If there’s one dessert that’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table light up with delight, it’s Fruit Pizza. This show-stopping treat brings together a melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie crust, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a stunning rainbow of fresh fruit—all in one glorious, shareable “pizza” that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Stunning Centerpiece: Fruit Pizza doubles as a dessert and a decorative centerpiece everyone will want to dig into.
- Easy, Foolproof Crust: The sugar cookie base is soft and sliceable but sturdy enough to support heaps of luscious toppings.
- Endlessly Customizable: Mix and match your favorite fruits to suit the season or your cravings—no two Fruit Pizzas need ever look the same!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the cookie crust and frosting can be prepped in advance, making last-minute entertaining a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Fruit Pizza is how simple, familiar ingredients become an absolute showstopper. Each element—from the rich sugar cookie base to the tangy cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit—plays a crucial role in delivering that signature flavor and cheery look.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookie crust—be sure to spoon and level for perfect texture!
- Cornstarch: This little addition makes your crust especially soft and tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth.
- Baking powder: Just a bit ensures the cookie has a light lift without becoming cakey.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors all around.
- Unsalted butter (for crust and frosting): Gives richness and that classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust, of course—but also helps it brown to perfection.
- Egg: Binds the dough for a crust that’s soft and sliceable.
- Pure vanilla extract (for crust and frosting): Adds warm depth and sweet aroma through both layers.
- Cream cheese (full-fat, brick style): The base of your dreamy frosting—be sure it’s soft for the smoothest results.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Lends the frosting a cloud-like sweetness and creamy body.
- Assorted fresh fruit (about 3 cups total): Here’s where you get to be creative—choose berries, kiwi, mandarin, mango, grapes…all your favorites and whatever’s in season!
Variations
Fruit Pizza is the very definition of adaptable. Whether you want to switch up the crust, play with the frosting, or create fun shapes and flavor combinations, there are countless ways to make it your own—so don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza: Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend for a treat everyone can enjoy.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Stir a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the cream cheese frosting for a pop of citrusy brightness.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Crust: Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a brownie-like base.
- Mini Fruit Pizzas: Divide the dough into smaller rounds and decorate individual “pizzas” for parties or lunchbox fun.
How to Make Fruit Pizza
Step 1: Make and Chill the Sugar Cookie Dough
Begin by whisking your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together—this ensures even distribution so no bite is bland. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until impossibly fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla for richness and that perfect sugar cookie aroma. Once the dry ingredients join the party, mix just until combined, then chill the dough. A brief rest in the fridge helps flavors meld and makes shaping a breeze.
Step 2: Shape, Bake, and Cool the Crust
Preheat your oven and grease a 12-inch pizza pan for easy release. Press the chilled dough into a 9–10 inch circle (don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the edges), keeping it about 1/3-inch thick. Bake until the edges turn lightly golden—watch closely, since a soft center is the goal! Let the crust cool completely before adding anything on top, or you’ll risk a melty mess.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
As your crust cools, combine softened brick cream cheese and butter, blending until velvety smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, and beat again until you’ve got a luscious, cloudlike frosting—this is what makes every bite of Fruit Pizza taste so magical. The frosting should be thick but easily spreadable.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate with Fresh Fruit
Generously spread the frosting all over your cooled cookie “crust,” right to the edges. Now, the real fun begins: arrange colorful sliced fruit in rings, rows, or any creative pattern you like. From ruby strawberries to golden kiwis and inky blueberries, this is your chance to get artistic and make your Fruit Pizza uniquely yours.
Step 5: Slice and Serve!
Cut your Fruit Pizza into wedges just like a traditional pizza. Serve immediately for the freshest look, or chill briefly if you want the frosting to set a bit. Enjoy watching everyone’s eyes light up when you bring this beauty to the table!
Pro Tips for Making Fruit Pizza
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure both your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing for the smoothest, lump-free frosting.
- Slice Fruit Just Before Assembling: Freshly sliced fruit looks glossier and doesn’t bleed into the frosting—wait until you’re ready to decorate to cut it up.
- Don’t Over-Bake the Crust: Remember, a soft and chewy base is best—the cookie should look just set when you pull it from the oven.
- Pat Fruit Dry: If your fruit is extra juicy (hello, pineapple or kiwi!), gently pat slices with a paper towel to avoid a runny or watery top.
How to Serve Fruit Pizza
Garnishes
For that extra pop, try a sprinkle of fresh mint, a touch of citrus zest, or even a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. If you want your Fruit Pizza to really shine, a light brush of melted apricot jam over the fruit will give it a gorgeous bakery-style gloss.
Side Dishes
Fruit Pizza is fabulous on its own, but pairs especially well with a refreshing fruit salad, lemonade, or light sparkling drinks. For brunch, serve it alongside simple egg dishes or yogurt parfaits for a colorful, celebratory spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the baked crust into fun shapes using large cookie cutters before frosting—hearts, stars, or even mini circles for individual Fruit Pizza “bites.” Arranging fruit in rainbow stripes, spirals, or with playful faces is always a hit with kids (and, honestly, adults too!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Fruit Pizza tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—just note that the fruit may shed a bit of juice as it sits (still delicious, trust me!).
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze decorated Fruit Pizza, as the creamy frosting and fresh fruit won’t thaw with the same beautiful texture. However, you can absolutely freeze the baked cookie crust on its own (well-wrapped) for up to two months; thaw before assembling.
Reheating
Fruit Pizza is happiest served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If you’ve chilled it, simply let slices sit out for a few minutes before serving for the softest crust and creamiest texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Fruit Pizza ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can bake the sugar cookie crust and mix the frosting up to a day in advance. Store them separately, then assemble with fresh fruit shortly before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.
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What fruits are best for decorating Fruit Pizza?
Berries (like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, and thinly sliced peaches all work wonderfully. Try to use fruits that won’t brown or release too much liquid.
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Can I use store-bought cookie dough or frosting?
Yes, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough in a pinch, though homemade really shines! The same goes for frosting—premade will work, but the quick homemade version is next-level delicious.
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How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the crust is completely cool before adding frosting and always pat fruit dry before decorating. For best results, assemble as close to serving time as possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as fun and joyful to make as it is to eat, give this Fruit Pizza a try. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and with all those bright, juicy colors, every slice is a celebration—start your own traditions with this beautiful treat!
PrintFruit Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: serves 10–12 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
A delightful and colorful fruit pizza featuring a sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy frosting and an assortment of fresh fruits. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (about 400g) assorted sliced fresh fruit
Instructions
- Make the crust: Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Chill dough, then press onto pizza pan and bake.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled crust. Decorate with fruit. Cut into slices and serve.