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Fruit Pizza Recipe
A no-bake, colorful dessert that brings together a soft sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and an array of fresh fruit—perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or an easy dessert any time you need a little brightness.
When I first served this Fruit Pizza Recipe at my granddaughter’s fifth birthday last July, folks couldn’t stop oohing and aahing over that bright, jewel-toned fruit mosaic. Think of it as a sweet, edible canvas: a tender sugar cookie crust spread with tangy cream cheese frosting, then topped with strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, pineapple—honestly, whatever fresh fruit you have on hand. It’s unique because it’s essentially a dessert that feels light and healthy, yet kids and grown-ups alike dive right in. I love pulling this together on hot afternoons when I want a fuss-free treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No oven needed—just chill time.
• Ready in under an hour (minus a short chilling break).
• Customizable with seasonal or local fresh fruit.
• Vibrant, colorful dessert that doubles as party décor.
• Cream cheese frosting adds a slight tang—no overly sweet bite.
• Kid-friendly: easy to slice and fun to decorate together.
• A summer treat that beats heat-warmed ovens.
• Great make-ahead dessert for barbecues and potlucks.
Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (I like Land O’Lakes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (Bob’s Red Mill is fine)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (whole milk variety for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh, not frozen)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (cut small)
• Optional: raspberries, blackberries, mango slices—whatever looks pretty!
Tips: Use ripe, firm fruit so slices hold shape. If pineapple is too juicy, pat dry with a paper towel.
Directions
1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes on medium speed. (Tip: scrape down the sides to avoid sugar pockets.)
2. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring on low until it forms a soft dough.
4. Press dough evenly into a 12-inch pizza pan or round tart pan lined with parchment—aim for about ¼ inch thickness. Use damp fingers or a spatula to smooth the top.
5. Chill crust in the fridge for 15–20 minutes (this helps prevent shrinking). Meanwhile, prepare frosting.
6. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla; continue beating until combined and fluffy (about 1 minute).
7. Remove crust from fridge. Spread cream cheese frosting over the cool crust, leaving a small border.
8. Arrange fruit on top in concentric circles or a fun pattern—get creative! (Insider tip: start from the outside edge and work toward the center for even distribution.)
9. Chill fruit pizza for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp, wet knife for clean cuts.
Servings & Timing
Makes 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill/Rest Time: 35 minutes (20 for crust, 15 after assembling)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including chilling)
Variations
• Swap the sugar cookie crust for a gluten-free flour blend for a dietary twist.
• Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for a tangier frosting.
• Try chocolate chips or cocoa powder in the crust for a chocolate fruit pizza.
• Drizzle honey or fruit preserves over the top for extra sweetness.
• Turn it into a savory version with labneh, cucumber, and herbs (if you’re feeling adventurous!).
• Make mini versions using tartlet pans—perfect for party dessert stations.
Storage & Reheating
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—fruit may release juice over time. No reheating required. For make-ahead ease, bake and chill the crust a day ahead, then frost and top just before serving. If you freeze slices, wrap tightly; thaw in fridge for a few hours before enjoying.
Notes
During testing, I found that overripe fruit can turn the frosting soggy faster, so aim for fruit that’s ripe but still firm. If your kitchen’s warm, chill the assembled pizza briefly between slicing each piece—this keeps edges neat. I sometimes add a sprinkle of finely chopped mint for a refreshing hint; it’s subtle but fancy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: It’s best with fresh fruit—frozen tends to be too watery once thawed.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from cracking?
A: Chill the dough well before baking or pressing; and handle gently when smoothing.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely—kids love decorating and picking their favorite fruit.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead?
A: Yes, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; re-whip briefly before using.
Q: What if I don’t have a pizza pan?
A: A 9-inch springform pan or pie dish works fine; you’ll just have slightly thicker crust.
Q: Can I halve this recipe?
A: Sure—just adjust all ingredients proportionally and watch your chilling times.
Q: Any tips for cutting neat slices?
A: Warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it quickly, then slice. Repeat between cuts.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes; coconut-based spreads work well.
Conclusion
This Fruit Pizza Recipe is the ultimate easy dessert for any gathering—colorful, kid-friendly, and totally customizable with your favorite fresh fruit. Give it a whirl at your next backyard barbecue or summer picnic, and let that sugar cookie crust shine. If you whip one up, drop a comment below and share your topping combos—I love seeing your creative twists! And hey, if you’re craving more no-bake treats, you might enjoy my No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups. Happy baking!
Fruit Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar granulated sugar
- 1 large egg egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt salt
- 8 oz cream cheese cream cheese softened (whole milk variety for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup unsalted butter unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix until just combined. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt until dough forms. Press into a pizza pan and chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over chilled crust, top with sliced fruit in a pattern. Chill for 15 minutes before slicing.
