Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert that combines the goodness of fresh fruits with the sweetness of a cookie crust and the creaminess of a cheesecake-like filling. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to birthday parties. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own delicious fruit pizza masterpiece, along with variations to suit different dietary preferences. Let’s dive in!
Fruit pizza is a popular dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the freshness of seasonal fruits and the indulgence of a decadent dessert. With a sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant array of colorful fruits, it’s a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, fruit pizza is sure to be a hit. In this guide, we’ll share a classic fruit pizza recipe, along with tips for customizing and making keto and low-carb versions.
Ingredients:
- 1 roll sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 1 tub Cool Whip or whipped topping
- Assorted fruits for topping (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, and mandarin oranges)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the sugar cookie dough package. Grease a pizza pan or baking sheet, then press the cookie dough evenly into the pan to form the crust. Bake according to the package instructions, until the crust is golden brown and set. Allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Add the Fruit Toppings
Wash and prepare your choice of fruits for topping. Slice larger fruits like strawberries and kiwi into thin slices, and drain any canned fruits well. Arrange the fruit slices on top of the cream cheese filling in a decorative pattern, covering the entire surface of the pizza.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Once the fruit pizza is assembled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. Before serving, slice the fruit pizza into wedges and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cookie Crust Variation: Instead of using sugar cookie dough for the crust, you can also use a pre-baked cookie crust or a graham cracker crust for a different flavor profile.
- Filling Variations: Get creative with the cream cheese filling by adding flavorings such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest. You can also use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese in place of the cream cheese for a tangier filling.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different combinations of fruits to create a visually stunning and flavorful fruit pizza. Consider using seasonal fruits for the best flavor and freshness.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can adapt the fruit pizza recipe:
- Crust: Instead of using traditional sugar cookie dough, make a keto-friendly crust using almond flour, coconut flour, butter, and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Filling: Use a combination of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and powdered erythritol or stevia for the filling. Add vanilla extract or lemon zest for flavor.
- Toppings: Choose low-carb fruits such as berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), kiwi, and avocado for the toppings. These fruits are lower in carbohydrates compared to tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and freshness. With a sugar cookie crust, creamy filling, and colorful array of fruits, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re indulging in the classic version or opting for a keto or low-carb variation, fruit pizza is a versatile and delicious treat that’s easy to make and enjoy. So gather your favorite fruits, whip up a batch of cookie dough, and get ready to create your own fruit pizza masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the fruit pizza ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the fruit pizza ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the fruit toppings just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit for the topping? A: While fresh fruit is preferred for its flavor and texture, you can use frozen fruit as a convenient alternative. Thaw the fruit completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pizza to prevent excess moisture.
Q: How long will the fruit pizza last in the refrigerator? A: The fruit pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Q: Can I freeze the fruit pizza? A: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled fruit pizza, as the texture of the fruit and cream cheese filling may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cookie crust separately and assemble the pizza just before serving for best results.
