Introduction
Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert that combines a sweet cookie crust, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit toppings. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, from summer barbecues to birthday parties. This recipe features a delicious sugar cookie base topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and an array of vibrant fruits. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this fruit pizza is sure to be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
7-10 strawberries, sliced
5-6 kiwis, sliced
1 mango, sliced
½ cup blueberries
1 small bunch of grapes, halved
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
Yield: Serves 12
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful fruit pizza that brings together the sweetness of sugar cookies, the creaminess of frosting, and the freshness of seasonal fruits!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
– In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
– Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
– Press the dough evenly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
– Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
– Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
– After the cookie crust has cooled completely, use a spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the crust.
– Carefully arrange the sliced strawberries, kiwis, mango, blueberries, and halved grapes on top of the frosting in a decorative pattern as desired.
– Place the assembled fruit pizza in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set properly.
– After chilling, slice the fruit pizza into wedges and serve it cold.
Notes
For Best Results:
– Make sure all ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for easier mixing.
– Feel free to substitute or add different fruits according to your preference or seasonality.
– If you want a thicker frosting, you can adjust the powdered sugar quantity to your liking.
– When slicing the fruit pizza, use a sharp knife for clean cuts and to prevent the toppings from sliding off.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure they are evenly combined and to aerate the mixture.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps give the cookie crust a light texture.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. This ensures that the wet ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Making Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the texture of the cookie crust.
Baking the Cookie Crust
Press the dough evenly into a greased pan and bake until the edges are lightly golden. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Cooling the Cookie Crust
Allow the baked crust to cool completely before adding the frosting. This helps the frosting maintain its texture and prevents it from melting.
Beating Cream Cheese
Beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth to ensure it’s free of lumps for a creamy frosting.
Incorporating Powdered Sugar
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, beating until creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and sweet frosting.
Arranging Fruit Topping
Decoratively arrange the sliced fruits over the frosting after it has set, creating an appealing presentation for the fruit pizza.
Refrigerating the Fruit Pizza
Chill the assembled fruit pizza for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to firm up and flavors to meld.
FAQ
Can I use different fruits for the topping?
Yes, you can substitute or add other fruits based on your preference or what is in season.
How long can fruit pizza be stored?
Fruit pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make the cookie crust in advance?
Yes, you can make the cookie crust a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and assemble.
What can I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If the dough is too crumbly, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water until it comes together.
How do I know when the cookie crust is done baking?
The crust is done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
The fruit pizza with a sugar cookie crust and cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that showcases a beautiful medley of fresh fruits. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a fun treat to enjoy at home. The combination of the sweet and buttery crust, the creamy frosting, and the vibrant fruits creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is sure to please any palate.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookie Fruit Pizza
Replace the sugar cookie crust with a chocolate chip cookie base and top with the same cream cheese frosting and assorted fruits for a delicious chocolate twist.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Add lemon zest to the cookie dough and the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the fruits beautifully.
Peanut Butter Cookie Fruit Pizza
Use peanut butter cookie dough for the crust and top with cream cheese frosting. Add banana slices and chocolate drizzle for a decadent combination.
Coconut Cream Fruit Pizza
Incorporate shredded coconut into the frosting and top with tropical fruits, such as pineapple and passion fruit, for a delightful island-inspired dessert.
Oreo Cookie Fruit Pizza
Crush Oreo cookies to create a chocolate cookie crust and pair it with cream cheese frosting. Add strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for an indulgent treat.
