Ultimate Fruit Pizza Dessert

Fruit Pizza is a quintessential summer delight that beautifully combines a sweet, tender sugar cookie crust with a luscious, silky-smooth cream cheese frosting. Adorned with a vibrant medley of your favorite fresh fruits and finished with a shimmering, sweet glaze, this dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. It’s the perfect refreshing dessert for picnics, backyard BBQs, or any warm-weather gathering.

If you’re hosting a smaller get-together or simply prefer individual portions, consider making these mini Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas instead. They offer all the delightful flavors in a perfectly manageable size.

Why This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Stands Out

There’s something undeniably charming about a classic fruit pizza, but this recipe takes it to an entirely new level. It begins with a thick, wonderfully sweet, and tender sugar cookie crust that provides the ideal foundation. Layered generously on top is my absolute favorite cream cheese frosting, offering a tangy balance to the sweetness. Finally, it’s crowned with an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruit you have on hand, making it incredibly versatile. It’s an excellent way to utilize those delicious bits of produce that are so plentiful during the summer months.

What truly elevates this fruit pizza from good to absolutely exceptional are two key elements that significantly enhance both its flavor and presentation:

1. **The Pan Choice:** Forget the traditional pizza pan or a standard 9×13-inch baking dish. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a **tart pan**. This simple swap is a true game-changer! A tart pan ensures your crust bakes up thicker and softer, providing a more substantial and satisfying base. Beyond the texture, it also creates a stunning, fluted edge that gives your fruit pizza a polished, gourmet look, making it perfect for impressing guests. Plus, the raised sides of a tart pan make assembly and handling much easier, preventing any messy spillovers often encountered with flatter pizza pans. The end result is a structurally sound and visually appealing dessert that’s a joy to serve.
2. **The Fruit Glaze:** Inspired by the delightful shine on mini fruit tarts, this non-traditional addition is a crucial finishing touch. The glaze, made from fruit preserves thinned slightly with water, adds a beautiful sheen to the fresh fruit, making it look even more appetizing. More importantly, it amps up the overall sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with the tangy frosting and cookie crust. It also helps to “seal” the fruit, keeping it fresh and vibrant for longer. Once you try it with this glaze, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have!

Essential Components of the Perfect Fruit Pizza

Crafting the ideal fruit pizza involves a harmonious blend of three core components: the crust, the frosting, and the toppings. Each plays a vital role in creating a dessert that’s balanced in texture and flavor.

Crust: The foundation of our fruit pizza is a sweet, tender sugar cookie crust. While a homemade sugar cookie dough undoubtedly offers a superior flavor and texture, I understand that sometimes convenience is king. Store-bought sugar cookie dough is a fantastic, simple alternative that saves time without compromising too much on taste. Given all the other delicious elements happening with this pizza, you can absolutely get away with using a high-quality store-bought option. Just ensure it’s chilled before pressing into the pan for the best results.

Frosting: For me, the cream cheese frosting is the heart and soul of this fruit pizza. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the rich cookie crust and the fresh fruit. You might find yourself with a little extra frosting, but if you’re anything like me, that’s never a problem – it’s delicious on its own, or as a spread for bagels or pancakes! I’ve included detailed tips below to ensure your frosting is perfectly smooth and creamy every time.

Toppings: This is where the artistry and fun truly begin! You can use almost any combination of fresh fruits or berries you have available, making it incredibly adaptable to seasonal produce. The beauty of fruit pizza lies in its customizability, allowing you to create a unique and visually stunning masterpiece every time. I’ll delve into more topping ideas further down to inspire your next creation.

