Delicious and Easy-to-Make Fruit Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries)
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the cookie dough over a round pizza pan or baking sheet in an even layer to form the crust of your fruit pizza.
  3. Bake the cookie dough for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, then allow it to cool completely.
  4. While the cookie crust is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
  6. Prepare your fruit by washing, drying, and slicing if necessary. Arrange the fruit on top of the cream cheese layer in a design of your choice.
  7. Heat the apricot preserves in a small saucepan over low heat (or in short bursts in the microwave) until it becomes liquid, then strain it to remove any pieces of fruit.
  8. Brush the liquefied apricot preserves over the fruit to glaze and seal it, adding a nice shine.
  9. Chill the fruit pizza for an hour before cutting and serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - Needed to mix the cream cheese filling.
  • Electric mixer - Used to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
  • Round pizza pan or baking sheet - Used to bake the cookie crust in the shape of a pizza.
  • Spatula - Necessary for spreading the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
  • Small saucepan - Used to heat the apricot preserves for the glaze.
  • Pastry brush - Needed to brush the liquefied apricot preserves over the fruit.
  • Knife - Required for washing, drying, and slicing the fresh fruit before arranging it on the fruit pizza.

Recipe variations

  • Use a graham cracker crust instead of the sugar cookie crust.
  • Try a gluten-free crust option using almond flour or a gluten-free cookie mix.
  • Experiment with different types of fruit combinations, such as using tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya.
  • Add a layer of lemon or lime curd between the cream cheese and fruit for a tangy twist.
  • Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
  • Sprinkle some toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top of the fruit for added texture and flavor.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the fruit for a decadent touch.
  • If you prefer a sweeter glaze, substitute the apricot preserves with strawberry or raspberry jam.
  • Create a savory version by using a pizza dough crust, spreading a layer of herbed cream cheese, and topping with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.

Recipe overview

Get ready to make a delicious and colorful dessert that's sure to impress your guests: Fruit Pizza! This unique and eye-catching treat is made with a simple sugar cookie crust, topped with a rich cream cheese layer, and finally adorned with fresh, vibrant fruit. The final glaze with apricot preserves gives it a beautiful, enticing shine. It's a sweet, creamy, and fruity delight all in one. This recipe is not only versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite fruits, but it's also a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen. It's an ideal dessert for picnics, parties, and summer gatherings. The process involves baking a cookie dough crust, creating a creamy topping, arranging your favorite fruits, and adding a glossy finish with an apricot glaze. After a brief cool down period, your Fruit Pizza is ready to slice and serve. Dive into each step and let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough?
  2. Yes, you can substitute homemade cookie dough for the refrigerated dough. Just make sure it is rolled out to fit your pizza pan or baking sheet.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the cream cheese mixture?
  4. While cream cheese is the traditional choice for fruit pizza, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or Greek yogurt if desired.
  5. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit?
  6. Fresh fruit is recommended for this recipe as it provides the best texture and flavor. However, you can use frozen fruit that has been thawed and well-drained if fresh fruit is not available.
  7. What can I use as a substitute for apricot preserves?
  8. If apricot preserves are not available, you can use other fruit preserves or even honey as a glaze for the fruit.
  9. How long does the fruit pizza need to chill before serving?
  10. Chill the fruit pizza for at least an hour before cutting and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cream cheese layer to set.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the cream cheese mixture.
  • Electric mixer - Used to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
  • Round pizza pan or baking sheet - To bake the cookie dough and form the crust.
  • Spatula - To spread the cream cheese mixture and glaze the fruit pizza.
  • Small saucepan - To heat the apricot preserves.
  • Pastry brush - To brush the liquefied apricot preserves over the fruit.
  • Strainer - To strain the apricot preserves and remove any fruit pieces.

Origin stories

Fruit pizza is a fun and colorful dessert that gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 90s. It's actually a play on two classic American favorites: the cookie and the pizza. Often seen at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, this dessert was a creative way to incorporate more fruit into a sweet treat. Interestingly, while it's called a "pizza", it is most definitely a dessert. Its crust is made of cookie dough, it's topped with a cream cheese "sauce", and instead of traditional pizza toppings, it uses fresh, vibrant fruit. The dish is a testament to the American love for experimenting with food and creating new, fun dishes. It's also a great way to showcase the variety of fresh, local fruit available across different states.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.