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If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and a little unexpected, the Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine a crisp, charred crust topped with creamy, luscious cream cheese spread and bursting with vibrant seasonal fruits that have been kissed by the grill’s heat. This dessert pizza strikes a perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a spectacular treat for summer gatherings or any time you want a refreshing, colorful bite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet play a crucial role in delivering layered flavors and textures. Each component brings something special—from the tender, smoky crust to the smooth, sweet cream cheese spread, and finally, the juicy, colorful fruit toppings.
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough: Provides a chewy, slightly smoky base that grills beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create those perfect golden grill marks and prevents sticking.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Serves as a rich, tangy canvas that complements the fruit’s sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey or powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cream cheese spread.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the creamy topping.
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries: Bright red and juicy, they add fresh tartness and color.
- 1/2 cup sliced peaches or nectarines: Lush and fragrant, bringing a summery softness.
- 1/4 cup blueberries: Tiny bursts of sweetness and beautiful blue contrast.
- 1/4 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced: Slightly tangy with a vibrant green hue for visual pop.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional): For a refreshing herbal note and pretty garnish.
- Extra honey for drizzling (optional): Adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Pizza Dough
Start by heating your grill to a medium-high setting, aiming for about 400°F. This temperature is perfect for getting a nice char without burning the dough. To make sure your crust doesn’t stick and grills evenly, lightly oil the grates or use a grill-safe pizza stone. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 10 to 12-inch circle or oval. Don’t worry about perfection—this rustic shape adds charm! Brush one side with olive oil to help it crisp beautifully.
Step 2: Grill the Dough
Place the oiled side of your dough directly onto the grill. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching for golden grill marks to form and the dough’s bottom to become nicely toasted. Then, brush the top side with olive oil, flip the crust carefully using tongs or a spatula, and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Once it’s evenly cooked and slightly charred, remove the crust from the grill and allow it to cool just a bit—this helps the toppings stay put.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread
While the crust is cooling, mix together the softened cream cheese, honey or powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. This creamy layer adds sweetness and a velvety texture that perfectly offsets the tartness of the grilled fruit. Feel free to taste and adjust the sweetness based on your preference — the cream cheese should have a gentle, luscious sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
Step 4: Assemble the Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your warm grilled crust. This base works as a luscious canvas for your fresh fruit. Next, arrange the sliced strawberries, peaches or nectarines, blueberries, and kiwi in a colorful pattern across the cream cheese. Drizzle a little extra honey over the fruit for a glossy finish and a hint of additional sweetness. If you like, garnish with fresh mint leaves for that bright, herby touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their best.
How to Serve Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh mint leaves brings a fragrant, refreshing pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and fruity base. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the presentation and add subtle flavor layers that excite the palate. Drizzling extra honey finishes the dish with a glossy, sweet sheen that makes it impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
Serve this grilled fruit pizza alongside a light, crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a wonderfully balanced summer dessert experience. It also pairs well with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or iced tea, enhancing the fresh, relaxed vibe this dish inspires at any outdoor gathering or casual meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe as individual slices on small plates topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. For parties, cutting it into bite-sized squares turns it into an elegant finger food perfect for mingling. You can also experiment by layering seasonal fruits or adding a swirl of flavored yogurt beneath the cream cheese for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe, store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh fruit and cream cheese topping, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep the crust from becoming soggy and the fruit fresh.
Freezing
This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and creamy spread, which may separate or become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store it refrigerated and consume promptly.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat the crust briefly on a grill or in a hot oven to revive the crispness. Add fresh fruit toppings afterward to maintain their juicy texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy and the cream cheese runny.
FAQs
Can I use different types of fruit for this recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of this Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal fruits like cherries, mango, pineapple, or blackberries to keep it fresh and exciting throughout the year.
Do I need a grill-safe stone for this recipe?
No, a grill-safe pizza stone is optional but helpful. You can grill the dough directly on the grates if they are well-oiled. The stone helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking, but careful handling without it works just fine.
Can I prepare the cream cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the cream cheese spread a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with and maintain the perfect texture on your pizza.
What if I don’t have honey or powdered sugar?
If you find yourself without honey or powdered sugar, regular granulated sugar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives. Adjust the quantity to taste, keeping the sweet balance that complements the fruit and cream cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet in the cheese, making it a lovely vegetarian dessert everyone can enjoy. Just check your cream cheese label to be sure it fits your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s simple, stunning, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s a fun way to impress friends and family while indulging in juicy fruit and creamy goodness, all with that irresistible grilled touch. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite summer treat!
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Print
Grilled Fruit Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Fruit Pizza is a delightful summer dessert featuring a crispy grilled pizza crust topped with a creamy honey-vanilla cream cheese spread and a colorful array of fresh fruits. It combines smoky grill flavors with the sweetness of seasonal fruit for a refreshing and easy-to-make treat perfect for sunny days and light gatherings.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the cream cheese spread:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the fruit topping:
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup sliced peaches or nectarines
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Extra honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates or a grill-safe pizza stone to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rough 10 to 12 inch circle or oval shape. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil to help it crisp and prevent sticking to the grill.
- Grill the crust: Place the dough on the grill with the oiled side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until grill marks appear and the bottom turns golden brown. Brush the uncooked side with olive oil, then carefully flip and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from grill and allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the cream cheese spread: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with honey (or powdered sugar) and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled grilled crust. Arrange the sliced strawberries, peaches or nectarines, blueberries, and kiwi on top in a colorful, appealing pattern.
- Finishing touches: Drizzle extra honey over the fruit if desired and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve the grilled fruit pizza immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Customize your fruit toppings with seasonal favorites like cherries, mango, or pineapple for variety.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese spread before assembling.
- Ensure the grill is properly oiled to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm crust and fresh fruit.