Crafting the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is a critical element, providing a delightful tangy counterpoint that beautifully balances the sweetness of both the cookie crust and the fresh fruit toppings. Achieving that perfect, silky-smooth texture and balanced flavor is key. Here are some indispensable tips to help you create an impeccable frosting:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese Properly: This is perhaps the most crucial step for lump-free frosting. Ensure your brick-style cream cheese is at room temperature. You can achieve this by leaving it out on the counter for at least 30-60 minutes, or for a quicker method, unwrap it and place it on a microwave-safe plate, microwaving in short 15-20 second bursts until it’s softened but not melted. Melting will alter its texture and make the frosting runny.
2. Opt for Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Always choose regular, full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Low-fat or whipped varieties contain more water and less fat, which will result in a thinner, less stable, and less creamy frosting. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richness and thickness needed for that luxurious consistency.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar Slowly: To avoid a cloud of sugar and ensure a perfectly smooth frosting, gradually add the powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) to your cream cheese and butter mixture. Start with the mixer on low speed, adding about half a cup at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more. This technique prevents lumps and helps create that desirable, velvety texture.
4. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Don’t be afraid to taste your frosting as you go! After mixing all the ingredients, give it a try. If you prefer it sweeter, add another tablespoon or two of powdered sugar. If you find it too sweet, a tiny pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice (not recommended for this recipe with fruit, but useful for other frosting applications) can help cut through the richness and balance the flavors.
5. Chill Before Using: Once your frosting is perfectly mixed, pop it into the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This chilling period allows the frosting to firm up slightly, making it much easier to spread evenly onto the cooled cookie crust without it oozing over the sides. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen.
6. Spread It Neatly: For a professional-looking finish, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chilled frosting evenly across the cooled cookie crust. Aim for a consistent layer, leaving a small border if desired, or spread it right to the edge for maximum frosting enjoyment.

Selecting and Arranging Your Fruit Pizza Toppings

Once that glorious, tangy cream cheese frosting is thickly slathered all over your golden sugar cookie crust, the real fun begins: decorating! One of the most delightful aspects of any fruit pizza dessert is the boundless creativity that comes with choosing and arranging your toppings. You truly can design the top however you like, using whatever fruits are your absolute favorites or simply what looks best at the market. I generally love to buy a whole bunch of fruit – let’s be honest, whatever is on sale and catches my eye! – and arrange it differently every single time, creating a unique edible masterpiece.

For today’s vibrant version, we’ve chosen a classic and colorful assortment:

• Raspberries: Their tartness offers a great contrast.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, a fruit pizza staple.
• Kiwi: Adds a beautiful green color and unique tangy flavor.
• Mandarin Oranges: Bright citrus notes and a pop of orange.
• Blackberries: Deep color and earthy sweetness.
• Blueberries: Tiny bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

But don’t limit yourself to these! The possibilities are endless. Here are some other fantastic ideas to inspire your next fruit pizza creation:

• Mango: For a tropical twist and vibrant yellow.
• Green Grapes: Crisp, sweet, and easy to arrange.
• Red Grapes: Adds a different hue and similar crunch.
• Banana: Slices are delicious but use only if you plan on eating this pizza fairly quickly after making, as bananas can brown.
• Pineapple: Sweet and tangy, another tropical delight.
• Canned Peaches: Drained well, they offer a soft texture and sweet flavor.

After arranging your colorful mosaic of fruit, the final touch is to smooth a glistening glaze all over it. A simple apricot (or orange) jam mixed with a little bit of water, gently warmed, creates this magical shine. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal, making your fruit pizza look incredibly professional and appetizing, but it also adds another layer of sweetness and helps preserve the freshness of the fruit. Seriously, once it’s glazed, it’s almost too pretty to eat! Making that first slice is often a little painful, knowing you’re disturbing such a beautiful creation. That is, until you take your first taste, and then all hesitation vanishes!

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make The Best Fruit Pizza

Creating this show-stopping fruit pizza is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, delicious outcome every time.

