocolate chip cookie dough base, and top with a cream cheese frosting and an assortment of sliced bananas, kiwi, and raspberries.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Add lemon zest to the sugar cookie dough to create a zesty base, and use a lemon-infused cream cheese frosting topped with mixed berries.
Peach and Raspberry Tart
Instead of a cookie base, use a shortcrust pastry, spread with a light cream cheese or mascarpone filling, and top with sliced peaches and fresh raspberries.
Healthy Yogurt Fruit Pizza
Replace the cream cheese frosting with Greek yogurt mixed with honey and vanilla. Use a whole wheat cookie base and top with any seasonal fruit like mangoes and blackberries.
Coconut Mango Fruit Pizza
Incorporate shredded coconut into the cookie dough and use a coconut cream frosting. Top with fresh mango slices and toasted coconut for added texture.
