Best Fruit Pizza Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that dazzles with color, bursts with fresh flavors, and brings smiles all around the table, then you have to try the Best Fruit Pizza Recipe. This delightful treat combines a soft and chewy sugar cookie crust with a creamy, tangy frosting topped by a vibrant array of fresh fruits. Every bite feels like summer on your tongue, and what’s more, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether it’s a party, holiday, or just a delightful weekend indulgence, this fruit pizza is sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Best Fruit Pizza Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that each play a special role in creating that signature crust, creamy topping, and fresh flavor burst. Gathering these essentials is the first step toward an unforgettable homemade treat.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the perfect soft base for the sugar cookie crust.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds tenderness and lightness to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the crust a gentle lift without making it cakey.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a rich, moist texture in the crust.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just right for a cookie flavor.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a subtle, complementary nutty note.
• 8 oz full fat brick cream cheese (room temperature): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and tangy.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness to the frosting.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and subtle acidity to the topping.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a fresh citrus aroma for extra zing.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor harmony.
• pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and sharpness in the frosting.
• 4-5 cups assorted fresh fruit: A colorful mix like kiwi, mango, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries that crowns your pizza with freshness and beauty.
• 2 tablespoons apricot preserves (optional): Creates a shiny glaze that locks in fruit freshness and adds a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Best Fruit Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients — flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt — in a bowl. This ensures the leavening and tenderizing agents are evenly distributed, setting up your crust for success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust as it incorporates air into the butter.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

With the mixer still running on medium, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend just until everything is combined — overmixing here can toughen the crust.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Switch the mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Then, use a spatula to gently fold in any remaining dry bits to ensure an even texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap pressed directly on its surface to prevent drying. Chill for at least 20 minutes or up to a day. If refrigerated for longer than a couple of hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften slightly for easier rolling or pressing.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 12-inch pizza pan by greasing it with nonstick spray, regardless of whether your pan claims to be nonstick. Press or roll the dough into a 9 to 10-inch circle on the pan, aiming for even thickness. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep it chewy rather than crispy. Allow the crust to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the room temperature cream cheese and softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This ensures a light frosting that’s easy to spread.

Step 8: Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to high and beat for 2 full minutes until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or a teaspoon of milk at a time if too thick. Taste and add a pinch of salt if the frosting needs balance.

Step 9: Frost the Cookie Crust

Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled crust, creating a smooth canvas ready for your fruit topping.

Step 10: Decorate with Fresh Fruit

Arrange the fresh fruit on top as you desire, starting from the outer edges and working your way inward. Alternate colors and fruit types to create a stunning, vibrant mosaic that invites everyone to dig in.

Step 11: Optional Glaze

For an elegant, glossy finish, warm the apricot preserves in the microwave for 30 seconds or until spreadable, then lightly brush over the fruit. This glaze helps seal in freshness and adds a subtle shine. Reheat if it starts to thicken before applying again.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your beautiful fruit pizza into wedges and serve immediately. If you’d like to prepare ahead, refrigerate for up to 12 hours to allow flavors to meld perfectly without sacrificing texture.

How to Serve Best Fruit Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These simple touches make the fruit pizza look even more irresistible and add a delicate fresh aroma or extra sweet allure.

Side Dishes

The Best Fruit Pizza Recipe pairs wonderfully with light beverages like iced tea, sparkling water with a citrus twist, or even a crisp white wine for an adult celebration. For casual gatherings, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side makes every bite more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your fruit pizza on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe, or plate each slice with a small drizzle of honey or a few edible flower petals for a refined touch. You can even experiment by cutting the fruit pizza into bite-sized squares for elegant finger-food style at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fruit pizza covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains delicious. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods due to the cream cheese frosting.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dessert because the fresh fruit and creamy frosting lose their texture and flavor when thawed. If needed, you can freeze the baked cookie crust alone for up to two months, wrapped well, and thaw it completely before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

Since this is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a warmer crust, try gently warming the cookie base before adding fresh frosting and fruit for a fresh batch experience.

FAQs

Can I use different fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! One of the joys of the Best Fruit Pizza Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits or whatever looks freshest at the market.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this fruit pizza?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and cream cheese. Just be mindful of texture changes, but it can certainly be made to suit dairy-free diets.

How long does it take to make the Best Fruit Pizza Recipe?

From start to finish, including chilling and baking, plan for about one hour and 45 minutes. Much of that time is hands-off chilling or cooling, so it fits nicely into a relaxed afternoon of baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust chilling or baking times slightly to get the best texture.

What can I do if the frosting is too sweet or too thick?

If the frosting is too sweet, add a small pinch of salt or extra lemon juice to balance it out. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time to loosen it; if too thin, incorporate more powdered sugar gradually until your desired consistency is reached.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Best Fruit Pizza Recipe a try—it’s joyful, beautiful, and scrumptious all at once. This fruit pizza isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate that brings everyone together with smiles and happy taste buds. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite I love sharing with friends and family!

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