Recipe for Fruit Pizza: The Sweetest Slice of Summer

Summer is synonymous with vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and easy entertaining. What better way to celebrate the season than with a stunning and delicious fruit pizza? This isn’t your average pizza; it’s a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Imagine a crisp, sweet crust topped with a creamy, tangy “sauce” and adorned with a rainbow of fresh, juicy fruits. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple afternoon treat, this fruit pizza recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for a second slice!

Why This Recipe Works

This fruit pizza recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Versatile Crust: The sugar cookie crust provides a sturdy yet subtly sweet base that complements the fruit beautifully. It’s also easy to make from scratch or you can use pre-made dough for convenience.
• Tangy Cream Cheese “Sauce”: The cream cheese frosting isn’t overly sweet, providing a perfect balance to the sweetness of the fruit. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Customizable Fruit Toppings: The beauty of fruit pizza lies in its adaptability. You can use any combination of fruits that are in season or that you personally enjoy. This makes it a great way to use up leftover fruit or create a visually stunning and flavorful pizza.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. The steps are straightforward, and even beginner bakers can achieve excellent results.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love decorating the pizza with their favorite fruits, making this a fun and interactive activity for the whole family.

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
  • 1 roll (16.5 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough, or homemade sugar cookie dough
• For the Cream Cheese “Sauce”:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Fruit Toppings:
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup kiwi slices
  • 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • Other fruits of your choice: grapes, pineapple, blackberries, etc.
• Optional Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam, heated and strained (for a shiny glaze)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. If using pre-made dough, press the sugar cookie dough evenly into a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. If making from scratch, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer to the pan.
   3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
   4. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
2. Make the Cream Cheese “Sauce”:
   1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
   2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
   1. Once the crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edge.
   2. Arrange the fruit slices artfully on top of the cream cheese frosting. Get creative with your design! You can create patterns, sections of different fruits, or a random assortment.
4. Optional Glaze:
   1. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam over low heat until melted.
   2. Strain the jam through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
   3. Brush the melted jam lightly over the fruit to give it a shiny glaze and help prevent it from drying out.
5. Chill and Serve:
   1. Refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the cream cheese frosting to firm up and the flavors to meld.
   2. Slice into wedges and serve chilled.

Tips for Success

• Cool the Crust Completely: This is the most important tip! A warm crust will melt the cream cheese frosting, resulting in a soggy pizza.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy frosting. Leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Pat Dry the Fruit: Excess moisture on the fruit can make the pizza soggy. Pat the fruit dry with paper towels before arranging it on the pizza.
• Use a Pizza Cutter: A pizza cutter makes slicing the fruit pizza into clean and even wedges much easier.
• Get Creative with the Fruit: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit combinations and arrangements. Consider using seasonal fruits for the best flavor and appearance.
• Add a Sprinkle of Coconut: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle shredded coconut over the fruit before chilling.
• Don’t Overbake the Crust: Overbaking the crust will make it dry and hard. Aim for a light golden brown color.

Storage Instructions

Fruit pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the pizza tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the fruit from drying out. Keep in mind that the crust may become slightly softer over time.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?

A: Yes! You can use a graham cracker crust, a shortbread crust, or even a pre-made pie crust. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A: While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the texture of the frosting may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and consistency.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can bake the crust a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. However, it’s best to assemble the pizza no more than a few hours before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have apricot jam for the glaze?

A: You can use other fruit preserves, such as strawberry or raspberry jam, or simply omit the glaze altogether. A light brushing of honey can also work.

Q: Can I freeze fruit pizza?

A: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese frosting and fruit will not thaw well and the crust will become soggy.

Conclusion

This fruit pizza recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable fruit toppings and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your favorite fruits, get creative, and enjoy the sweetest slice of summer! This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a chance to create something beautiful and delicious that will bring joy to everyone who tastes it. Happy baking!