Fruit pizza is a delicious dessert that has been enjoyed for decades. I have always loved the combination of sweet, juicy fruits and creamy cheese frosting on a soft, chewy crust. I’m just drooling when I even think of it! Fruit pizza is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also getting some healthy nutrients from the fruits.
The origins of fruit pizza are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s or 1970s. The recipe typically consists of a sugar cookie crust, cream cheese frosting, and a variety of fresh fruits. It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
To make a classic fruit pizza, use store-bought sugar cookie dough — sure, you can use homemade cookie dough, but store-bought makes things 1,000 times easier. Bake the crust until it’s golden brown and let it cool completely. Then, spread the cream cheese frosting over the crust and arrange your favorite fruits on top. Some popular fruit choices include strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and pineapple. For a finishing touch, you can add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Just keep reading and I’ll provide you with a foolproof recipe with 10 variations!
History of Fruit Pizza
As a lover of both pizza and fruit, I was thrilled to discover the existence of fruit pizza. This delicious dessert has become a popular choice for parties and gatherings, but where did it come from?
The origins of fruit pizza are a bit unclear, but it seems to have gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. Some credit the creation of fruit pizza to Pillsbury, who included a recipe for it in one of their cookbooks in 1985. Others claim that it was first served at a restaurant in California. Regardless of its origins, fruit pizza has become a beloved dessert that is both beautiful and delicious.
The basic concept of fruit pizza is simple: a sugar cookie crust is topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and a variety of fresh fruit. However, there are endless variations on this theme, and many creative bakers have put their own spin on the classic recipe.
Whether you prefer a traditional fruit pizza or a more unique version, there is no denying that this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re looking for a sweet treat to share with friends and family, consider making a fruit pizza!
Foolproof Fruit Pizza Recipe
I have tried many fruit pizza recipes over the years, and this is by far the best one. It’s foolproof, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Here is my recipe for the perfect fruit pizza:
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and pineapple)
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Press the cookie dough into a 12-inch round pizza pan, making sure it’s even and flat.
- Bake for 12—15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
- Arrange the fruit on top of the cream cheese mixture in a decorative pattern.
- In a small saucepan, heat the apricot preserves over low heat until melted and smooth. Brush the melted preserves over the fruit.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
That’s it! This fruit pizza is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday parties. Here are a few tips to make it even better:
Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations and toppings to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Fruit Pizza
As someone who has made fruit pizzas many times, I have learned a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect fruit pizza every time. Here are some of my best tips:
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough before pressing it onto your pan helps the sugar cookie crust spread just enough in the oven. If you skip this step, the crust may spread too much and escape the pan.
2. Use Softened Cream Cheese
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with sugar and vanilla. Softened cream cheese will blend more easily, resulting in a smoother and creamier mixture.
3. Choose Fresh and Colorful Fruits
When it comes to choosing fruits for your pizza, go for fresh and colorful ones. Fresh fruits will taste better and add more texture to your pizza. Colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwis, mandarin oranges, and blueberries will make your pizza look more appealing and appetizing.
4. Cut the Fruits into Small Pieces
When slicing your fruits, make sure to cut them into small pieces. Small pieces of fruits are easier to eat and distribute evenly on the pizza.
5. Brush with Jelly
After arranging the fruits on the cream cheese layer, brush them with melted jelly or preserves. This will add a nice shine to the fruits and help them stay fresh longer.
6. Experiment with Different Flavors
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can try using different types of crusts, cream cheese mixtures, and fruits. You can also add toppings like nuts, chocolate, or caramel to give your pizza a unique twist.
Variations of Fruit Pizza
White Chocolate Blueberry Pizza
I love the combination of fresh blueberries and creamy white chocolate. To make this pizza, simply spread a layer of melted white chocolate over the crust and top with fresh blueberries. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Milk Chocolate Fruit Pizza
For a more indulgent dessert, try a milk chocolate fruit pizza. Melt milk chocolate and spread it over your crust, then top with your favorite fruits. I love using strawberries, raspberries, and kiwi for this pizza.
Dark Chocolate Blackcurrant Pizza
If you prefer dark chocolate, try making a dark chocolate blackcurrant pizza. Spread melted dark chocolate over your crust and top with fresh blackcurrants. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.
Vegan Fruit Pizza
For a vegan option, use a vegan sugar cookie crust and top it with a vegan cream cheese frosting. You can use any combination of fresh fruits you like, such as strawberries, pineapple, and mango.
Citrusy Spring Fruit Pizza
In the spring, I love using citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits for my fruit pizza. Top your crust with a layer of sweetened cream cheese and arrange slices of citrus fruits on top. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh mint for extra freshness.
Strawberry Kiwi Fruit Pizza
My favorite fruit pizza topping is strawberry and kiwi. Top the cream cheese mixture with 4 peeled and sliced kiwis and 1 pint washed and sliced fresh strawberries. Brush with melted strawberry preserves or strawberry jam. Sprinkle toasted crushed macadamias on top. For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle melted white chocolate as a finishing touch. Voilà!
Fresh Summer Fruit Pizza
In the summer, use a variety of fresh summer fruits for your pizza. Try using peaches, cherries, and blueberries for a colorful and delicious pizza. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra flavor.
Fall Harvest Fruit Pizza
In the fall, use seasonal fruits like apples and pears for your pizza. Top your crust with a layer of caramel cream cheese and arrange slices of apples and pears on top. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm and cozy flavor.
Cozy Winter Fruit Pizza
In the winter, use warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for your pizza. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over your crust and top with sliced bananas and pomegranate seeds. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free sugar cookie crust and top it with a gluten-free cream cheese frosting. You can use any combination of fresh fruits you like, such as raspberries, blackberries, and pineapple.
Conclusion
Overall, fruit pizza is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to experiment with different toppings and crusts, there are endless possibilities for creating a fruit pizza that suits your taste preferences.
As I have learned, the key to a successful fruit pizza is to start with a sturdy crust that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. Additionally, using a creamy, sweet sauce as a base helps to balance out the tartness of the fruit and adds a rich flavor to the overall dish.
When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit. From fresh berries and sliced kiwi to tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, there are so many options to choose from. I recommend using a variety of colors and textures to create a visually appealing dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit pizza. Try experimenting with different crusts, such as sugar cookie or graham cracker, or adding unexpected toppings like nuts or chocolate chips. With a little imagination, you can create a fruit pizza that is truly unique and unforgettable.