1. Prepare the Cookie Crust:
   • Begin by preheating your oven according to the specific directions on your sugar cookie dough package (usually around 350°F / 175°C).
   • Generously spray an 11-inch tart pan (with a removable bottom if possible) with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the tart pan on a large baking sheet for easier handling and to catch any potential drips.
   • Unwrap your chilled sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the tart pan. Extend the dough up the sides, about three-quarters of the way up the fluted edge. For a uniform crust, you can use the bottom of a measuring cup or your knuckles to press and smooth the dough.
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want a tender, not crispy, crust.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding. This is crucial; a warm crust will melt your frosting.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • While the crust cools, prepare your creamy dream cheese frosting following the detailed instructions provided in the “Crafting the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting” section above.
   • Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened, add powdered sugar gradually, and chill the frosting for 20-30 minutes to firm it up slightly. This will make it much easier to spread.
3. Assemble and Glaze:
   • Once the cookie crust is completely cool, carefully remove it from the tart pan. If using a tart pan with a removable bottom, this will be very easy.
   • Spread the chilled cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie crust. You can be generous here; I often use most, but not all, of the frosting. Leftover frosting is wonderful on breakfast items!
   • Artistically arrange your washed and dried fresh fruits on top of the frosting layer. You can create concentric circles, alternating patterns, or simply pile them beautifully.
   • To make the vibrant glaze, combine 1/3 cup apricot preserves (or orange marmalade for a tangier flavor) with 2 teaspoons of water in a small, microwave-safe bowl.
   • Microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds, then stir well until smooth and slightly thinned. If using marmalade, you might want to strain it first for a smoother glaze.
   • Using a pastry brush, gently brush the warm glaze over all the fruit, ensuring an even, glossy coat.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your assembled fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set completely and the flavors to meld.
   • Cover the pizza with plastic wrap while chilling to keep it fresh and prevent the fruit from drying out.
   • This dessert is best enjoyed the same day it is made, when the crust is tender, the frosting is creamy, and the fruit is at its peak freshness.

Fruit Pizza

By Chelsea Lords

Fruit Pizza is the ultimate summer treat! A soft sugar cookie crust, creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh fruit toppings, and a shiny glaze—simple, delicious, and totally customizable for any occasion!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 8 servings (11-inch tart pan)

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Video

A video guide demonstrating how to make this delicious Fruit Pizza can be found embedded on the original recipe page or linked separately.

Equipment

• Tart pan (11-inch)
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Crust

• Cooking spray
• 1 (16-ounce) package prepared sugar cookie dough (package should make 24 cookies), cold; or see Note 1 for a homemade crust recipe

Frosting

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, brick-style, full-fat, softened
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/16 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 3 to 4 cups fresh fruit (an assortment of strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, blackberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges are recommended)
• 1/3 cup apricot preserves
• 2 teaspoons water

Instructions

Sugar Cookie Crust

1. Preheat the oven according to package directions. Generously spray an 11-inch tart pan with cooking spray and place the tart pan on a large sheet pan. Set aside.
2. Unwrap the cookie dough and press it all evenly and up the sides (about 3/4 of the way up) of the tart pan. Use a measuring cup to press the dough evenly if desired.
3. Bake in the oven for 18–22 minutes or until very lightly golden brown at the edges and center (be careful not to overbake). Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting

1. Soften the cream cheese by removing it from the package and placing it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 15–20 second bursts until it is soft (do not melt).
2. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), cream together the room-temperature butter and softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt. With the mixer running at low speed, gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Do not over-whip.
4. Refrigerate frosting for 20–30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly and for the flavors to meld.

Topping

1. Spread the chilled frosting evenly across the cooled cookie crust. Use as much as you’d like; leftover frosting is delicious on pancakes or waffles!
2. Arrange fresh fruit however you would like across the top of the frosting.
3. Combine the jam and water in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture for 10–15 seconds and stir well until smooth.
4. Using a pastry brush, brush the warm glaze mixture over the top of the fruit, creating a beautiful shine.
5. Serve immediately or cool in the fridge (covered). Store any leftovers in the fridge; this fruit pizza is best enjoyed the same day it is made.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough Crust

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, soft but not melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/4 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional, but delicious: zest of 1 large orange (1 tablespoon), 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy, resembling peanut butter. Add the egg, vanilla, orange zest, and cardamom (if using) and mix until just combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a thick dough forms. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill. Remove, then press evenly into your well-greased 11-inch tart pan.

Storage: For the freshest taste and best texture, Fruit Pizza is truly best enjoyed the day it is made. If you anticipate having leftovers or need to prepare parts ahead of time, it’s best to store the components separately. Keep the baked and frosted crust in an airtight container in the fridge, and wash/chop the fruit just before assembly. If storing an already assembled pizza, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Be aware that bananas, if used, will brown, and some fruits may become softer over time. For optimal freshness, add the fruit and glaze just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 743 kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 62g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.