Description
This colorful and delicious fruit pizza is a perfect summer dessert featuring a soft, sweet sugar cookie crust topped with creamy vanilla-flavored cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh vibrant fruits. It’s fun to make and serves as a refreshing treat that combines the crunch of a cookie base with the juicy sweetness of berries, kiwi, mango, and mandarin oranges, finished optionally with a glossy fruit glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Fruit Topping
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
Optional Glaze
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or apple jelly
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough will have good structure and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed, just until combined, to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Knead the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up for easier rolling and to enhance texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-14 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick, shaping the base of your fruit pizza.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet, maintaining the shape for even baking.
- Bake Cookie Crust: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden brown, signaling that the crust is cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie crust to cool fully on the baking sheet before adding frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base for the fruit topping.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully combined and smooth.
- Flavor and Thin Frosting: Beat in vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency; add more milk if necessary.
- Spread Frosting: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled sugar cookie crust; this layer adds creamy sweetness and helps fruits adhere.
- Arrange Fresh Fruits: Artistically arrange sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, mango pieces, and mandarin orange segments on top of the frosting, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
- Optional Glaze: Warm apricot jam or apple jelly in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and brush over the fruit to add shine and preserve freshness.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and flavors to meld.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into 16 slices and serve chilled for a refreshing summer dessert.
Notes
- The dough must be chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and to enhance texture.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and appearance.
- The optional glaze adds a shiny finish and helps keep fruit from drying out.
- This recipe yields 16 servings, making it great for parties or gatherings.
- Refrigerate leftovers to keep the frosting firm and fruit fresh.
