Growing up, my mom used to make the most amazing Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust every summer. It was the highlight of our family barbecues and potlucks, and I can still remember the look on everyone’s faces when she brought it out – pure delight! The buttery, crisp sugar cookie crust perfectly complemented the fresh, vibrant fruit toppings, and the creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting tied it all together in the most heavenly way.
Even though it looks like it takes hours to prepare, this Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust recipe is actually a breeze to make. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking, you can have a showstopping dessert ready in just 30 minutes. And trust me, it’s worth every second. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for all your summer gatherings.
Why This Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
The secret to making the best Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust is all in the details. First, the sugar cookie crust has to be just right – buttery, crisp, and slightly chewy. That’s where the perfect blend of ingredients comes into play. The 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1 cup of granulated sugar work together to create a cookie base that’s out of this world. And the addition of 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt take it to the next level.
But the real magic happens with the creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. By whipping together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, you end up with a luscious, tangy-sweet topping that complements the fresh fruit like no other. And speaking of the fruit, the 1 cup of mixed berries, citrus, and stone fruit brings the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to tie the whole thing together.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and chew for the sugar cookie crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the key to getting that rich, buttery flavor and crisp texture in the crust.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar not only sweetens the crust, but also helps it caramelize and brown beautifully.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the crust together and adding a tender, cake-like crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is a classic flavor pairing with sugar cookies, adding depth and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A small amount of baking powder helps the crust rise and become light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt heightens all the other flavors.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese provides a rich, tangy base for the frosting.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese frosting.
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit: A colorful array of fresh berries, citrus, and stone fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich crust and frosting.
Step-by-Step Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust Instructions
Preparing Your Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or baking sheet. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust ready for the oven.
1- Start by making the sugar cookie crust. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
3- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, reaching all the way to the edges. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and delicious-smelling.
4- While the crust bakes, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
5- Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Then, arrange the 1 cup of mixed fresh fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges) in a pretty pattern over the frosting.
6- Slice and serve this beautiful Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. The crisp, buttery crust, tangy-sweet frosting, and juicy, fresh fruit make for an unbeatable combination.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps everything blend together seamlessly.
- Don’t overmix the dough – just mix until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense crust.
- Bake the crust on the lower end of the time range to prevent it from getting too crisp and dry. You want it to be golden brown and just set.
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the frosting, otherwise it may become a messy, melty situation.
- Get creative with the fruit toppings! Try a seasonal mix or go for a specific color palette for a stunning presentation.
- Chill the Fruit Pizza for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set up.
Serving and Storing Your Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
Perfect Pairings for Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
This Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust is a true showstopper that’s perfect for any summer gathering. It serves 12 people, making it great for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even as a lighter dessert option after a heavy meal. For the best experience, serve it alongside a refreshing sparkling lemonade or iced tea. The bright, fruity flavors also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled crust for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the pizza.
To make this recipe ahead of time, you can prepare the sugar cookie crust up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply spread on the cream cheese frosting and top with the fresh fruit.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
Creative Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust Variations
While the classic combination of a sugar cookie crust, cream cheese frosting, and mixed fresh fruit is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping in different types of fruit, like diced mango, pineapple, or peaches. You can also experiment with different flavors of cream cheese, such as vanilla bean or maple-walnut. For a seasonal twist, use a mix of fall fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries in the autumn, or citrus and berries in the spring.
Making Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust Diet-Friendly
To make this Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. For a vegan option, swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, and use your favorite non-dairy milk in the crust. And for a low-carb take, use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of the granulated sugar, and top it with berries and citrus instead of the mixed fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use any combination of fresh fruit you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, pineapple, or even diced mango or peach.
Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?
A: The total time for this Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust recipe is just 30 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sugar cookie crust up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.
Q: How many servings does this Fruit Pizza make?
A: This recipe makes 12 servings of Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust, so it’s great for sharing with a crowd.
Q: What if the crust doesn’t bake evenly?
A: If you notice some areas of the crust browning faster than others, simply rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This will help ensure an even bake.
Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors with this Fruit Pizza featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust and a vibrant array of fresh, juicy fruit toppings.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming a thin, even crust.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
6. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
8. Arrange the fresh fruit in a decorative pattern on top of the cream cheese layer.
9. Chill the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a more vibrant fruit topping, you can brush the fruit with a glaze made from warmed fruit preserves or a simple syrup. Store any leftover fruit pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust is the ultimate summer dessert – it’s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and sure to wow a crowd. The buttery, crisp sugar cookie base, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, and vibrant, juicy fruit topping come together in perfect harmony. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of fruity, cookie-y heaven. I can’t wait to hear how your Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust turns out!
