If you have a sweet tooth and love a fun twist on traditional desserts, this Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine a soft, chewy dough base topped with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese sauce, studded with melty mini chocolate chips and finished off with a delicate, buttery streusel that adds the perfect crunch. It’s dessert and pizza rolled into one irresistible treat that’s guaranteed to wow your friends and family. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, which means you can whip up this delicious indulgence anytime the craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe plays a key role in bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to your dessert. They are simple pantry staples but come together to create something truly special and memorable.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and elastic dough that holds all your toppings.
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast: Gives the crust a subtle rise for a light but chewy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the dough’s flavor complexity.
- ⅔ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Creates the luscious, creamy “sauce” base that’s just slightly tangy.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese, enhancing that dessert vibe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm flavor in both the topping and streusel.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Melty bites of chocolate that add joyful bursts of sweetness.
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter: Key for the streusel’s rich, crumbly texture.
- ⅓ cup + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour: Provides body and structure to the streusel topping.
- ⅓ cup sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the streusel.
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (tightly packed): Brings a deep, caramelized flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first: preheat your oven to a scorching 500°F (260°C) and line a pizza pan with parchment paper. This ensures your dessert pizza won’t stick and will get that beautiful golden bottom crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt to distribute the ingredients evenly. Add the warm water and stir until the dough starts to come together. Then get your hands in there! Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s elastic and cohesive. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in flour a tablespoon at a time—patience creates perfection. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, allowing the gluten to relax, so it’s easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough
Roll your rested dough into a 12-inch circle—don’t worry about it being perfect; rustic is charm here! Transfer it onto your prepared pizza pan. Pinch or gently fold the edges to form a crust that will hold those luscious toppings in place. This crust is your canvas, so handle it with care.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s soft and easy to mix. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This luscious cream cheese mixture will act as your dessert pizza sauce—spread it evenly over the dough with the back of a spoon, covering every inch up to the crust edge.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle your mini chocolate chips generously over the cream cheese sauce. Press them ever so slightly into the creamy layer—this helps them melt just enough while baking without sliding off. These sweet morsels are what turn this from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, stir vanilla extract into the melted butter, then set aside. In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and brown sugar with a fork until combined. Add the butter mixture and use a fork to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will bake to a golden, crisp finish that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling and soft crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the pizza, covering all that gooey goodness. Bake in your preheated oven for about 7 minutes or until the streusel is a gorgeous golden brown and the edges of the crust have puffed slightly. Once out of the oven, let your creation cool for a few minutes before slicing so the layers set nicely. Then, dig in!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
While the Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe is already stellar, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra flair. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add pops of color and texture, making your dessert pizza as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dessert pizza pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, providing a cooling balance to the warm, sweet pizza. A fresh fruit salad works wonderfully if you want something lighter alongside this indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your dessert pizza into a party centerpiece by slicing it into small squares for easy grab-and-go treats. You can also make mini versions using smaller dough rounds for a fun finger-food option at gatherings. Serving warm with small bowls of extra chocolate chips or caramel sauce on the side invites guests to customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust may soften slightly but will still taste delectable.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the streusel regains a bit of its crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine. Mini chips are just a bit easier to spread and melt evenly, but larger chips add a nice chunky chocolate experience.
Is the dough more like a bread or cookie dough?
The dough is somewhere between a soft bread dough and a pizza crust—chewy and tender, not crispy like a cookie, which makes a perfect balance with the creamy and sweet toppings.
Can I make this dessert pizza dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and try a non-dairy butter alternative for the streusel. Just note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast can be used, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour. This activates the yeast properly.
Can I add other toppings to this dessert pizza?
Definitely! Try adding nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. The Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe has all the makings of a new favorite treat to share with loved ones. Its delightful combination of soft crust, creamy cheese, melty chocolate, and crisp streusel makes every bite a celebration. I encourage you to try it and watch how quickly it becomes the dessert everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza features a soft, homemade yeast dough crust topped with a creamy sweetened cream cheese sauce, mini chocolate chips, and a buttery vanilla streusel crumble. Baked at a high temperature for a short time, it creates a crispy crust with a melty, decadent topping perfect for a fun and indulgent dessert pizza experience.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup warm water
Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Streusel
- 3 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (tightly packed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and line a pizza pan with parchment paper, setting it aside for later.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Pour in the warm water and stir until ingredients are mostly combined, then use your hands to bring the dough together until cohesive enough to form a ball.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time as needed.
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
- Roll and Shape Crust: Roll the rested dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer to the prepared pizza pan. Pinch the edges or gently fold them over to create a crust.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: Cut cream cheese into 8 pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until softened and easy to stir. Add sugar and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Spread Sauce and Add Chocolate Chips: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over top, pressing them gently into the sauce.
- Make Streusel: Stir the vanilla extract into melted butter and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and brown sugar with a fork. Add the butter mixture and combine with a fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Top with Streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel crumble over the pizza toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes or until the streusel turns a golden brown color and the crust is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dessert pizza from the oven, allow it to cool for several minutes to let the toppings set, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading for a full 5 minutes is essential to develop gluten and get an elastic dough.
- If your dough sticks, add flour sparingly to avoid a tough crust.
- The high baking temperature helps create a crispy crust quickly.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips if needed.
- For a richer flavor, you can use browned butter in the streusel topping.
- Allow the pizza to cool before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding off.
