This Fruit Pizza is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that combines a soft sugar cookie crust, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a colorful assortment of fresh fruit. It’s the perfect treat for summer gatherings, BBQs, or any special occasion. With a buttery base, creamy topping, and juicy fruit, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite fruits!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 3 cups (about 400g) assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, grapes, mango, etc.)

Directions

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Crust:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until creamy (about 2 minutes).
   • Add egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
   • Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Cover and chill dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.

2. Bake the Crust:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 12-inch pizza pan (or press into a 9×13-inch pan for a thinner crust).
   • Press the chilled dough onto the pan in a 9–10-inch circle, about ⅓-inch thick.
   • Bake for 17–19 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely before decorating.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   • Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:

   • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled crust.
   • Arrange fresh fruit on top in your desired pattern.

5. Serve & Store:

   • Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrients (Per serving, estimated for 12 servings)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~13g
• Sugar: ~24g
• Fiber: ~1g

The Perfect Sugar Cookie Crust

The base of this fruit pizza is a soft and buttery sugar cookie crust. The crust serves as the foundation for the entire dessert, providing a tender and slightly chewy texture that complements the creamy frosting and fresh fruit. The secret to making the perfect sugar cookie crust is in the balance of ingredients. By using a combination of cornstarch, baking powder, and all-purpose flour, the dough achieves a light and tender texture that holds its shape when baked. The addition of butter and sugar creates a rich, slightly sweet flavor, making the crust the perfect vehicle for the tangy cream cheese frosting.

After the dough is mixed, it is chilled for a short period to allow the butter to firm up, which helps maintain the dough’s structure during baking. The dough is then pressed into a pizza pan and baked until the edges are golden brown. The result is a sturdy yet tender base that holds up well under the weight of the frosting and fruit topping, ensuring every bite of the fruit pizza is just the right balance of crisp and soft.

Cream Cheese Frosting: A Tangy and Smooth Topping

No fruit pizza is complete without its creamy, tangy frosting, and in this recipe, the cream cheese frosting steals the show. The frosting is made with a simple blend of softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The cream cheese provides a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie crust and the fresh fruit. The butter adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, while the powdered sugar ensures that the frosting is sweet without being overly sugary.

The key to making the perfect cream cheese frosting is to beat the ingredients until they are smooth and fluffy. This gives the frosting a light and airy texture that is easy to spread over the cooled cookie crust. The frosting’s slight tanginess and creamy texture create a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cookie and the freshness of the fruit, making each bite of the fruit pizza a satisfying and well-rounded experience.

The Versatility of Fresh Fruit Toppings

One of the best things about fruit pizza is how customizable it is. You can use any combination of fresh fruits you prefer, making it an adaptable dessert that works for different seasons and occasions. The key is to use fruits that are ripe and in season to ensure the best flavor and texture.

In this recipe, the fruit topping consists of a colorful mix of strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and grapes. Strawberries provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor, while kiwi adds a tangy kick and vibrant green color. Blueberries and grapes contribute juiciness and subtle sweetness, making them the perfect complement to the other fruits. The combination of different colors and textures not only makes the fruit pizza visually appealing but also creates a variety of flavors with every bite.

For a more tropical twist, you can replace some of the berries with fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit. Mango, with its smooth and sweet flesh, adds a tropical sweetness that pairs well with the cream cheese frosting. Pineapple offers a bright, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the frosting. You can also try adding raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches depending on what fruits are in season or your personal preferences.

Fruit Pizza for Every Occasion

Fruit Pizza is an incredibly versatile dessert that can be served at a variety of occasions. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it an ideal choice for summer BBQs, picnics, and outdoor parties. The light and fruity nature of the dessert makes it a great option for those looking for something sweet but not too heavy. The combination of the buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and juicy fruit makes it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

In addition to being perfect for casual gatherings, Fruit Pizza also works wonderfully for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating a holiday, or attending a potluck, this dessert is guaranteed to stand out. The bright and colorful presentation makes it a showstopper, and it’s sure to be the highlight of the dessert table.

Since it’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance, Fruit Pizza is an excellent choice for meal prep or pre-party preparation. You can make the sugar cookie crust and cream cheese frosting ahead of time and then assemble the pizza right before serving. This allows you to save time on the day of the event and ensures that the pizza stays fresh and beautiful when it’s time to serve.

How to Customize Your Fruit Pizza

While the combination of strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and grapes is a classic and delicious choice, there are endless ways to customize your Fruit Pizza to suit your taste preferences or the season. Here are some ideas to help you get creative with your toppings:

• Berry Bliss: For a berry-centric version, load the pizza with a variety of fresh berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. The sweet and tart flavors of the berries will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy frosting and sweet cookie crust.

• Tropical Escape: For a tropical twist, top the fruit pizza with mango, pineapple, and coconut. These fruits add a tropical flair and pair beautifully with the cream cheese frosting, giving the pizza an exotic feel.

• Citrus Delight: For a citrusy version, try using slices of orange, lemon, or lime. The zesty fruit adds a burst of refreshing flavor and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the frosting.

• Stone Fruits: Peaches, nectarines, and plums make excellent choices for a late summer or early fall fruit pizza. Their juicy and fragrant flesh pairs perfectly with the creamy frosting and offers a seasonal touch.

• Nutty Additions: If you want to add a little crunch to your fruit pizza, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or pecans, on top of the fruit. This adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit and frosting.

How to Serve and Store Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza is best served fresh, so it’s ideal for preparing and serving on the same day. However, if you need to make it in advance, you can prepare the sugar cookie crust and frosting ahead of time, but it’s best to add the fruit topping right before serving to prevent the fruit from releasing excess moisture and affecting the crust’s texture.

To serve, simply slice the fruit pizza into wedges, just like a traditional pizza, or cut it into squares for easier sharing. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider cutting it into smaller pieces so guests can enjoy multiple servings of the vibrant dessert.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from becoming soggy, it’s best to cover the fruit pizza loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Conclusion: A Vibrant and Refreshing Dessert

Fruit Pizza is a fun, delicious, and visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft sugar cookie crust, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a colorful array of fresh fruit, it offers a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just as a special treat, Fruit Pizza is sure to be a hit with your guests.